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Free Adobe After Effects alternatives

Top Video Editing like Adobe After Effects

The most popular alternative to Adobe After Effects is DaVinci Resolve, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Adobe After Effects are Blender, Houdini, CapCut, and ProtoPie.

Most alternatives to Adobe After Effects are in the Video Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Adobe After Effects alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
5 apps

All Adobe After Effects alternatives

  1. DaVinci Resolve

    DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design combines video editing, its well-known color grading tools, Fusion visual effects and Fairlight audio post-production in a single application. The free version is unusually complete, while the paid Studio version adds AI tools, higher resolutions and frame rates, and extra effects. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and iPad.

    10 DaVinci Resolve alternatives

    Pros

    • Free version is remarkably complete for professional work
    • Renowned color grading tools used in film and television
    • Editing, VFX and audio post-production in a single app

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve, especially for color and Fusion
    • Needs a powerful GPU for smooth playback
    • Some AI tools and higher resolutions require the paid Studio version
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Video EditingAudio Editing & Music Production
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhone
    Features
    4K exportColor gradingGreen screenMulti-track timelinePlugins & extensionsTeam collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about DaVinci Resolve

  2. Blender

    Blender is a free, open source 3D creation suite covering modeling, sculpting, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering with Cycles and EEVEE, compositing and video editing. Its Grease Pencil tools also allow 2D animation inside a 3D space. Developed by the Blender Foundation and a large community, it is used by hobbyists, studios and game developers and can be extended with Python add-ons.

    12 Blender alternatives

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source, with no license or subscription
    • Covers modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering and video editing
    • Large community with countless tutorials and Python add-ons

    Cons

    • Dense interface that takes newcomers time to learn
    • Less established than Maya or 3ds Max in some studio pipelines
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AnimationPlugins & extensionsRenderingSculpting
    Visit websiteMore about Blender

  3. Houdini

    Houdini is a 3D animation and visual effects application from SideFX built on a node-based procedural workflow, where every step stays editable. Studios use it for simulations such as fire, smoke, fluids, destruction and crowds, and game developers use it to generate environments and assets procedurally. A free Apprentice edition allows non-commercial learning, alongside paid Indie and studio licenses.

    7 Houdini alternatives

    Pros

    • Node-based procedural workflow keeps every step editable
    • Leading toolset for fire, smoke, fluid and destruction simulations
    • Free Apprentice edition for non-commercial learning

    Cons

    • One of the steepest learning curves among 3D applications
    • The free edition watermarks renders and is non-commercial only
    • Overkill for simple modeling or quick motion graphics jobs
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    3D Modeling & Animation
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AnimationPlugins & extensionsRendering
    Visit websiteMore about Houdini

  4. CapCut

    4.6(1.1M) · App Store

    CapCut is a video editor available on mobile, desktop and the web, with templates, effects, auto captions and AI tools aimed at short-form content.

    23 CapCut alternatives

    Pros

    • Fast editing with templates and effects tuned for short-form video
    • Auto captions and AI tools save time on social content
    • Available on mobile, desktop and in the browser

    Cons

    • Many effects and AI tools require a Pro subscription
    • Ownership by ByteDance raises data privacy questions
    • Not built for long-form or professional editing
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Video EditingAI Video Generators
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI voiceoverAuto captionsTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about CapCut

  5. ProtoPie

    4.0(27) · App Store

    ProtoPie is a prototyping tool for building realistic interactions without writing code, using triggers, responses, variables and formulas. Prototypes can use device sensors and connect several screens or hardware, which makes it useful for mobile, automotive and IoT interfaces. Designs can be imported from Figma, Sketch or Adobe XD and previewed on phones with the ProtoPie Player app.

    8 ProtoPie alternatives

    Pros

    • Realistic interactions built with variables, formulas and conditions
    • Uses device sensors and connects multiple screens or hardware
    • Imports designs from Figma, Sketch and Adobe XD

    Cons

    • The logic-based approach takes time to learn
    • Not a full design tool, so visuals are usually made elsewhere
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    UI Design & Prototyping
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    IntegrationsInteractive prototypingMobile appTeam collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about ProtoPie

Adobe After Effects vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Adobe After Effects, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Adobe After Effects vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAnimationGreen screenPlugins & extensionsTemplates
Adobe After EffectsFree trialWindows, Mac
DaVinci ResolveFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone
BlenderFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
HoudiniFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux
CapCutFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
ProtoPieFreemiumWindows, Mac, iPhone, Android

Adobe After Effects alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Adobe After Effects?

The most popular alternative to Adobe After Effects is DaVinci Resolve: Editing, color grading, VFX and audio post-production in one app. Other great alternatives are Blender, Houdini, CapCut, and ProtoPie.

Is there a free alternative to Adobe After Effects?

Yes, 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including DaVinci Resolve, Blender, Houdini, and CapCut.

Is there an open source alternative to Adobe After Effects?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: Blender.

Is Adobe After Effects free?

Adobe After Effects is a paid app that offers a free trial.

Compare Adobe After Effects with its alternatives

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