15 Best Animation Software for Beginners in 2025 [Free & Paid]

Animated visuals are a lot more engaging than plain, static images. In fact, they generate the highest number of shares on social media compared to other forms of visual content.

Animators use software like Visme, Adobe Animate, Toon Boom and Animaker for 2D animation. For 3D animation, popular tools include Blender and Houdini. Motion graphics professionals often use Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D while game animators prefer Autodesk Maya, Spine and Unity. The choice depends on the animation style and industry requirements.

I recently tested out 15 top animation software to help you find the best fit for your needs.

But before we dive into the comparisons, think about what you want to get out of your investment.

For example, if professional animation is what you want, then you’ll probably lean more toward complex, high-end tools. But if a quick solution is what you’re after, then web-based tools with drag-and-drop interfaces are more relevant to you.

Here’s a quick breakdown of my testing methodology:

• I signed up for all tools that offered truly free accounts or trials (no credit card required)
• I Browsed pre-built templates and characters (if any available)
• I built at least one project to try out different features of the product, including animated fonts, icons and gestures, interactive capabilities and collaboration features
• I tested the export formats and other sharing options

If you’re short on time, check out this table that summarizes the key takeaways for each animation software:

*Disclaimer: The comparisons and competitor ratings presented in this article are based on features available as of December 18, 2024. We conduct thorough research and draw on both first-hand experience and reputable sources to provide reliable insights. However, as tools and technologies evolve, we recommend readers verify details and consider additional research to ensure the information meets their specific needs.

 

15 Best Animation Software for 2025

1. Visme
2. Adobe Animate
3. Blender
4. Autodesk Maya
5. Cinema 4D
6. Moho Animation Software
7. Biteable
8. Animaker
9. Pencil2D
10. Powtoon
11. Procreate
12. Toon Boom
13. Krita
14. Vyond
15. Houdini

 

Quick Comparison Guide

Software	Cloud-Based	Cost	Free Trial	Ideal for	G2 Rating
Visme	Yes	Free Plan	No	Infographics, presentations, social media graphics with animations	4.6/5
Adobe Animate	No	Paid Plans	Yes	2D animation, interactive content, web animations	4.1/5
Blender	No	Free Plan	N/A	3D modeling, rigging, VFX	4.6/5
Autodesk Maya	No	Paid Plans	Yes	3D animation, film and TV production	4.3/5
Cinema 4D	No	Paid Plans	Yes	Motion graphics, 3D animation, AR/VR	4.6/5
Moho Animation Software	No	Paid Plans	No	2D vector animation, rigging, particles	5/5
Biteable	Yes	Paid Plans	Yes	Marketing videos, quick animations	4.3/5
Animaker	Yes	Free Plan	No	Marketing videos, presentations	4.7/5
Pencil2D	No	Free	N/A	Frame-by-frame 2D animation, beginners	4.1/5
Powtoon	Yes	Free Plan	No	Presentations, marketing videos	4.4/5
Procreate	No	Paid Plans	No	Digital painting, sketching, 2D animation	5/5
Toom Boom Harmony	No	Paid Plans	Yes	2D animation, TV and film production	4.7/5
Krita	No	Free	N/A	Digital painting, 2D animation	4.4/5
Vyond	Yes	$25/month	Yes	Drag-and-drop video interface and animations	4.7/5
SideFX (Houdini)	No	Free Plan	No	Procedural modeling, VFX, film production	4.5/5

 

Software #1: Visme

Visme is a cloud-based, online design tool that’s packed with thousands of premade templates, a library of free stock photos and videos, powerful AI capabilities, advanced collaboration tools and more.

It also features advanced animation and interactivity features so you can create animated, eye-catching social media images, infographics, presentations, ads and banners that pack a punch.

Features:

• Friendly and intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
• Thousands of animated templates in various categories.
• Customizable pre-animated assets: Characters, illustrations and gestures
• 20+ customizable pre-designed animated characters, including poses, body style, gender, skin tone, and more.
• 3D character creator for building customizable 3D characters

• Animation timeline feature to customize scenes and sync audio.
• 14+ different types of animated graphs, charts and maps.

