[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Technology Selection](https://www.selecthub.com/category/technology-selection/) \> [Video Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/video-editing-software/) \> [CapCut](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/capcut/) \> CapCut vs Lightworks # CapCut vs Lightworks Last Updated: May 11th, 2026 Our analysts compared [CapCut](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/capcut/) vs [Lightworks](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/lightworks/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Video Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/video-editing-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Video Editing Software&cta=video-editing-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![CapCut Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/dbaebce9c842f6aa7482517597c75c8c-63a28e40cd4176fc316a9f9ef437fe56/resources/normal/logo.png?1747317517)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/capcut/) Remove Add to Compare [![Lightworks Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/b582ae3b7d27e40aa2b604c52d6c5613-de36b70b76dc77d0ba6b554fe34927c3/resources/normal/logo.png?1727309768)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/lightworks/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=CapCut&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fdbaebce9c842f6aa7482517597c75c8c-63a28e40cd4176fc316a9f9ef437fe56%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1747317517) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=CapCut&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fdbaebce9c842f6aa7482517597c75c8c-63a28e40cd4176fc316a9f9ef437fe56%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1747317517) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=CapCut&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fdbaebce9c842f6aa7482517597c75c8c-63a28e40cd4176fc316a9f9ef437fe56%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1747317517&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=CapCut&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fdbaebce9c842f6aa7482517597c75c8c-63a28e40cd4176fc316a9f9ef437fe56%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1747317517&price=1) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Lightworks&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb582ae3b7d27e40aa2b604c52d6c5613-de36b70b76dc77d0ba6b554fe34927c3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727309768) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Lightworks&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb582ae3b7d27e40aa2b604c52d6c5613-de36b70b76dc77d0ba6b554fe34927c3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727309768) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Lightworks&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb582ae3b7d27e40aa2b604c52d6c5613-de36b70b76dc77d0ba6b554fe34927c3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727309768&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Video+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Lightworks&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb582ae3b7d27e40aa2b604c52d6c5613-de36b70b76dc77d0ba6b554fe34927c3%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727309768&price=1) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating we're gathering data ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment we're gathering data ( Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating 77 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Good User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/good.svg) (64 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $5.99 Monthly [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=CapCut&category=Video Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/dbaebce9c842f6aa7482517597c75c8c-63a28e40cd4176fc316a9f9ef437fe56/resources/normal/logo.png?1747317517) $0 Monthly, Freemium Free Trial is unavailable → Pros What we like about CapCut and Lightworks: * AI tools like Smart Cut, one-click color correction, and auto-stabilization speed up routine edits * Intuitive design makes cutting, merging, adding text, and music simple even on mobile * Ready-made vertical templates and trendy effects fit TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts * Professional-grade tools like color grading and keyframing come through in the free version too * Free tier exports without watermarks, which helps if you need clean output on a budget * Plays nicely with third-party tools like Blackmagic Fusion and Boris FX for VFX and motion graphics Cons What we dislike about CapCut and Lightworks: * Users report lag on larger projects, which can slow you down on demanding edits * Free version places watermarks on exports, a problem if you need clean branded video * Lacks the deeper tools serious editors need for complex, professional projects * Some users find the initial learning phase challenging despite the friendly interface * Crashes and bugs show up in recent versions, which can disrupt your workflow * Free tier leaves out advanced features many professional projects actually need ### Our Review **Bottom line:** CapCut and Lightworks both punch above their price, but they aim at different editors. Pick CapCut if you live on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts and want quick, mobile-friendly edits. Pick Lightworks if you want desktop-grade tools like multicam and color grading without paying for Premiere. CapCut leans mobile-first. You can start an edit on your phone, jump to the desktop app, and keep going without losing progress. That flow, plus a huge template and effects library, makes it the easier pick for social creators and casual editors who want trendy results fast. Lightworks leans pro. It handles non-linear and multicam editing, real-time effects, and frame-accurate trimming, and it runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Format support stretches from SD to 4K with ProRes and DNxHD, so it fits film, broadcast, and longer-form work better than CapCut does. Pricing splits the choice further. CapCut starts at $5.99 per month, with watermarks on free exports that can hurt if you need clean branded video. Lightworks has a free tier that exports without watermarks, with paid plans that unlock the more advanced features. Stability and depth are the tradeoffs. CapCut users mention lag on bigger projects and limited advanced tools, while Lightworks users flag occasional crashes and a learning curve that takes some time to push through. If you mostly need short-form social content, CapCut is the smoother ride. If you're editing longer or more technical work and don't mind the ramp-up, Lightworks gives you more room to grow. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Lightworks has an analyst rating of 77\. Our analysts are still gathering data for CapCut. we're gathering data 77 Features Comparison **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune their creative vision with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality videos. we're gathering data 97 **Audio Editing Tools** Allows users to enhance sound quality, synchronize audio tracks, and add sound effects, elevating the overall audio experience of their videos. we're gathering data 93 **Basic Editing Tools** Provides a user-friendly interface for essential tasks like trimming, cutting, and joining video clips, making video editing accessible to users of all skill levels. we're gathering data 86 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Video Editing Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Video Editing Software) How Lightworks compares against the top 5 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. CapCut Lightworks \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Video Editing Software) Advanced Editing Tools Audio Editing Tools Basic Editing Tools Collaboration Platform Capabilities 97 93 86 71 94 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Advanced Editing Tools** Empowers users to fine-tune their creative vision with precision, enabling them to create professional-quality videos. