Get your Instant Video Cost Calculator now!  

12 Best Animation Apps to Create Amazing Videos (Paid and Free)

20/01/25         Author: Florencia Corazza         15 min reading



What is the best animation app? Great animation apps




Videos are now one of the most effective forms of content for marketing, boosting engagement rates and increasing visibility on platforms like Instagram and Google. If you’re asking yourself what is the best animation app to enhance your video creation, you’re in luck! There’s a wide range of tools out there, from a good animation app that’s user-friendly to a great animation app packed with advanced features. These tools make video production easier, even if your budget doesn’t allow for hiring a video animation company.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best animation apps available today—whether you’re after a free tool or a premium option—designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

 

1. Pencil2D – A Good Animation App with Advanced Features

Blog Mobile Apps Pencil 2D

If you’re just getting started with video production, you may need a good animation app that’s more targeted toward beginners.

Pencil 2D is an open-source, free program that allows you to easily create 2D animations. What makes it a great tool for beginners, besides its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, is the fact that it’s free, so you can give it a try and experiment with creating animations without investing any money. 

You may think that animating apps for free aren’t as good as paid ones, but that’s not quite so.

Pencil 2D is a great animation app that works with both raster and vector workflows, which gives you the flexibility to create hand-drawn animations made of pixels or vector drawings. With their drag-and-drop editor and the pre-setup animation layout they offer, this animation tool makes creating professional-level videos a piece of cake while reducing the animation cost considerably.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
  • Pricing: Free.

 

2. Visme – Animation Software

Blog Image Visme

Visme is a cloud-based design platform and a great animation app that helps you create animated graphics, videos, presentations, ads, and more. It’s packed with 20+ animated templates and powerful and interactive features to animate text, videos, images, or slides. You’ll also have access to illustrations, animated characters, and free stock photos and videos to make irresistible content. 

The animation timeline features help you adjust the order of animated objects, scenes, and slide transitions, and optimize animation durations to sync audio. Moreover, the easy drag-and-drop options help you animate anything with ease, whether it’s a specific object or all of them. You can even complement and enhance your design with subtle fades or zooming options

The 3D character creator can take your animations to the next level while the comprehensive animation options and AI-powered features ensure you create great visual content. Once your project is ready, you can download it in GIF, MP4 or video.

  • Supported platforms: Android, iPhone/iPad, Mac & Windows.
  • Price: The free plan provides basic animation features. Access advanced features within Visme’s starter and pro plans at US$12.25/mo and US$24.75/mo respectively.

quiz banner quote v2jpg

3. Linearity Move – A Great Animation App for Creative Projects

Blog Image Linearity Curve e1727198396215

Linearity Move is a new and great animation app that simplifies motion graphics creation on both Mac and iPad. It enables users to animate static designs or start new projects easily, making animation accessible for all skill levels. Key features include Auto Animate, which generates transitions from imported graphics, and dual Design and Animate modes that allow for seamless editing and animation.
Users can create animations directly on the canvas, apply customizable presets, and morph shapes effortlessly. The tool also offers GIF export for quick sharing, a video import feature that allows users to incorporate existing footage, and the ability to animate assets by syncing them automatically to their Linearity account. This functionality ensures a smooth workflow across devices while retaining essential design tools from Linearity Curve.

  • Supported Platforms: Mac OS and iOS.
  • Pricing: LM offers a free starter plan with limited design downloads per month and the Pro plan, which costs $14.99 monthly and allows unlimited projects and acres to the royalty-free files. An additional 58% education discount is offered to students and teachers.

 

4. FlipaClip 

animation apps

Keeping up with the best animation apps for beginners, we have FlipaClip, a frame-by-frame program for portable devices. 

While, for obvious reasons, it can’t match what a 2D animation studio can do, it does offer brushes of various styles with pressure sensitivity that help you add depth to your work and a vast library of sound effects that can give your video a more professional touch. Moreover, their onion layering feature allows you to see the previous layers when drawing, which simplifies the animation process.

Besides being an easy-to-use and interactive platform, this great animation app offers a tutorial for first-time users that goes over all the features it has to offer.

  • Supported Platforms: Android and iOS.
  • Pricing: Free, but you can unlock premium features for $4.99.

 

5. Alight Motion

Alight Motion

Keeping with the mobile apps, here’s one that will make your content creation much easier.

Alight Motion was the first motion graphics design app for smartphones, iPhones, iPads, and Macs. With this program, you can do video editing, produce high-quality animations, and create motion graphics—all on your phone.

Besides being one of the best animation apps to create videos with smooth keyframes, Alright Motion offers more than 100 basic effects, a wide range of amazing visual effects, keyframe animation, and many more amazing features. 

All of these attributes can be a bit confusing for beginners, so the app provides a detailed tutorial section where you can learn how to create the best transitions. With this tool, you can easily develop amazing animated advertisements with a unique and professional look from the comfort of your phone.

  • Supported Platforms: Mac OS, Android, and iOS.
  • Pricing: A monthly subscription of $4.99.

