CyberLink PowerDirector
9.0#1 in video editing softwareFrom $59.99 a yearFree planAndroidiOSmacOSWindows
VisitCyberLink PowerDirector vs Lightworks
Lightworks
7.8#26 in video editing softwareFree planFree planAPILinuxmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | CyberLink PowerDirector | Lightworks |
|---|---|---|
| 4K export | Yes | Yes |
| API and SDKs | CyberLink's corporate pages list FaceMe SDK and FaceMe Platform HTTP API for facial recognition, but PowerDirector pages do not list a public PowerDirector API or SDK. | Official materials document plugin and interchange integrations but provide no public Lightworks API or SDK documentation. |
| Desktop app | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Built-in stock media comes from Getty Images and Meta Sound Collection, and direct publishing supports YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Vimeo. | The privacy policy lists cloud and photo services including Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Photos, OneDrive, pCloud, and IOGates, plus Pond5 and Pexels stock media. |
| Intended users | CyberLink describes PowerDirector as suitable for beginners and enthusiasts making videos quickly, as well as content creators producing social clips and YouTube videos. | The maker describes Lightworks as a professional editor used for social clips, YouTube videos, documentaries, music videos, and feature films. |
| Licence | The EULA grants a non-exclusive proprietary licence, prohibits reverse engineering and states that CyberLink retains ownership of the software and documentation. | LWKS states that Lightworks is commercial software; its EULA grants a limited, non-exclusive licence and prohibits modification, reverse engineering and redistribution. |
| Mobile app | The Android app supports multi-track editing, chroma key, masks, blend modes, 4K export and cloud projects. | No |
CyberLink PowerDirector plans
- PowerDirector EssentialFree
- PowerDirector 365 for Mac$24.99 a month
- PowerDirector 365$59.99 a year
- PowerDirector 365 for Mac$79.99 a year
- Director Suite$109.99 a year
- PowerDirector 2027$139.99, paid once
Lightworks plans
- FreeFree
- CreatePriced on request
- ProPriced on request
Pick CyberLink PowerDirector if…
PowerDirector suits beginners and enthusiasts who want guided editing on desktop or mobile. It also fits content creators producing social clips or YouTube videos, especially those needing 4K export, captions, stock media, and AI-assisted editing.
Pick Lightworks if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.