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Entertainment · head to head

DaVinci Resolve vs LightWave 3D

DaVinci Resolve logo

DaVinci Resolve

Entertainment

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LightWave 3D logo

LightWave 3D

CAD

Complete 3D production suite

From
$999/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; LightWave 3D user interface appears dated compared to modern competitors
  • They diverge on capability: DaVinci Resolve covers Multi-user collaboration, LightWave 3D covers Modeler.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DaVinci Resolve and LightWave 3D actually diverge.

Attributes where DaVinci Resolve and LightWave 3D differ
AttributeDaVinci ResolveLightWave 3D
Starting priceFree$999/one-time
Free tierYesNo
CategoryEntertainmentCAD
Founded20081990

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 LightWave 3D

  • Modeler
  • Layout
  • Animation
  • Rendering
  • VPR
  • FiberFX
  • Dynamics
  • Unity

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

DaVinci Resolve

  • Professional video editingnot LightWave 3D
  • Color gradingnot LightWave 3D
  • Visual effectsnot LightWave 3D
  • Audio post productionnot LightWave 3D
  • Film productionnot LightWave 3D

LightWave 3D

  • Animationnot DaVinci Resolve
  • VFXnot DaVinci Resolve
  • Product visualizationnot 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

LightWave 3D

  • User interface appears dated compared to modern competitors
  • Smaller community than Blender or Maya, resulting in fewer learning resources
  • Less industry adoption in some sectors, potentially affecting job market relevance

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

LightWave 3D

$999/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the LightWave 3D review.

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.
DaVinci Resolve review

Choose LightWave 3D if

  • You need modeler.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want layout.
LightWave 3D review

Questions people ask

Is DaVinci Resolve or LightWave 3D better?
Neither clearly leads. DaVinci Resolve starts at Free and LightWave 3D at $999/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DaVinci Resolve or LightWave 3D?
DaVinci Resolve has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DaVinci Resolve and $999/one-time for LightWave 3D.
Does DaVinci Resolve or LightWave 3D run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use DaVinci Resolve for free?
Yes. DaVinci Resolve has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. LightWave 3D starts at $999/one-time.
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 LightWave 3D is typically brought in for.
What can DaVinci Resolve do that LightWave 3D cannot?
DaVinci Resolve covers Multi-user collaboration, 8K editing, Color correction, Visual effects. LightWave 3D covers Modeler, Layout, Animation, Rendering. Both handle Windows support.

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
LightWave 3D: What is the cost of LightWave 3D?

LightWave 3D 2026 license costs $1,096 USD. Upgrades from previous versions cost $620-$758 USD. There are no subscription fees, only one-time purchase costs.

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
LightWave 3D: Is there a free trial available?

Yes. LightWave 3D offers a 30-day free full-feature trial, allowing users to evaluate all capabilities before purchase.

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
LightWave 3D: What rendering engines does it include?

LightWave 2026 includes RiPR2, a next-generation viewport renderer with physically-based global illumination built on Nvidia OptiX and CUDA, plus traditional rendering options.

Source
LightWave 3D: What new features are in LightWave 2026?

LightWave 2026 adds Advanced Placement for physics-based object scattering, MotoRig for vehicle animation, THOR for lightning effects, Fracture tool, Snow Falling 3D, 3D Camera Tracker, and built-in asset browser.

Source
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