7+ Best Color Grading Software for Video: Free & Paid Tools You’ll Love
Trying to figure out what color grading software you want to use can be tricky. There’s so may great options out there, but which one is right for you?
As an indie filmmaker myself, I know the importance of color grading and color adjustments for my movies. Giving your video a professional look is essential and color grading software can help you do just that.
Luckily, there’s a ton of powerful and easy-to-use coloring software out there today!
When my production company was doing the color grading for our feature film, Spin The Wheel, we looked into each of these programs. After tons of research and trials, we ended up using DaVinci Resolve for our film, and we really liked it! But, to be fair, there are lots of other options as well.
In this article, we’ll cover the 7+ best color grading software options available right now – covering both free and paid options so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
What Is the Best Color Grading Software?
If we’re talking color grading and correction under one roof, Adobe Premiere Pro is the way to go. If we’re talking strictly color grading, DaVinci Resolve is my top choice.
To help you make an informed decision, I’ve reviewed Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and a bunch of other highly rated color grading and correction tools, both free and paid.
So, read on to find the right software for your needs!
1. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a leading video editing software, widely used by Hollywood studios for its advanced color grading and editing tools.
It combines video editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production in one platform. With deep controls for intricate color work, support for formats like CinemaDNG raw and LogC footage, and robust multi-user collaboration features, it’s a powerhouse for professional workflows.
Its free version is great as it makes high-end tools accessible to beginners!
Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Avengers were edited using this software -how cool is that?!
Overview
DaVinci Resolve is a node-based software that lets you map your color grading in layers. This helps keep you more organized and lets you go back to tweak or turn off certain layers.
Another feature that sets this coloring apart is face-tracking, which tracks any feature like the whole face or just the eyes so you can change the color effects on just that area. You can also use an auto-balancing effect, along with a whole library of FX plugins.
Top Benefits
- Top-notch motion tracking (Seriously, it’s the best motion tracking I’ve ever used. You can use motion tracking in Adobe Premiere Pro, but it’s waaaay less accurate.)
- Super advanced color-grading effects
- Even the free version gives you a wide range of capabilities, you might not even need the paid version
- One-off payment; no monthly subscriptions that end up costing an arm and leg
- TONS of online tutorials that can show you all the tips and tricks
Pricing
DaVinci Resolve costs a flat fee of $295, which gives you lifetime access, even with any future updates.
BUT I will say, I’ve been using the free version of DaVinci for years on several of my video projects and I’ve never felt like I needed to pay for the full version.
That said, for making a full movie I absolutely did buy DaVinci and love it! The free version might be enough for film students and video creators – but not for anyone who wants their movies to look professional and be able to get on streaming platforms.
The paid software gives you access to advanced features like noise-reduction effects and exporting at 32K.
My Experience Using DaVinci Resolve
Not only does DaVinci Resolve have impressive coloring capabilities, but it’s also FREE?! Literally, when I saw all that the free version could do, my mind was blown!
Okay yes, I did need to watch an hour long YouTube tutorial on how to use DaVinci to color grade, but once I got the hang of it, it was seriously impressive.
In fact, our post-production team used DaVinci’s color grading tools on our feature film, Spin the Wheel, and we were thrilled with the cinematic look we achieved with it.
I really liked having the nodes so you can see exactly what each effect is doing. There’s also a ton of LUTs you can choose from if you want to work from one of those.
The tracking ability in DaVinci really sets it apart, as you can easily track someone’s face throughout the entire scene and then add a mask to lighten just their face.
DaVinci Resolve Pros
DaVinci Resolve Cons
Bottom Line
DaVinci Resolve is best for anyone who wants to do expert and detailed color grading, especially if you’re working with RAW or LOG footage.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a fantastic video and film editing program for professionals.
It's got a big learning curve, but it's a very popular program and it's very powerful - so it's worth the time to learn!
Overview
You can use Adobe Premiere Pro to not only edit professional videos, but also to easily color them. Their coloring tools in the Lumetri Color panel offer a wide range of customizable color wheels, curves, and more.
This software is the most popular for a reason: it’s a one-stop shop with a user-friendly interface that allows you to edit videos, add effects and motion graphics, edit audio, add color grade, etc.
Top Benefits
- Intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate (MANY tutorials on Premiere out there as well)
- Users gain access to Adobe’s extensive stock library
- Auto reframe for different aspect ratios so you can post on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more
- Has the ability to integrate seamlessly with all Adobe platforms
- Great for video editing AND color grading on one software
- Broad format support, including VR and 360º
Pricing
For individuals, Premiere Pro costs as little as $22.99/month if you sign up for the yearly plan, or $34.49/month if you want the option to cancel anytime. The best deal would be to pay for the yearly fee upfront at $263.88.
If you want access to other popular Adobe platforms like After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom, Acrobat, etc., you can sign up for their Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan for $59.99/month.
Check back during holidays and sometimes they have good discounts going on for their subscriptions.
My Experience Using Adobe Premiere Pro
I know many filmmakers and editors who use Adobe Premiere Pro for their video needs.
