VidiKit (21-in-1 Toolkit) >
Q:"After 9 months of working with it, I love DR. It is really powerful and that is part of the problem. My system just can't handle it. I've done all of the tricks and tips to help with a smoother playback but I can't even see if my audio and video are syncing up. So until I get a new laptop, are there any alternatives you would recommend instead of DR?" - Jim Figurski from Blackmagic Forum
If you have used DaVinci Resolve just like Jim, you will no doubt know how powerful and professional it is. Being applicable to Windows, Mac and Linux, DaVinci Resolve stands out due to its excellent color correction and non-linear video editor to meet different needs. Although it can help you create high-quality content effortlessly, its high GPU has made many users stop. In this case, finding a DaVinci Resolve alternative is necessary. After strict trial, we list the following 6 best options to let you refer.
1. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is an outstanding DaVinci Resolve alternative, which can be used to edit videos as an open source. Relying on the remarkable FFmpeg libraries, Kdenlive doesn't have to convert and re-encode your media files. It is able to straightly utilize most of multimedia formats and enables you to conduct multi-track editing tasks. Besides, this tool gives you a hand to enrich videos with cool effects, filters, transitions, etc.
Supported OS: Linux, Windows, OS X (source code only)
Pros:
An open source to edit and manage media files
Provide configurable and customized shortcuts & interface
With multi-track video audio editing ability
Cons:
Timeline cursor doesn't work well sometimes
2. Lightworks
Another alternative to DaVinci Resolve worth using is Lightworks. This program delivers unparalleled speed, professionalism and flexibility to produce superior videos. With it, you are allowed to process a wide range of files in various formats and export to YouTube/Vimeo at up to 4K. Best of all, it is Hollywood approved so that you can edit movies handily, even making the most use of its royalty-free audio & video content in the way you like.
Supported OS: Linux, OS X, Windows
Pros:
Non-linear editing system with real-time effects
Support second monitor output
Have top multicam editing function
Cons:
Output H.264/MPEG-4 up to 720p only in the free version
Cannot support multi-frame rate videos like others
3. Blender
Blender, a free and open source, is one of the most versatile alternatives to DaVinci Resolve. It has the capability to support numerous imported and exported formats and lets you process files with diverse modules, including Rendering, Sculpting, Modeling, VFX, Animation & Rigging, Pipeline, Simulation, etc. You can therefore do editing operations according to your actual requirements and remember to check all wonderful features carefully.
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD
Pros:
Come with powerful rendering engine
Show all-round animation suite
Do Sculpting and 3D painting editing easily
Cons:
With hard-to-understand learning curve
4. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor can be listed as a DaVinci Resolve free alternative to manage DVD, GoPro and HD videos. It also generates satisfying contents with preconfigured profiles, multi-color Chroma key, gradient tool, filters, 3D and 360-degree video editing functions. More than that, it is developed with an inbuilt voiceover option to let you record and add to the footage.
Supported OS: Windows
Pros:
Cut, trim, resize, speed up, crop, etc.
Enhance video with color correction, blending modes or video effects
Publish on Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, and Twitter
Cons:
Interface is confusing with lots of info
5. Adobe Premiere Pro
Needless to say, Adobe Premiere Pro is a known and reputable tool that does well in editing and creating good video contents. As one of the best DaVinci Resolve alternatives, it makes 5.1 surrounding sound mixing, VST audio track plug-in support and audio sample-leveling editing accessible. Furthermore, it's available to view 3D material, redesign timeline and make streamlined color grading.
Supported OS: Windows and Mac OS X
Pros:
Be compatible to work with other Adobe programs
Offer streamlined color grading and graded media management
Support sorts of media files
Cons:
The performance is bad when work with 4K videos
6. Camtasia
Camtasia gives you a one-stop solution to record, edit and share videos. This DaVinci Resolve alternative is widely used. It allows you to add videos, audios, images, annotations, transitions, audio effects, voice narrations, etc. to timeline as you want. In addition, you can group what you need and add to the library freely for later usage, which is indeed convenient.
Supported OS: Windows and Mac
Pros:
Develop with default library
Record screen, webcam and edit projects
Add voice narration, subtitles and more effects quickly
Cons:
Crash to close the project you don't save sometimes
Conclusion
To tell the truth, all aforesaid alternatives to DaVinci Resolve are quite advanced, which are used by many professionals to handle media files. For newcomers without any video editing experience, it should be difficult to control and operate. If you are reading this post to look for a simpler video editor, Joyoshare Media Cutter is proper. It offers stunning editing features, such as rotate, crop, flip, cut, trim, watermark, subtitle, audio, effects, etc. You can extract audio from video, take snapshot and make ringtone too. To get started, download and have a free try below.
