Adobe Audition
DaVinci Resolve
| Feature | Adobe Audition | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From $22.99/mo | Free / from $295/mo |
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Best For | audio-engineers, podcasters, video-editors, musicians | professional-editors, colorists, filmmakers, youtube-creators |
| Founded | 2003 | 2004 |
| Multi Track Editing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Noise Reduction | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spectral Editing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Effects | ✓ | ✗ |
| Podcast Tools | ✓ | ✗ |
| Batch Processing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Video Editing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Color Grading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Visual Effects | ✗ | ✓ |
| Audio Post | ✗ | ✓ |
| Motion Graphics | ✗ | ✓ |
| Collaboration | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hdr Support | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Adobe Audition Pros
- Professional quality
- Great noise reduction
- Multi-track editing
- Adobe integration
✗ Adobe Audition Cons
- Subscription only
- Learning curve
- Overkill for simple edits
✓ DaVinci Resolve Pros
- Free version is genuinely professional-grade
- Industry-leading color grading tools
- Audio (Fairlight), VFX (Fusion), editing in one app
- One-time purchase for Studio (no subscription)
✗ DaVinci Resolve Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Requires powerful hardware for smooth editing
- Large application size (2GB+ download)
The Verdict
Adobe Audition is built for audio engineers and podcasters, with a focus on multi-track-editing and noise-reduction. DaVinci Resolve targets professional editors and colorists and leads with video-editing and color-grading.
On pricing, Adobe Audition is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $22.99/mo compared to $295/mo for DaVinci Resolve. That $272.01/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
DaVinci Resolve has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Adobe Audition requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, DaVinci Resolve offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Adobe Audition takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: DaVinci Resolve has a slight overall edge — but if professional quality matters most to you, Adobe Audition may still be the right call.