Adobe After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading film & tv solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Adobe After Effects if you need Motion graphics and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose DaVinci Resolve if you prioritize Multi-user collaboration and want a free tier to start. DaVinci Resolve has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.4).
Adobe After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve: At a Glance
| Criteria | Adobe After Effects | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Pricing | $22.99/month | Free |
| Pricing Model | subscription | freemium |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Macos | Windows, Macos, Linux |
| Category | Film & TV | Film & TV |
| Founded | 1982 | 2001 |
Feature Comparison: Adobe After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve
| Feature | Adobe After Effects | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Motion graphics | ||
| Visual effects | ||
| 2D and 3D compositing | ||
| Animation tools | ||
| Keying and rotoscoping | ||
| Color correction | ||
| Text animation | ||
| Particle systems | ||
| Adobe Premiere Pro | ||
| Adobe Photoshop | ||
| Adobe Illustrator | ||
| Cinema 4D | ||
| Element 3D | ||
| Mocha Pro | ||
| Creative Cloud sync | ||
| Multi-user collaboration | ||
| 8K editing | ||
| Audio post production | ||
| Fairlight audio | ||
| Fusion VFX | ||
| Blackmagic hardware | ||
| Third-party plugins | ||
| OpenFX | ||
| VST audio plugins | ||
| Control surfaces | ||
| Local processing | ||
| Project encryption |
Adobe After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve: Pricing Breakdown
Adobe After Effects Pricing
Model: subscription
- Motion graphics and VFX
- 3D design space
- Data-driven animation
- Advanced text engine
DaVinci Resolve Pricing
Model: freemium
- Professional 8K editing
- Color correction
- Visual effects
- Audio post production
- Everything in free version
- DaVinci Neural Engine
- Stereoscopic 3D tools
- Advanced HDR grading
Pros and Cons
Adobe After Effects
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Motion graphics functionality
- Strong Visual effects functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
DaVinci Resolve
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.5/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Multi-user collaboration functionality
- Strong 8K editing functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Adobe After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve?
Choose Adobe After Effects if you:
- Need Motion graphics
- Have a budget of $22.99/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Visual effects
Choose DaVinci Resolve if you:
- Need Multi-user collaboration
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value 8K editing
Frequently Asked Questions: Adobe After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve
Is Adobe After Effects better than DaVinci Resolve?
It depends on your needs. Adobe After Effects has a 4.4/5 user rating while DaVinci Resolve has 4.5/5. Adobe After Effects excels in Motion graphics and Visual effects, while DaVinci Resolve stands out with Multi-user collaboration and 8K editing. Consider your budget ($22.99/month vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Adobe After Effects or DaVinci Resolve?
Adobe After Effects starts at $22.99/month. DaVinci Resolve offers a free plan and starts at Free. DaVinci Resolve has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use Adobe After Effects and DaVinci Resolve together?
While both are film & tv tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core film & tv needs.
What are the main differences between Adobe After Effects and DaVinci Resolve?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs freemium), platform support (Windows, Macos vs Windows, Macos, Linux), and feature focus. Adobe After Effects emphasizes Motion graphics, Visual effects, 2D and 3D compositing while DaVinci Resolve focuses on Multi-user collaboration, 8K editing, Color correction. User ratings differ slightly: 4.4 vs 4.5 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Adobe After Effects and DaVinci Resolve.