It’s easy to learn, and the interface is pretty straightforward and intuitive.
When editing videos for social media, the coloring tabs are very capable of doing what I need. Like with Davinci, I enjoy having one platform to do everything video related.
For those who do a lot of video work for their business needs, it’s worth the monthly cost, but it is pricey and it would be nice if it was a flat fee.
Adobe Premiere Pro Pros
Adobe Premiere Pro Cons
Bottom Line
Adobe Premiere Pro is best for someone wanting to edit and color their videos in one platform.
3. Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is an easy-to-use video editor for macOS with powerful features.
Its magnetic timeline helps you edit faster, while advanced tools let you adjust color and grading with precision. It supports 8K video, HDR, and complex projects.
Smart collections and tagging keep everything organized, making it perfect for all types of video projects.
No Country for Old Men and The Social Network were both edited on Final Cut!
Overview
Final Cut Pro features color correction effects that you can use right off the bat to balance your hues and saturation.
One of it’s coolest perks is that it has a button to automatically change the colors of one clip to match the look of another clip. Perfect for color correction! On top of that, it allows you to edit your footage in standard or HLG color spaces.
Top Benefits
- It has several color points and wheels for the ultimate customization
- Many ‘one-click’ buttons to automatically adjust the color
- It’s highly rated for rendering quicker than most other software
- People love Final Cut Pro for it’s intuitive and easy-to-use interface (Aka you won’t need to spend a whole day watching YouTube tutorials)
Pricing
Final Cut Pro costs $299.99 – a one-time payment that includes upgrades for life.
Before making a purchase, you can try the latest version of the software for free for up to 90 days. I’d say that’s a pretty good time period to really test it out to see if it’s the right software for you.
My Experience Using Final Cut Pro
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of color grading on Final Cut Pro. Maybe it’s because I’m used to Premiere and DaVinci, but I thought the options were a little limited.
You had to click through different tabs to find the color wheels, curves and basic adjustments. Then, I tried to start the color over and I had to go through each tab and reset each minor adjustment I had made.
If you’re doing very basic color enhancements on regular footage, I’d say this is all that you need. But I’m willing to bet those Hollywood films that were edited in Final Cut were color graded somewhere else!
Final Cut Pro Pros
Final Cut Pro Cons
Bottom Line
Final Cut Pro is best for beginners wanting to do some color grading using their macOS.
4. Lightworks
Lightworks
For over 30 years, Lightworks has provided “Hollywood-strength” industry-standard video editing features to all.
Editors in the industry have used it to cut big-name Hollywood productions like “Jerry Maguire,” “The Irishman,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “Braveheart.” You can, too, because this is a free video editing app with optional paid versions!
Lightworks also offers tons of professional-grade color correction and grading tools, including HSL color wheels, RGB graphs, and LUT templates.
Overview
Lightworks has been around for over 30 years, and it was used to edit some iconic Hollywood movies, including Pulp Fiction, Braveheart, 28 Days Later, and more.
Top Benefits
- Pro-level color correction and grading, including custom LUTs
- Easy-to-use social media templates
- Very intuitive interface, perfect for beginners
Pricing
Lightworks is available in three different versions: Free, Create, and Pro.
The Create version starts at the low price of $9.99/month and is geared toward content creators, and educators. The Pro version starts at $23.99/month and is geared toward Hollywood-level editing.
My Experience Using Lightworks
I actually had a great experience with Lightworks!
After installation, it provided a 15-minute tutorial on how to use the platform (the perfect length). And even after watching the tutorial, it gave me little callouts on everything I clicked on to help me understand how to use all the features.
It was easy to find the color correction window and play with the tools, which even had keyframes.
But keep in mind, the window says ‘color correction‘ for a reason. In order to get to the color grading features, I would need to upgrade from the free version to the Create version.
So while I can’t speak on the color grading features specifically, I was really impressed with the follow-along approach provided by Lightworks.
Lightworks Pros
Lightworks Cons
Bottom Line
Lightworks is best for beginning creators looking to enhance their color grading and post-production skills on a budget.
5. Avid Media Composer
Avid Media Composer
Avid Media Composer has an entirely customizable interface with a wealth of advanced color grading features.
Overview
Avid Media Composer offers plenty of automatic color correction tools for quick and efficient adjustments. You can use them to set accurate white and black values, as well as remove unwanted color casts.
Though you can use Avid Media Composer for basic color grading, its strongest selling suit is its powerful color correction capabilities. It’s available for macOS and Windows, though it requires some hefty specs.
Top Benefits
- A lot of automatic one-click color adjustments
- Highly customizable interface, so you can arrange it to suit your needs
- Comes with a cloud collaboration feature
Pricing
Avid Media Composer is available in three different versions: Standard, Ultimate, and Enterprise.
The Standard version is suited for independent video editors, and it starts at $23.99/month for a 1-year subscription, or $239 for the year. The Ultimate version is geared toward collaborative workflows for industry professionals. It starts at $49.99/month for a 1-year subscription, or $499 for the year (The photo above shows it for a limited time discount at $399).
The pricing of the Enterprise version is custom. You’ll need to contact Avid’s sales department and provide them with some information to get a custom quote.
There is a 30-day free trial of the Ultimate version, but you’ll need to google it to find it, as it’s really hard to find on their website.
Avid Media Composer Pros
Avid Media Composer Cons
Bottom Line
Avid Media Composer is the best video color grading software in terms of customization.
6. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video
Movavi Video Editor is a footage-enhancement software that’s designed with beginners and amateurs in mind.
It'is great for video editing and adding voiceovers to videos. It's easy to use so it's perfect for beginners, it lets you remove background noise, and it has lots of interesting sound and visual effects that you can use.
It’s packed with powerful color management tools, yet it’s user-friendly and easy to learn.
Movavi offers a free trial so you can download the software and see if it's right for you!
Overview
Movavi’s color grading tools let you adjust the saturation, temperature, brightness, contrast, and other aspects as well.
This color correction and grading software has a wide range of filters that you can use for quick results. And if you’re not satisfied with what you have, you can buy additional creative packs from the Movavi Effects Store.
Top Benefits
- It comes with a built-in library of effects and filters
- You can directly upload to YouTube and other social media platforms
- There are no high-end computer specs required
- Several auto-adjustment features
- AI integration to help you edit smarter and faster
Pricing
Movavi Video Editor Plus costs $94.95 for a 1-year subscription, or you can buy a lifetime package of the Video Suite + Photo Editor for $124.95. If you decide to stick with Movavi after using the free 7-day trial, you might as well pay the extra $30 to have lifetime access.
My Experience Using Movavi Video Editor Plus
Overall, Movavi was super easy to set up and start using.
When first opening the software, they provide callouts explaining all the tools and steps required to start editing.
I was super impressed with their AI background remover effect which was able to remove the background from one of my video clips in 10 seconds. I was trying to do this same edit last week in After Effects and it took a long time rotoscoping to remove the background. So that was a win here!
As far as coloring goes, it doesn’t have advanced coloring features, but if you’re using Movavi to edit social media videos, then the color correction tools it does have will do the job just fine.
Movavi Video Editor Plus Pros
Movavi Video Editor Plus Cons
Bottom Line
Movavi Video Editor Plus is best for social media content creators.
7. FilmConvert Nitrate
FilmConvert Nitrate
FilmConvert Nitrate is a versatile piece of software that you can use as an independent color-grading application or as a plugin that integrates with the most popular video editing programs.
Overview
If you’re looking to add a cinematic touch to your footage, FilmConvert Nitrate is a perfect choice. It has ready-made presets that you can use right away, along with several saturation and color adjustment tools.
Top Benefits
- Integrates into popular video editing software, like Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro
- Remarkably fast rendering speed
- Plenty of cinematic presets and color adjustment options
Pricing
For individual use, FilmConvert Nitrate costs $174 for all platforms or $125 for particular platforms (e.g., DaVinci Resolve, Adobe, and Final Cut Pro X). The pricing is slightly lower for academic bundles.
My Experience Using FilmConvert Nitrate
The free trial of FilmConvert Nitrate was fairly easy to download and then it automatically popped up in my Premiere Pro effects panel when I opened it next.
Along with the ability to do regular color correction, FilmConvert provided a bunch of different cinematic film LUTs that you could overlay onto your footage. It even went a step further and gave many customization options to control what the grain looked like.
If you’re making any kind of film or video and you want it to look like a cinematic masterpiece shot on film, FilmConvert Nitrate can help you do just that!
FilmConvert Nitrate Pros
FilmConvert Nitrate Cons
Bottom Line
FilmConvert Nitrate is the best plugin for color grading and adjustment.
What Is Color Grading Software?
Color grading software allows you to adjust a video’s colors, contrast, brightness, saturation, and other aspects to achieve a certain look or mood.
Though most professional video editing tools allow you to carry out some basic color correction, some programs are designed specifically for professional-grade color grading.
Color Grading vs. Color Correction?
Though the terms color grading and color correction are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re usually two different stages of the video editing process.
Color correction comes first, as it’s the process of correcting the colors of the footage to make it look more even and natural. If you shoot in two different rooms but want it to look like the same room, you’ll need to tweak the colors until they look as similar as possible. You’ll also need to tweak contrast, exposure, white balance, etc.
Color grading usually happens after the picture is locked, and it’s the process of creating a certain mood or color palette for the entire video. You can also make smaller changes, like desaturating a bright red jacket.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right color grading software can be a bit overwhelming, as there are plenty of great options to choose from.
At the end of the day, the choice will boil down to your budget, experience, workflow, as well as the color grading features you’re looking for. So, I recommend experimenting with different options until you find the color grading tool you like the most.
In my experience, it’s been either DaVinci or Premiere Pro for most people!
Interested in video editing and film production? Check out these other great articles:
The 25+ Best Filmmaking Tools for Creative Professionals
