DaVinci Resolve vs Maya
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 DaVinci Resolve if you need Multi-user collaboration and prefer a free starting option. Choose Maya if you prioritize 3D modeling and want plans starting at $225/month. DaVinci Resolve has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.2).
DaVinci Resolve vs Maya: At a Glance
| Criteria | DaVinci Resolve | Maya |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Pricing | Free | $225/month |
| Pricing Model | freemium | subscription |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux | Windows, Macos, Linux |
| Category | Film & TV | Film & TV |
| Founded | 2001 | 1982 |
Feature Comparison: DaVinci Resolve vs Maya
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve | Maya |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-user collaboration | ||
| 8K editing | ||
| Color correction | ||
| Visual effects | ||
| Motion graphics | ||
| Audio post production | ||
| Fairlight audio | ||
| Fusion VFX | ||
| Blackmagic hardware | ||
| Third-party plugins | ||
| OpenFX | ||
| VST audio plugins | ||
| Control surfaces | ||
| Local processing | ||
| Project encryption | ||
| 3D modeling | ||
| Character animation | ||
| Simulation | ||
| Rendering | ||
| Arnold renderer | ||
| Mental Ray | ||
| V-Ray | ||
| RenderMan | ||
| Game engines | ||
| License management | ||
| Network rendering | ||
| Asset protection | ||
| Scene sharing | ||
| Team workflows |
DaVinci Resolve vs Maya: Pricing Breakdown
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
Maya Pricing
Model: subscription
- 3D animation tools
- Modeling
- Simulation
- Rendering
Pros and Cons
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
Maya
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.2/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong 3D modeling functionality
- Strong Character animation functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use DaVinci Resolve vs Maya?
Choose DaVinci Resolve if you:
- Need Multi-user collaboration
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value 8K editing
Choose Maya if you:
- Need 3D modeling
- Have a budget of $225/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Character animation
Frequently Asked Questions: DaVinci Resolve vs Maya
Is DaVinci Resolve better than Maya?
It depends on your needs. DaVinci Resolve has a 4.5/5 user rating while Maya has 4.2/5. DaVinci Resolve excels in Multi-user collaboration and 8K editing, while Maya stands out with 3D modeling and Character animation. Consider your budget (Free vs $225/month), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, DaVinci Resolve or Maya?
DaVinci Resolve offers a free plan and starts at Free. Maya starts at $225/month. DaVinci Resolve has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use DaVinci Resolve and Maya 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 DaVinci Resolve and Maya?
The key differences include: pricing model (freemium vs subscription), platform support (Windows, Macos, Linux vs Windows, Macos, Linux), and feature focus. DaVinci Resolve emphasizes Multi-user collaboration, 8K editing, Color correction while Maya focuses on 3D modeling, Character animation, Visual effects. User ratings differ slightly: 4.5 vs 4.2 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both DaVinci Resolve and Maya.