 

• Advanced custom animation that can be applied to any object.
• Interactive links, call-to-action buttons and hover effects.
• Searchable libraries of free stock photos, videos, icons and shapes.
• Wide range of AI-powered tools including AI image generator, AI writer and AI image edit and touchup tools.
• Import your own images, videos and fonts.
• Embed videos and other online content into your designs.
• Team collaboration features: Share your projects.
• Brand kit: Save your brand colors, fonts and logos for later use.
• Insightful analytics: Access graphs and statistics for project views.
• Offline animated download formats: GIF, MP4 video and HTML5.
• Publish and share online: Use a link or generate an embed code.

Pricing: Free plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $12.25/month per user, billed annually.

Pros: All-in-one design tool packed with animation and interactivity features, great for both non-designers and designers, millions of free graphic assets inside the editor.

Cons: A variety of design and customizability options can lead to a slightly steep learning curve.

Best for: Marketers, corporate teams, teachers, trainers, personal use.

Operating System: Web-based

Animation Type: 2D

 

Software #2: Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate is a new and improved version of Adobe Flash Professional. Although I haven't tried the tool myself (as it doesn’t have a free plan), its reviews and feature list were enough to make it to this list.

It lets you create unique characters from scratch for videos, games and even TV and adverts.

The interface is eerily similar to Photoshop, Lightroom and Premiere Pro, so if you’ve used any of these Adobe apps before, you’ll feel right at home. But if you’re unfamiliar with Adobe’s interface, you’ll need some time getting used to it.

Beginners can also use Adobe Animate’s pre-built objects and characters to create something cool. Professionals can get granular with their designs by using the envelope deformer and flexi bone features that give animators frame-by-frame control over the movement of their objects.

Watch this video to see Flexi Bone in action:

However, Adobe Animate does have its drawbacks. Its interface and workflow can feel overly complex to users with quick, drag-and-drop animation needs.

If speed, accessibility and quick export options are your priorities, then Visme is probably a better choice.

Features:

• Vector brushes with size, smoothness, pressure and velocity settings.
• Intuitive timeline controls with advanced animation settings.
• Virtual camera feature that lets you add pan, zoom and other effects.
• Synchronize audio with your animations and create audio loops.
• Typekit integration gives you access to premium web fonts.
• Export in Flash, HTML5 Canvas, WebGL, SVG and more.

Pricing: Starts from $22.99/month.

Pros: Extensive export and sharing options to publish your animations in virtually any format for any platform.

Cons: Just like any other Adobe software, Animate has a steep learning curve, especially for beginners.

Best for: Game designers, YouTubers and cartoon makers.

Operating System: Windows, macOS.

Animation Type: 2D

 

Feature	Adobe Animate	Visme
Ease of use	Steep learning curve	Intuitive, beginner-friendly
Animation tools	Advanced rigging, effects	Drag-and-drop editor
Export options	Flash, HTML5, SVG, WebGL	Interactive, shareable formats

 

Software #3: Blender

Blender is an open-source video editing software that lets you have total control over your animations. It has advanced command line and programming features for rendering, modeling and creating 3D animations.

The key word here is “advanced.”

Blender has some amazing use cases for professional animators, artists or even scientists, but for beginners looking for some basic animation features, or managers/businesses looking to create eLearning content, it might be an overkill.

Here’s why, the tool has a complex layout that beginners will need to get used to. And since it's packed with features, it’s going to take an even longer learning curve to learn them all.

Also, when I searched YouTube for tutorials on some of Blender’s features, I found a host of brilliant short movies created with the tool. Netflix-quality short movies.

If you’re a professional who needs precision with animations, then Blender is an excellent, free choice. It’s also an ideal pick for beginners stepping into the world of animation since it's completely free and offers a platform to help excel in your career.

 

Features:

• Rendering, modeling and sculpting tools.
• Advanced animation and rigging tools.
• Draw and edit in 3D mode.
• Video editing and VFX, including motion tracking, masking and compositing.
• Powerful and realistic simulation tools.
• Extensive Python API for scripting and customization.
• Customizable user interface, window layout and shortcuts.

Pricing: Free.

Pros: It doesn’t cost anything to use Blender. Also, advanced animation and rendering tools make it fit for both beginners and expert users.

Cons: Blender has a very steep learning curve as it’s packed with so many features. Beginners will be overwhelmed and might need to spend hours on tutorials before getting it right.

