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Entertainment · head to head

DaVinci Resolve vs Starz

DaVinci Resolve logo

DaVinci Resolve

Entertainment

Professional video editing, color correction, visual effects and audio post production

From
Free
Rated
-
Starz logo

Starz

Entertainment

Premium originals and hit series

From
$6.99/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only DaVinci Resolve has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: DaVinci Resolve free version limits noise reduction to CPU-only processing, significantly slower than Studio's GPU acceleration; Starz standard monthly rate after 3-month promotion not disclosed on landing page; requires signup to see renewal pricing
  • They diverge on capability: DaVinci Resolve covers Multi-user collaboration, Starz covers Streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DaVinci Resolve and Starz actually diverge.

Attributes where DaVinci Resolve and Starz differ
AttributeDaVinci ResolveStarz
Starting priceFree$6.99/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv
Founded20081994

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DaVinci Resolve

  • Multi-user collaboration
  • 8K editing
  • Color correction
  • Visual effects
  • Motion graphics
  • Audio post production
  • Fairlight audio
  • Fusion VFX

Only in Starz

  • Streaming
  • Original series
  • Movies
  • Exclusive content
  • Downloads
  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Account security

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DaVinci Resolve

  • Professional video editingnot Starz
  • Color gradingnot Starz
  • Visual effectsnot Starz
  • Audio post productionnot Starz
  • Film productionnot Starz

Starz

  • Drama streamingnot DaVinci Resolve
  • Original series watchingnot DaVinci Resolve

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DaVinci Resolve

  • Free version limits noise reduction to CPU-only processing, significantly slower than Studio's GPU acceleration
  • Free version caps export resolution at 4K without 8K support
  • No multi-GPU support in free version, limiting rendering speed on powerful workstations
  • AI tools and features like Super Scale AI only available in $295 Studio version
  • Users report random issues requiring restart suggesting architectural stability concerns

Starz

  • Standard monthly rate after 3-month promotion not disclosed on landing page; requires signup to see renewal pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

DaVinci Resolve

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Professional editing tools
    • Color correction
    • Visual effects
  • Studio$295/one-time
    • All free features
    • AI tools and Super Scale AI
    • 8K editing support

Starz

$6.99/month
  • Standard$6.99/month
    • HD
    • Ad-supported
  • Premium$12.99/month
    • 4K
    • Ad-free
    • Downloads

Which should you pick?

Choose DaVinci Resolve if

  • You need multi-user collaboration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want 8k editing.

Choose Starz if

  • You need streaming.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
  • You also want original series.

Questions people ask

Is DaVinci Resolve or Starz better?
Neither clearly leads. DaVinci Resolve starts at Free and Starz at $6.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DaVinci Resolve or Starz?
DaVinci Resolve has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DaVinci Resolve and $6.99/month for Starz.
Does DaVinci Resolve or Starz run on more platforms?
DaVinci Resolve runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Starz runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
Can I use DaVinci Resolve for free?
Yes. DaVinci Resolve has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Starz starts at $6.99/month.
What is DaVinci Resolve best used for?
DaVinci Resolve is most often used for professional video editing, color grading, visual effects, audio post production. Of those, professional video editing and color grading are not what Starz is typically brought in for.
What can DaVinci Resolve do that Starz cannot?
DaVinci Resolve covers Multi-user collaboration, 8K editing, Color correction, Visual effects. Starz covers Streaming, Original series, Movies, Exclusive content.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DaVinci Resolve: What is the pricing for DaVinci Resolve?

DaVinci Resolve has a completely free version with professional editing tools and no watermark. DaVinci Resolve Studio adds AI-powered features, 8K support, and multi-user collaboration as a one-time $295 purchase.

Source
Starz: What is the current STARZ subscription cost?

STARZ offers a limited-time promotional rate of $4 per month for the first three months. The standard monthly rate after this period is not displayed on the website and appears during signup.

Source
DaVinci Resolve: What features are only in DaVinci Resolve Studio?

Studio version adds AI tools like Super Scale AI, noise reduction with GPU acceleration, 8K editing support, HDR color grading, multi-user collaboration, and advanced codec support.

Source
Starz: How many devices can stream simultaneously on STARZ?

STARZ subscriptions allow streaming on up to 4 devices at the same time, with unlimited HD streaming and downloads included.

Source
DaVinci Resolve: What are the hardware requirements for DaVinci Resolve?

For optimal performance with modern RAW footage, an NVMe SSD is required for cache and scratch files. Multi-GPU configurations benefit only specific effects workloads, while most users achieve better performance with a single high-VRAM GPU.

Source
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