Should I Get Davinci Resolve 19 Or 20?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: Choose DaVinci Resolve 19 if you are working on client projects, deadlines, or collaborative workflows where stability matters most. It has been available longer, so tutorials, third-party templates, and plugin compatibility are generally well established.
• Good fit: Choose DaVinci Resolve 20 if you want access to the newest editing, color, or audio tools and can afford time to test, troubleshoot, or relearn small workflow changes. This is often a reasonable path for hobbyists, early adopters, or users starting a new project rather than finishing one.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Avoid switching to Resolve 20 in the middle of an active or paid project. New software versions can introduce project file compatibility issues, changed keyboard shortcuts, or plugin breakage that disrupt delivery schedules.
• Warning sign: Be cautious if your computer hardware is near minimum specifications or if you rely on specific plugins, control surfaces, or external hardware. Newer versions sometimes increase system requirements or drop support for older components.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Resolve 19 offers proven reliability. Because it has been in use longer, bugs are more likely to be documented and patched, and community support is easier to find.
• Resolve 20 may provide newer capabilities. Newer releases often refine performance, add editing features, or improve color and audio workflows that could benefit future projects.

Cons

• Resolve 19 may lack the latest tools. If a newly announced feature is important to your workflow, staying on 19 could mean missing out until you upgrade.
• Resolve 20 can introduce instability. Early releases or beta builds may crash more often, have incomplete documentation, or break compatibility with existing project files and third-party assets.

Decision Checklist

• Are you currently in the middle of a project with a delivery deadline?
• Does your computer meet the recommended system requirements for the newer version?
• Can you install Resolve 20 on a separate drive or test system before committing your main workflow?

Alternatives to Consider

Rather than an immediate full switch, you can keep Resolve 19 installed for current work while testing Resolve 20 on a non-critical project. You could also stay on your existing version entirely if it meets your needs. If DaVinci Resolve is not the right fit, consider other non-linear editors such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer, and decide whether you need the free or Studio (paid) version of Resolve.

Final Recommendation

For most users with active projects or income depending on reliable delivery, DaVinci Resolve 19 is usually the safer choice. Resolve 20 makes more sense if you are starting fresh, have time to test, and want the newest tools. Before upgrading, back up your projects, confirm plugin and hardware compatibility, and consult Blackmagic Design’s official release notes. If your work involves high-stakes client contracts or complex post-production pipelines, consider asking an experienced post-production professional for guidance.