Premiere Pro vs. Final Cut Pro vs. DaVinci Resolve: Which One Should You Learn First?
Choosing the right video editing software is one of the first decisions every aspiring editor faces. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Among the most popular and powerful choices are Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Each of these programs is used by professionals worldwide, each has its strengths, and each caters to slightly different needs and workflows. So which one should you learn first? The answer depends on your goals, your hardware, and your editing style.
Adobe Premiere Pro: The Industry Standard
Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerhouse in the video editing world. Used by major studios, YouTubers, and freelancers alike, it offers a wide range of tools for everything from simple cuts to advanced post-production work. It’s part of Adobe Creative Cloud, which means it integrates seamlessly with After Effects, Photoshop, Audition, and other Adobe tools — a big plus for anyone who wants to create motion graphics, composite effects, or polished audio.
Premiere is a non-linear editing system, meaning you can edit clips in any order and assemble your story freely. Its interface is highly customizable and supports almost every file format you can think of. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS, which makes it widely accessible.
The downside? Adobe charges a subscription fee, and it can be resource-intensive on lower-end machines. But for aspiring editors who want flexibility, industry compatibility, and robust features, Premiere Pro is often the best place to start.
Best for: PC users, professional freelancers, content creators, those working with Adobe tools
Learning curve: Moderate
Price: Subscription-based (monthly or yearly)
Final Cut Pro: Speed and Simplicity for Mac Users
Final Cut Pro, developed by Apple, is known for its speed, sleek interface, and smooth performance on macOS devices. It’s especially popular among YouTubers, vloggers, and video creators who want professional-grade editing tools with an intuitive design.
Final Cut uses a magnetic timeline, which automatically shifts clips to avoid gaps and sync issues — great for quick edits and clean storytelling. It’s optimized for Apple hardware, meaning it runs incredibly well on MacBook Pros and iMacs, with faster rendering and smoother playback compared to other software on the same machine.
One of the key advantages is the one-time purchase model. Instead of a subscription, you pay once and own the software for life, which can be more budget-friendly in the long run.
However, Final Cut Pro is only available on macOS, and its interface might feel unusual to those coming from traditional editors. Also, while it’s capable of professional work, it’s not as commonly used in large studios or post-production houses as Premiere or Resolve.
Best for: Mac users, YouTubers, solo creators, editors looking for speed and simplicity
Learning curve: Easy to moderate
Price: One-time purchase
DaVinci Resolve: All-in-One Editing, Color, and Audio Powerhouse
DaVinci Resolve has rapidly grown from a color grading tool into a full-fledged video editing suite. It’s used in Hollywood for color correction and mastering, but now offers advanced features for cutting, visual effects, audio post-production, and more — all within a single platform.
Resolve is famous for its professional color grading tools. If you’re serious about giving your footage a cinematic look, this is where the software truly shines. Its Fairlight audio panel and Fusion visual effects integration also mean you can finish an entire project without ever leaving the program.
Another huge advantage: the base version is completely free, with no watermarks or time limits. There is a paid Studio version, but the free version offers more than enough to get started and even complete professional work.
The catch? Resolve can be demanding on your system, and the interface can be overwhelming at first. But if you’re willing to invest the time to learn, it’s one of the most powerful free tools available.
Best for: Editors focused on color grading, budget-conscious users, advanced learners
Learning curve: Moderate to advanced
Price: Free (with optional paid Studio version)
So, Which One Should You Learn First?
If you’re on a Windows PC and want broad compatibility with clients, studios, and collaborators, Premiere Pro is a strong, industry-standard choice.
If you’re on a Mac and value speed, performance, and ease of use, Final Cut Pro offers professional results with less technical friction.
If you’re looking for the most features without spending money upfront, and especially if you’re passionate about color grading or want an all-in-one solution, DaVinci Resolve is an unbeatable option.
Ultimately, the “best” software is the one that fits your needs, your system, and your learning goals. All three can produce professional-quality results. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals in one, transitioning to another becomes much easier.