DaVinci Resolve
PowerDirector
DaVinci Resolve
PowerDirector
No signals
DaVinci Resolve
PowerDirector
DaVinci Resolve
PowerDirector
No signals
DaVinci Resolve
PowerDirector
DaVinci Resolve
PowerDirector
DaVinci Resolve
PowerDirector
DaVinci Resolve
No signals
PowerDirector
DaVinci Resolve
No signals
PowerDirector
Users: Single user
Storage: Unlimited (local storage)
Limits: Limited to UHD (3840x2160) - no DCI 4K, 8-bit codecs only, Single GPU processing, No Neural Engine AI tools, No stereoscopic 3D, No advanced collaboration
Users: Single license, unlimited machines
Storage: Unlimited (local storage)
Limits: License tied to USB dongle or computer activation, No subscription flexibility
Users: Single license
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Speed Editor primarily useful for Cut page workflow
Users: 1 user
Limits: Watermark, locked premium features
Users: 1 user
Storage: 50 GB CyberLink Cloud
Limits: Premium stock downloads capped per month; internet needed for activation
Users: 1 user
Storage: 100 GB CyberLink Cloud
Users: 1 user
Storage: 25 GB cloud for 1 year
Limits: No monthly updates, no subscription-only AI tools, smaller template library
Users: 1 user
Storage: Device storage
Limits: No 4K export, auto captions or enhancer
Users: 1 account
Storage: Device storage
Limits: Google Play subscriptions can't be transferred to a CyberLink account
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve | PowerDirector |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Free professional version Full editing, color, VFX, audio - no watermarks | ||
| One-time purchase option $295 Studio with lifetime updates | ||
| Perpetual license Desktop only | ||
| Editing | ||
| Multi-track timeline | ||
| Keyframes and masks | ||
| Multicam editing MultiCam Designer, desktop | ||
| Chroma key (green screen) Multi-sample on desktop | ||
| Magic Movie Wizard / Theme Designer Removed in 2026 | ||
| Core Features | ||
| Professional color grading Industry-leading, used in Hollywood | ||
| VFX compositing (Fusion) Node-based, steep learning curve | ||
| Audio post-production (Fairlight) Built-in DAW, no MIDI support | ||
| Performance | ||
| Shadow (proxy) files Preferences > Performance | ||
| Multi-GPU support Studio only | ||
| Resolution | ||
| 4K editing Free: UHD only, Studio: DCI 4K+ | ||
| 8K editing Studio only | ||
| Export | ||
| 4K export Paid on mobile | ||
| H.265 / HDR export Hardware encode depends on GPU | ||
| Codecs | ||
| 10-bit codec support Studio only - major free version limitation | ||
| AI | ||
| Auto captions Paid on mobile | ||
| AI video and image generation Uses AI credits; subscription only | ||
| AI-powered features Studio only - noise reduction, voice isolation | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Multi-user collaboration Studio only, includes Blackmagic Cloud | ||
| Real-time team collaboration | ||
| Capture | ||
| Screen recorder Windows; Mac edition differs | ||
| Platform | ||
| Windows support Full codec support | ||
| macOS support Full codec support, Apple Silicon native | ||
| Linux support No H.264/H.265 codec support | ||
| Effects | ||
| Boris FX plugins Removed after July 2025 | ||
| Mobile | ||
| iPad app Cut and Color pages only | ||
| iPhone app Only Blackmagic Camera app available | ||
| Android app Not available | ||
| Color | ||
| HDR grading Studio only for advanced HDR | ||
| Workflow | ||
| Offline editing Full desktop app, no internet required | ||