Best for: Animators, engineers, scientists, artists, students.

Operating System: Cross-platform availability.

Animation Type: 3D and 2D

Feature	Blender	Visme
Ease of use	Complex for beginners	Intuitive, beginner-friendly
Custom assets	Advanced 3D modeling tools	Pre-built animations, widgets
Performance	Heavy rendering capabilities	Quick, efficient animations

 

Software #4: Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya is a robust 3D animation, modeling, rendering and simulation tool for creating expansive and immersive worlds, realistic characters and sensational effects.

In my opinion, it’s one of the best software for making 3D animations, especially because of its top-notch and complete 3D production package and models.

Maya, like Blender, has a dedicated online community. They regularly upload tutorials and workflow videos on YouTube to teach users how to make the most of the software.

Similar to Blender, Maya is also more relevant for professional animators and artists wanting complete control over their work.

Features:

• Ability to create physically accurate simulations in a single visual programming environment
• Construct 3D models based on vertices, edges, faces, geometric primitives and drawn curves
• Accelerate performance with interactive workflows
• Create, view, and edit animation curves using a graphical representation of scene animation.
• Work directly with data using native tools and quickly load and modify large datasets.
• Use Integrated Arnold renderer to to view real-time scene changes, including lighting, materials, and cameras.

 

Pricing. Maya's subscription plan starts at $235 per month. The Flex plan starts at $300 for Minimum, $1500 - Popular and the Custom plan.

Pros. This professional animated tool offers a wide range of tools and features for 3D animation and visual effects. User-friendly interface. Adaptable and scaleable for the most complex worlds, characters and workflows. Ability to iterate faster and accelerate workflows.

Cons. The tool is pricey for smaller startups and creators. It has a steep learning curve for beginners.

Best for: Creative designers and artists.

Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux.

Animation Type: 3D

Feature	Autodesk Maya	Visme
Ease of use	Advanced, requires significant expertise	Intuitive, beginner-friendly
Workflow	Professional-grade pipelines	Streamlined animations timelines
Collaboration	Limited	Advanced; tag collaborators, edit, share feedback etc

 

Software #5: Cinema 4D

When it comes to animated tools for motion graphics, Cinema 4D is an industry standard for visual creators at all levels—and why shouldn’t it be?

It's great for 3D computer animation, modeling, simulation and rendering, with an interface that is both powerful and surprisingly approachable for newcomers.

What makes Cinema 4D shine is its seamless Adobe integration, intuitive, creative toolset and brilliant physics engine that brings your creations to life.

While the learning curve is steep, its intuitive workflow coupled with features for motion graphics, design, VFX, AR/MR/VR, game development and all kinds of visualization makes it a go-to choice for both aspiring creators and seasoned pros.

Features:

• Quickly turn a series of images into a 3D model
• Emit smoke, fire and explosion from any Spline or object
• Comprehensive color management for stunning cinematic results
• Supports advanced features like symbols annd gradient filled shapes
• Import vector art from PDF, SVG, Illustrator into your 3D scenes
• Supports polygonal, volume, parametric modelling and character animation
• Abillity to realistic-looking and multi-threaded simulations
• Cinema 4D is available in 12 different languages
• Compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems

Pricing: Cinema 4D costs $69.91 per month, billed annually.

Pros: Cinema 4D is one of the easiest 3D packages to learn and use. Has a robust knowledge base and other support options. Equipped with lots of amazing animation and modelling-friendly features.

Cons. The tool is super expensive for starters. The interface can be overwhelming without proper guidance.

Best for: Creative designers and artists.

Operating system: Cross-platform availability.

Animation Type: 3D.

Feature	Cinema 4D	Visme
Ease of use	Moderate learning curve	Designed for all skill levels
Motion graphics	Industry-standard motion tools	Animation timeline, effects
Real-world applications	Motion graphics, TV commercials, product visualization, VFX	Sales presentations, social media posts, report design

 

Software #6: Moho Animation Software

Another animation software I tested was Moho Pro—a professional-grade animation software that can perform almost any task related to 2D vector animation.

I used their 30-day free trial and believe it's a perfect work tool for amateur and expert animators, hobbyists and digital artists.

I particularly loved Moho’s character animation, as its bone-rigging system made movement feel incredibly natural. It handled both frame-by-frame animation and automated tweening like a champ. This is huge for artists who need flexibility in choosing their preferred workflow.

