Video editing · Head to head
Wondershare Filmora vs Lightworks: which is better?
Short answer
Wondershare Filmora costs less in the first year ($49.99 vs $240). Pick Wondershare Filmora for beginner-friendly editing with AI tools; pick Lightworks for free pro-style editor with paid tiers.
| Fact | Wondershare Filmora | Lightworks | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginner-friendly editing with AI tools | Free pro-style editor with paid tiers | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes, 1080p export, full timeline editing | Lightworks |
| Entry plan | Basic: $49.99 / yr | Create: $20 / mo | Wondershare Filmora |
| Mid plan | Advanced: $53.99 / yr | Pro: $35 / mo | Wondershare Filmora |
| Top plan | Advanced: $53.99 / yr | Pro: $35 / mo | Wondershare Filmora |
| 1st year | $49.99 | $240 | Wondershare Filmora |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux | Wondershare Filmora |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Wondershare Filmora or Lightworks?
Wondershare Filmora costs less in the first year ($49.99 vs $240).
| 1st year | Wondershare Filmora | Lightworks |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $49.99 | $240 |
| Mid | $53.99 | $420 |
| Top | $53.99 | $420 |
Which has the better free plan, Wondershare Filmora or Lightworks?
Lightworks: Yes, 1080p export, full timeline editing.
Should you pick Wondershare Filmora or Lightworks?
Pick Wondershare Filmora if
- you want beginner-friendly editing with AI tools
- you can pay $49.99 / yr from day one
Pick Lightworks if
- you want free pro-style editor with paid tiers
- the free plan is enough (1080p export, full timeline editing)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Wondershare Filmora pricing | filmora.wondershare.com/pricing.html | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Lightworks pricing | lwks.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare