Video editing · Ranked 7 of 8 in Best video editors
What is Lightworks?
Short answer
Lightworks is a video editor from LWKS Software, best for free pro-style editor with paid tiers. It has a free plan (1080p export, full timeline editing); paid plans start at $20 / mo.
| Fact | Lightworks | Video editing median (6 tools) |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, 1080p export, full timeline editing | 5 of 8 have one |
| Entry price | $20 / mo | $8.33 / mo |
| Top plan | $35 / mo | $19.75 / mo |
| 1st year | $240 | $99.94 |
| Paid plans | 2 | 2 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | — |
What does Lightworks do?
Lightworks covers these jobs, as listed on LWKS Software's pricing and feature pages.
- Professional timeline editing
- Colour correction and grading
- Multitrack audio
- 4K export (Create)
- ProRes encoding (Pro)
How much does Lightworks cost?
Free, then $20 / mo to $35 / mo.
| Plan | Price | Billed monthly | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free | Full HD 1080p export |
| Create | $20 / mo | $20 / mo | 4K export; annual and perpetual options not captured |
| Pro | $35 / mo | $35 / mo | 8K, 10-bit, HDR |
What are the best Lightworks alternatives?
Closest on first-year cost: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro.
| Alternative | Free plan | From |
|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Yes | $236 one-time |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | No | $22.99 / mo |
| Final Cut Pro | No | $299.99 one-time |
Is Lightworks better than CapCut?
Lightworks is best for free pro-style editor with paid tiers; CapCut for quick social video editing with AI. First year: $240 vs $149.88.
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Lightworks pricing | lwks.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare