Aeion Cut vs DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is the desktop NLE darling — Hollywood-grade color grading (born from this), Fairlight audio, Fusion VFX, free version + $295 Studio. For solo editors + small teams on capable hardware, Resolve is extraordinary. But Resolve is fundamentally single-machine, project-file-based, with limited real-time collaboration. Aeion Cut is cloud-native — multi-user simultaneous editing via CRDTs, shared asset library, integrated review portal, browser-accessible, AI-assisted across the workflow. Different shape; different strengths.
Where DaVinci Wins
Honest credit:
Where Aeion Cut Wins
- Multi-user simultaneous editing. Resolve has project-locking + "shared projects" but two editors can't simultaneously edit the same timeline. Aeion uses CRDT-based real-time sync (the same underlying technology behind Figma and Google Docs) so 5+ editors can work on one timeline simultaneously. The same way Figma changed design from Photoshop's file-passing.
When to Use Both
Many studios use both — Aeion for collaborative offline + dailies + client review, Resolve for final color + finishing.
Workflow Migration / Roundtripping
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FAQ
Not for top-tier feature finishing. Aeion's color grading suite is professional-grade for broadcast + streaming content but Resolve's color is hard to beat for theatrical-quality grading. We're honest about this.
Fairlight is full DAW. Aeion's multi-track audio workspace with VST3 plugin hosting is professional-grade for narrative + broadcast + podcast; matches Pro Tools for many workflows; doesn't match Fairlight's depth on full feature audio post.
Yes via CRDTs. Each editor's cursor + selection visible; edits merge without conflicts; offline edits sync when reconnect. Same model as Figma + Google Docs.
Aeion supports ACES + Rec.709/2020 + DCI-P3. Color management workflows are professional-grade. For deepest control (LUT chains, scene-referred workflows), Resolve still wins.
Resolve local renders are fast on capable hardware. Aeion's cloud rendering farm distributes across workers; total wall-clock time often shorter than local Resolve for long renders, but per-frame slower.
Resolve has iPad app (free + Studio Mobile). Aeion's browser-based design means any tablet works for basic editing; iPad app planned.
Aeion's web app caches actively-edited projects locally; offline edits sync when reconnected. Full feature parity requires connection.
Aeion is subscription — $29/mo flat, unlimited editors. Resolve Studio is a $295 one-time perpetual license. For teams that value the SaaS model (always-current, no version juggling, unlimited seats), Aeion. For one-time-buy preferred, Resolve.
Aeion's audio workspace and color grading suite are usable independently. But for solo offline-first audio post / color, Pro Tools + Resolve are still the references; Aeion shines for collaborative use.
Resolve is the king for solo editors + high-end color/audio finishing. Aeion is the king for team collaboration + cloud workflows + integrated review. Many studios use both.