Also, for those coming from traditional art backgrounds, the vector tools feel instantly familiar, while the smart shape features speed up the animation process significantly.

 

Features:

• Includes language support for six languages (English, Spanish, French, Russian, German and Japanese)
• Comprehensive content library full of characters, props and backgrounds.
• Powerful vector drawing tools
• Complete rigging system to enable users to create easy to animate 2D puppets timeline, audio recording and sound effects
• Advanced timeline with graph mode and editable interpolation
• Photoshop’s PSD file integration
• Create personalized meshes to animate vectors and images
• Automate animation using power features like particles, gravity, dynamics and wind
• Compatible with Windows and macOS

 

Pricing: Moho Debut 14 starts at $59.99, while Moho Pro costs $399.99.

Pros: Moho is feature-rich and versatile. There are lots of tutorials, guidance and excellent resources to help users get started. Supports file import and integration with Adobe Photoshop

Cons: Steep learning curve for beginners. Most features available in Pro version.

Best for: Creative designers and artists.

Operating System: Windows, macOS.

Animation Type: 2D

Feature	Moho Animation Software	Visme
Ease of use	Requires manual rigging	Simple, drag-and-drop
Rigging options	Bone rigging for realism	Prebuilt, easy character tools
Editing speed	Time-consuming frame edits	Quick adjustments

 

Software #7: Biteable

If you want to create bite-sized, animated videos like promos, ads and social media videos, Biteable is a good option. I tried it for a week to make some quick video content.

It’s not your pro-level animation software, but that’s not what it’s trying to be.

It works best when you need to crank out simple animated videos for your social feeds or marketing campaigns. I mostly used their templates (they have tons) and tweaked them to match my style.

Their stock footage library is extensive. You can look through thousands of stock footage clips and scenes to put together an entirely customized video.

But the downside is that you can only publish or share your videos during the 7-day free trial. Afterward, you must upgrade to the pro or premium plan to download/share your projects.

Features:

• Browse hundreds of professional video templates.
• Access thousands of stock footage clips and animations.
• Add audio tracks using a huge library or upload your own.
• Share your video project with other team members.
• Publish your video on Biteable with privacy controls.
• Download your designs in Full HD MP4 video format.
• Share directly to social media, or use a link or embed code.

Pricing: Free plan with limited features. Paid plans start from $15/month, billed annually.

Pros: Make all kinds of marketing videos, including explainers and demos. Access thousands of stock footage clips to create something unique.

Cons: You can only download in MP4 video format. Free plan exports come with a watermark.

Best for: Marketers, trainers and educators.

Operating System: Web-based.

Animation Type: 2D

Feature	Biteable	Visme
Ease of use	Easy to use	Versatile and intuitive
Animation types	Video-based transitions, text animation, scene-based animation	Data visualization, character animation, UI motion
Content creation	Video ads, social media videos, video presentations	Presentations, infographics, social media, videos, reports

 

Software #8: Animaker

Another tool I extensively checked out was Animaker. It’s a solid choice for businesses and educators looking to level up their visual content.

It packs quite a library. We’re talking pre-animated elements, character packs and gesture animations that make storytelling feel effortless.

The tool’s drag-and-drop interface and timeline feature let you build engaging scenes without wrestling with complex tools and customize characters down to their facial expressions and poses.

I particularly appreciate how Animaker has fine-tuned its platform to hit that sweet spot between professional quality and ease of use.

However, considering how good the software is, I did encounter some lagging while loading scenes and characters.

Features:

• Large collection of animated templates and assets.
• Six unique video styles to edit and remix.
• Pro-level animation features like Curve, Camera In and Out.
• 200+ music tracks and sound effects to add to your videos.
• State of the art AI capabilities.
• Enterprise and team management features.
• Upload directly to YouTube and Facebook or share URL.
• Download in MP4 video and GIF formats.

Pricing: Free plan with limited features. Paid plans start from $15/month, billed annually.

Pros: Create animated videos for all kinds of business or personal uses. A variety of video styles, including several for whiteboard videos.

Cons: Only 5 watermarked downloads in the free plan. Only good for creating videos, not animated images.

Best for: Marketers, presenters, freelancers.

