DaVinci Resolve vs OBS Studio
Side-by-side comparison of DaVinci Resolve and OBS Studio.
Professional video editor free for most creators
Free, open-source software for streaming and recording
What they are
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a full-featured video editing, color grading, audio post-production, and visual effects application used by independent YouTubers and Hollywood productions alike. The free version covers virtually everything most creators need, while the one-time Studio license unlocks AI-powered features and noise reduction. It is genuinely professional software, which means the learning curve is steep compared to consumer alternatives.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source tool for video recording and live streaming to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live. It is used by gamers, podcasters, educators, and professional broadcasters who need granular control over their audio and video setup. The feature set rivals paid alternatives, but the interface has a steep learning curve that can frustrate beginners.
if you need video editing. It has a usable free tier to start with.
- +Free version is genuinely full-featured, not a stripped trial
- +Industry-standard color grading tools available at no cost
- +Fairlight audio suite replaces a separate DAW for most editing workflows
if you need video editing. It has a usable free tier to start with.
- +Completely free with no paywalled features
- +Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, and Linux
- +Highly customizable through an extensive plugin ecosystem
Which to choose
DaVinci Resolve and OBS Studio both cover video editing, so this is a real either-or for some teams. The right pick depends on which one's wider feature set and pricing fit how you work.
Read the full reviews for DaVinci Resolve and OBS Studio.
Pricing checked 1 Jun 2026.