DaVinci Resolve review 2026
How good is DaVinci Resolve really?
91/100 points
kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-10-30
91/100
Points
Based on published terms and features
DaVinci Resolve is professional video editing software that offers editing, colour correction, VFX and audio without a watermark even in the free version. From colour correction to the integrated audio suite, Resolve combines everything in one application and is our recommendation.
Highlights of our DaVinci Resolve review
- Free version without a watermark
- Professional colour grading
- Integrated VFX (Fusion)
- Studio version as a one-off purchase for €245
Table of contents
1 Editing & timeline
27/28
Points
DaVinci Resolve offers a full Edit page with a multi-track timeline, trimming tools and speed controls. The Cut page allows fast editing for social media. Magnetic Timeline and multicam editing are available. GPU-accelerated real-time playback. Support for all common formats; very high resolutions (for example 8K) and AI features of the DaVinci Neural Engine such as Smart Reframe and Speed Warp require the Studio version.
2 Colour correction & grading
20/20
Points
Colour correction is DaVinci Resolve's great strength and is widely used in film and TV post-production. Primary and secondary colour correction with an unlimited number of nodes. HDR grading, colour matching, face refinement. Power Windows, qualifiers and trackers. 32-bit float processing. LUT support and creation. Film look emulations. Magic Mask for AI-based masks.
3 AI features & automation
18/20
Points
The DaVinci Neural Engine offers AI-based features: Magic Mask (automatic object recognition), Smart Reframe (automatic picture adjustment for social media), Speed Warp (AI slow motion), Super Scale (AI upscaling). Voice Isolation for audio. Auto Color and Shot Matching. Important: most of these Neural Engine AI features are reserved for the paid Studio version; the free version contains only some of them.
4 Audio & VFX
16/18
Points
Fairlight is a full digital audio workstation directly in Resolve. Multi-track recording, mixing, EQ, dynamics. Fusion offers node-based VFX: 3D compositing, particles, keying, tracking. Both are integrated into the editing workflow – no export/import needed.
5 Price & export
10/14
Points
The free version includes editing, colour correction, Fairlight and Fusion with no watermark. The Studio version adds, among other things, Neural Engine AI features, noise reduction, stereoscopic tools and advanced HDR colour correction. DaVinci Resolve Studio costs a one-off €245 (RRP including VAT, currently reduced from €305) – no subscription! Export to all common formats. YouTube/social media presets. Hardware-accelerated encoding.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Professional colour grading
- All-in-one without plug-ins
- One-off purchase (€245) instead of a subscription
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- High hardware requirements
- Fusion is demanding
- AI features mostly only in Studio
Conclusion: DaVinci Resolve review
91/100
Very good (1.4)
DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful video editing programs – and can be used without a watermark even for free. Hardly any other tool offers this combination of professional editing, strong colour correction, VFX and audio in one application. Anyone who needs the AI features pays a one-off €245 for Studio. Our recommendation.
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