Operating System: Web-based.

Animation Type: 2D.

Feature	Animaker	Visme
Character tools	Multiple animation styles, character customization, lip sync	Business-focused poses, customizable avatars
Data Visualization	Basic charts, limited data visualization options	Animated charts, interactive infographics, maps
Export Capabilities	MP4, GIF, images with watermark in free version	HTML5, GIF, MP4, JPG, PNG, PDF

 

Software #9: Pencil2D

If you’re looking for animation software that strips away the complexity and sticks to basics, Pencil2D is it. It’s an open-source software that puts traditional frame-by-frame animation right at your fingertips.

It uses a refreshingly simple approach. Think of it as your digital sketchbook that happens to create animations. The interface feels familiar—like drawing on paper—but with all the advantages of digital tools.

You get both bitmap and vector layers to work with, making it perfect for that hand-drawn animation feel.

Check out this animation created with Pencil2D. It looks like something out of a storybook:

However, Pencil2D’s simplicity might feel limiting for users looking to create more intricate, polished animations.

Features:

• Simplified user interface that’s easy to use for beginners.
• Customizable toolbar to fit your own creative process.
• Layers panel for bitmap, sound, camera and vector layers.
• Timeline and keyframes to add, subtract and duplicate frames.
• Versatile drawing tools to help you create vector drawings.
• Various export formats: GIF, MP4, AVI, WEBM and more.

Pricing: Free.

Pros: It’s free to use and cross-platform, so it can work on any operating system. Simple and minimalistic editor to help you create traditional, hand-drawn animations.

Cons: Pencil2D is great for simple drawing animation, but lacks advanced animation and character-building tools. It’s not ideal for complex or modern-style animations.

Best for: Digital artists, cartoon makers, game designers and basic animators.

Operating system: Cross-platform availability.

Animation Type: 2D.

Feature	Pencil2D	Visme
Drawing tools	Bitmap/vector layers, pressure sensitivity, onion skinning	Basic shape tools, icon editor
Animation method	Traditional frame-by-frame animation, layer management	Timeline-based keyframes, motion presets
File handling	Local file saving, manual backup needed	Cloud storage, auto-save, version history

 

Software #10: Powtoon

Powtoon is an online animation software that lets you create fun, interactive videos with animated characters and premade graphic assets. After playing around with it for a few hours, I got a good feel for what it could do.

The platform really helps bring ideas to life through video. Their template collection has enough variety to keep things interesting, whether you’re making business presentations or team updates.

But what stood out most was Powtoon’s whiteboard animation tool. It’s great for breaking down complex topics into clear visual stories, which is exactly what you need when explaining new concepts or processes.

The only drawback is that most Powtoon templates aren’t available on a free account. You’ll most definitely have to purchase the premium version to access them.

 

Features:

• Dozens of premade templates spread across five categories.
• Powerful AI capabilities like AI human avatar, scriptwriter and text-to-speech.
• Thousands of built-in graphics, animated characters and more.
• Advanced animation controls and character customization.
• Choose from built-in audio, record audio or upload audio files.
• Screen and webcam recording to create tutorials and video presentations.
• Import and edit Photoshop and PowerPoint files.
• Download in various formats or share directly to social media.

Pricing: Paid plans start from $15/month, billed annually.

Pros: Easy to use tool for beginners. Plenty of built-in graphic assets. Advanced character customization.

Cons: Limited options for built-in music. Advanced features and removing the watermark are locked for free users. Working on heavy projects can slow down Powtoon’s editor.

Best for: Marketers, presenters, educators, trainers.

Operating System: Web-based.

Animation Type: 2D.

Feature	Powtoon	Visme
Scene creation	Scene-based timeline, whiteboard animation style	Full slide editor, dynamic layouts
Interactivity	Linear video playback, basic transitions	Clickable elements, hover effects, transitions
Audio features	Text-to-speech, soundtrack library, voice recording	Background music, voice-over support, sound effects

 

Software #11: Procreate

Procreate is one of the most powerful and intuitive animated tools that use frame-by-frame animation techniques.

What makes it stand out is how natural it feels. Your Apple Pencil moves across the iPad exactly like traditional art tools, but with all the advantages of working digitally. The software just gets out of your way.

I found Procreate’s timeline simple to navigate and switching between frames feels seamless.