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 100% 0% 0% **Audio Editing Tools** Allows users to enhance sound quality, synchronize audio tracks, and add sound effects, elevating the overall audio experience of their videos. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 83% 17% 0% **Basic Editing Tools** Provides a user-friendly interface for essential tasks like trimming, cutting, and joining video clips, making video editing accessible to users of all skill levels. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 71% 14% 15% **Collaboration** Facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together efficiently on video projects, regardless of location or device. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 75% 0% 25% **Platform Capabilities** Empowers users to create and edit videos across various platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse work environments. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 92% 8% 0% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Video Editing Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Video Editing Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Seamlessly integrates with other creative tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing the overall video production process. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 71% 14% 15% **Security** Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive video projects through robust encryption and access controls. we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A 50% 33% 17% **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, the level of support for CapCut is still being evaluated at this time. Lightworks supports 62.5% and excels at Advanced Editing Tools, Platform Capabilities and Audio Editing Tools. CapCut has a user sentiment rating of 'poor' based on reviews, while Lightworks has an analyst rating of 77 and a user sentiment rating of 'good' based on 64 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary CapCut has a user sentiment rating of based on reviews. Lightworks has a user sentiment rating of 78 based on 64 reviews. we're gathering data ![Good User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/good.svg) 64 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. we're gathering data 78% of users recommend this product Lightworks has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 64 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** n/a **3.6** (30) **Capterra Inc** n/a **4.2** (34) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. No awards. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Lightworks and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities and Integrations. ![Platform Capabilities Award]() ![Integrations Award]() ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [ CapCut Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut/alternatives/) [ Lightworks Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/lightworks/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Multi-Layer Editing** – Lets you stack video and audio layers to overlay text, images, and effects on a single timeline. * **AI-Powered Tools** – Includes automatic scene detection and smart cropping that handle repetitive cleanup so you can move faster. * **Template Library** – Offers pre-made templates for vertical and square video, useful when you need to ship social content quickly. * **Cross-Platform Editing** – Runs on mobile and desktop with project sync, so you can start on your phone and finish on a larger screen. * **Multicam Editing** – Supports footage from multiple cameras at once, which fits live events, interviews, and longer-form projects. * **Real-Time Effects** – Applies color correction and transitions without rendering pauses, keeping your timeline responsive while you work. * **Wide Format Support** – Handles 4K, ProRes, and DNxHD alongside common formats, giving you flexibility on broadcast and film projects. * **Proxy Workflow** – Lets you edit with lower-resolution proxies so performance stays smooth on less powerful hardware. ### Top Alternatives in Video Editing Software [ Adobe Premiere Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/adobe-premiere-pro/) [ After Effects ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/after-effects/) [ Camtasia ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/camtasia/) [ Clipchamp ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/clipchamp/) [ Corel VideoStudio Ultimate ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/corel-videostudio-ultimate/) [ DaVinci Resolve ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/davinci-resolve/) [ Descript ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/descript/) [ Final Cut Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/final-cut-pro/) [ iMovie ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/imovie/) [ Kapwing ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/kapwing/) [ Lightworks ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/lightworks/) [ Luxea Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/luxea-pro/) [ Minvo ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/minvo/) [ Movavi ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/movavi/) [ Pinnacle Studio Ultimate ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/video-editing-software/pinnacle-studio-ultimate/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Adobe Premiere Pro Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Adobe Premiere Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-adobe-premiere-pro/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Camtasia Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Camtasia](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-camtasia/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Clipchamp Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Clipchamp](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-clipchamp/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Corel VideoStudio Ultimate Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Corel VideoStudio Ultimate](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-corel-videostudio-ultimate/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![DaVinci Resolve Software Tool]() [CapCut VS DaVinci Resolve](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-davinci-resolve/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Descript Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Descript](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-descript/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Final Cut Pro Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Final Cut Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-final-cut-pro/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![iMovie Software Tool]() [CapCut VS iMovie](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-imovie/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Kapwing Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Kapwing](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-kapwing/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Lightworks Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Lightworks](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-lightworks/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Movavi Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Movavi](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-movavi/) ![CapCut Software Tool]() ![Wondershare Filmora Software Tool]() [CapCut VS Wondershare Filmora](https://www.selecthub.com/video-editing-software/capcut-vs-wondershare-filmora/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [ Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Video%20Editing%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Video%20Editing%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [ Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Video%20Editing%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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