Each brush stroke responds exactly as you'd expect, making the whole process feel like drawing in a real sketchbook, but with the ability to easily edit and refine your animations.

If you already have an iPad and an Apple pencil, download the app from Apple Store and start creating animations. 

Features:

• Get the perfect shape every time with the QuickShape feature.
• ColorDrop feature to quickly pick any color you want. 
• Extra special FX to add gorgeous finishing touches to your work. 
• Gaussian, motion and perspective blur. 
• Complete font control to add gorgeous typography to your design. 
• Paint with filters to add perfect finishing touches to your artwork. 

Pricing: Procreate comes with one-time pricing of $12.99 exclusively from the Apple Store. No subscription.

Pros: Simple and easy-to-use interface. Wide range of brushes and an option to import Photoshop (.abr) brushes into your app. 120hz performance to take full advantage of Apple’s ProMotion technology. 

Cons: Only works with iPad and Apple pencil. It works in pixels, so you can’t create vectors. Difficult adjustment layers. 

Best for: Beginners, freelancers and hobbyists.

Operating System: iPad.

Animation Type: 2D.

Feature	Procreate	Visme
Accessibility	iPad only	All devices
Input methods	Apple Pencil focus, pressure/tilt sensitivity, gestures	Mouse/keyboard interface, touch support
Drawing integration	Natural sketching with brushes	Editable prebuilt assets

 

Software #12: Toon Boom Harmony

Toon Boom Harmony is a professional-grade animation software widely used in the TV and film industry. It offers a range of tools for end-to-end 2D animation, including rigging, compositing and special effects.

Major animation studios rely on Harmony for its production pipeline features and output quality.

Working in Harmony means access to advanced color palettes, automated lip-syncing and a script integration system that streamlines the animation workflow. While it carries a steep learning curve, the software rewards those who master its extensive toolset.

Features:

• Advanced rigging and deformers for character animation.
• Comprehensive compositing tools.
• Support for bitmap and vector graphics.
• Integration with Storyboard Pro for seamless storytelling.
• Extensive export options including various video formats and image sequences.
• Specialized tools for cut-out animation, paperless animation and traditional animation.

 

Pricing: Plans start at $28.50/month. You can take advantage of a free trial to check out the software before you buy.

Pros: Versatile animation software for various types of animation styles and purposes, professional-grade tools.

Cons: Unintuitive interface, steep learning curve, expensive, requires powerful hardware.

Best for: Professional animators and creatives.

Operating System: Windows, macOS.

Animation Type: 2D

Feature	Toon Boom	Visme
Ease of use	Steep learning curve	Intuitive, beginner-friendly
Animation workflow	Rigging-heavy, pro-grade tools	Quick timeline customizations
Animation Features	Automated lip sync, deformers, inverse kinematics	Preset character movements, transitions

 

 

Software #13: Krita

Krita is a free, open-source digital painting and animation software. It is known for its wide range of painting tools and capabilities for creating frame-by-frame 2D animations.

The platform is used widely in the digital VFX industry and is a favorite of illustrators, comic book and concept artists.

Beyond its professional-grade brush engine, Krita shines in how it handles animation. The timeline makes it easy to track frame sequences, while onion skinning helps artists create smooth movements.

The fact that such a tool is free and open-source makes it particularly appealing for artists looking to explore digital animation without a hefty investment. Just be ready to spend some time learning its unique interface and workflow.

Features:

• Extensive brush engine with customizable brushes.
• Support for frame-by-frame 2D animation.
• Onion skinning for smooth transitions between frames.
• Animation timeline for precise control.
• Export in various video formats and image sequences.
• Layer management and blending modes for complex animations.

Pricing: Free

Pros: Free and open-source, powerful painting tools, suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Cons: Limited support for complex animations, requires a good understanding of digital painting and art skills.

Best for: Professional animators, digital artists and illustrators.

Operating System: Cross-platform availability.

Animation Type: 2D.

Feature	Krita	Visme
Ease of use	Complex digital painting tools	Designed for all creators
Animation style	Traditional frame-by-frame art	Templates, graphs, animations
Layer management	Advanced layer masks, filter layers, clone layers	Standard layers, opacity control

 

Software #14: Vyond

Vyond is an online animation platform that lets you create engaging videos using pre-built characters, templates and backgrounds.

While it’s popular for business and educational content, its library spans everything from office settings to superhero scenes and cozy home environments.

I appreciate how the platform keeps animation simple with a drag-and-drop interface. But it still took me some time to get used to it.

You can customize characters’ looks, expressions and movements, while choosing from a diverse range of scenes and props to build their stories.

Overall, Vyond is great for non-animators wanting to create professional-looking content without needing technical expertise. The only downside, however, is that it doesn’t let you share or publish your projects on the free trial.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy animation creation.
• Extensive library of customizable characters, props, and backgrounds.
• Pre-built templates for various industries and scenarios.
• Lip-syncing and voiceover capabilities for character dialogue.
• Animation timeline for precise scene control and transitions.
• Collaboration tools for team-based animation projects.

Pricing: Vyond offers a 2-week free trial to test out the tool and its features (no credit card required.) The paid plans start from $25/month.

Pros: Easy to use, rich asset library, cloud-based access, automated features, multiple export options.

Cons: Subscription required, internet-dependent, fewer pro-level tools.

Best for: Businesses and educators.

Operating System: Web-based.

Animation Type: 2D.

Feature	Vyond	Visme
Ease of use	Beginner-friendly	Intuitive, beginner-friendly
Character tools	Focus on character poses	Customizable prebuilt assets
Content range	Limited to storytelling videos	Animated charts, infographics, social media content, eLearning content, reports, presentations, eBooks, etc

 

Software #15. Houdini

Houdini is a 3D animation tool for rigging, modeling, VFX, animation, lighting, look development and rendering in gaming, film, TV and advertising. Its intuitive, user-friendly features enable artists and creators to create multiple iterations and easily share workflows with co-creators.

What I love most about Houdini is its node-based procedural workflow.

This means artists can create complex effects, modify them at any point in the process and reuse their work across multiple projects.

It also excels at creating realistic natural phenomena like fire, water and destruction effects—making it a no-brainer for VFX artists.

Quick heads up: I have used DaVinci Resolve to edit YouTube videos, so I’m familiar with the node-based workflow. But for newbies, that’ll definitely take some time and effort to master.

Features:

• Realistic, fire, smoke, fluids, particles and solid simulations that are faster and easier to set up
• Procedural modeling techniques for maintaining a robust construction history and creating complex models like cityscapes, environments and more
• Provides a complete suite of features for rigging and animating characters and creatures
• Offers layout, development and lighting tools that enable creators to make USD-based scene graphs
• Ability to integrate visual effects into live-action shots to produce high-quality results.

Pricing: Houdini has a free plan for the learning edition. The paid plans starts at $269 (1-year rental)

Pros: This animated software offers robust rendering and modeling capabilities. The procedural workflow saves time by allowing changes to be made quickly in the pipeline. Offer fluid, solid, particle, and other impressive simulation capabilities.

Cons: For a program for animation, SideFX has a steep learning curve and requires a lot of practice for beginners to get the hang of it.

Best for: Creatives, designers and artists.

Operating System: Cross-platform availability.

Animation Type: 3D

Feature	Houdini	Visme
Ease of use	Steep learning curve	Intuitive, beginner-friendly
Visual complexity	Advanced VFX and simulations	Quick, clean animations
Workflow flexibility	Procedural, node-based editing	Drag-and-drop, timeline tools

 

Animation Software FAQs

 

*Disclaimer: The comparisons and competitor ratings presented in this article are based on features available as of  December 18, 2024. We conduct thorough research and draw on both first-hand experience and reputable sources to provide reliable insights. However, as tools and technologies evolve, we recommend readers verify details and consider additional research to ensure the information meets their specific needs.

 

What is the Best Animation Software?

Choosing the best animation software can be confusing, especially if you’re a beginner and you’re looking for an easy, affordable option that scales with your needs.

For beginners who want to create animated content for marketing and internal communication purposes, we recommend Visme.

With Visme, you can create animated GIFs, marketing videos, explainers, animated charts and graphs, interactive documents with live data and more.

The best part? You don’t need to be a designer or animation expert to use Visme — the drag-and-drop editor works in your browser and makes animation a breeze!

If you’re ready to create animated and interactive content of your own, sign up for a free Visme account and test it out for yourself.