 

6. Vista Create – A Good Animation App for Beginners and Professionals

animation apps

Vista Create is a very good animation app that allows you to create motion graphics you can use to make attractive posts and stories, develop moving ads, logos, Facebook banners, product animations, and more.

You can add pieces of video to edit or simply lay out your images to easily add fantastic effects, like zoom-in and fade-in. If you want to change your graphics a bit before animating them, VistaCreate allows you to do it directly from the app, offering editing tools like removing the background and adding text, images, music, and brand elements. 

I believe that this is one of the best animation apps for beginners because it offers more than 50,000 professionally pre-designed templates and a library of royalty-free creative assets you can take advantage of.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
  • Pricing: A free starter plan with limited design downloads per month. The Pro plan is $7.99 per month and allows unlimited projects and acres to the royalty-free files.

quiz banner quote v2jpg

7. Stop Motion Studio 

Stop Motion Studio

In animation, there are many techniques you can take advantage of to make awesome videos. If what you’re into is stop-motion capture, then Stop Motion Studio is for you (A though guess, right?).

Stop-Motion Capture is an excellent technique for depicting real-life products, as you can inject liveness into them. While you don’t necessarily require an animation app to create videos in this animation style, Stop Motion Studio will certainly make your job easier.

With its overlay mode, you can position your props in accordance with the previous frame, helping you make seamless transitions easier. At the same time, it offers a variety of filters and editing tools you can use, like a time interval mode that automatically captures images.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS.
  • Pricing: Free trial available, the premium option starts at $4.99 one-time payment. It’s free for Android and iOS, offering in-app payments.

 

8. LottieFiles

Lottie Files e1674849894239

Have you ever heard of Lotties? A Lottie is an open-source, high-quality, interactive, and small animation file format. Using  LottieFiles, you can create, edit, and export Lottie animations.

For UX designers, LottieFiles is one of the best animation apps there is. Lotties are smaller than GIFs and PNGs, so they won’t slow down your page load speeds. Since they’re based on vectors, you can easily change their scale without worrying about losing quality, adding responsiveness to our websites.

To make the video production stages easier, LottieFiles offers an extensive library of free animations you can use. With their editor, you can make quick adjustments like changing the colors or adding a background image. Lastly, you can create custom animation triggers, set up by certain actions like a click, scroll, or hover, bringing your animations to life.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
  • Pricing: Free

 

9. Adobe After Animate – One of the Best Animation Apps Available

Adobe Animate e1674849954529

It should be no surprise that an Adobe program had to be included on this list.

After Animate is one of the most versatile and a really good animation app available. You can use it to design vector graphics and interactive animations for websites, banner ads, movie animations, animated GIFs, and virtually any sequence of moving images you can imagine.

This vector-based 2D animation software has many tools you can use and a great number of plugins. You can draw each frame by hand using bitmap layers or reuse elements from frame to frame. It even offers automated lip-sync tools, so you can quickly animate speech as well.

Because of the great number of features they offer, it can be a challenging program at the beginning. But don’t worry because there are tons of tutorials, courses, and other aids you can use to take proper advantage of all that Adobe Animate has to offer!

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS.
  • Pricing: Starts at 20.99 dollars per month, but you get a free trial for seven days.

 

10. Blender

animation apps

Among the best animation apps for free, Blender is an excellent option. This program is based on open-source 3D animation software that contributors from all around the globe are constantly improving with new plug-ins and handy tools. 

So, if you’re looking for an accessible program to start learning 3D animation, Blender is one of the best animation apps for you. It offers almost everything you’ll need to make great 3D animations: modeling, rigging, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, and video editing.

You can use Blender to create 3D-printed models, visual effects, incredible motion graphics, virtual reality, interactive 3D applications, and even games. Although it has a steep learning curve, there are tons of resources you can reach out to, like tutorials, FAQs, and support groups, that’ll help you get the hang of this app.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
  • Pricing: Free allows you to use it for any purpose, including educational and commercial content.

 

11. SideFX (Houdini) – A Great Animation App for Professionals

Houdini

Side FX is a great animation app designed to help users create more advanced productions, including things like virtual reality, motion graphics, and even films.

Houdini stands out because it provides a node-based workflow that enables you to easily create sets of actions that you can later reuse and rearrange. This program’s visual effects are one of its strongest features, with a suite of VFX tools that includes simulations of fire, fluids, and particles.

There are plenty of tutorials to help you learn how to best use Houdini because the community around this app is strong. Moreover, the many automated functions in this app, like its drag-and-drop editor, make it quite user-friendly.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
  • Pricing: It offers six subscription tiers, with prices depending on whether you’re a student, an independent artist, a company, etc.

 

12. Autodesk Maya

animation apps

Autodesk Maya is one of the best 3D animation programs, known for its ability to produce realistic characters, convincing worlds, and stunning special effects. You can use this app for 3D modeling, 3D animation, rendering and shading, character creation, developing realistic effects, motion graphics, and more.

This tool is designed to create highly accurate and detailed environments thanks to the prebuilt graphs that make it easy to develop visually impressive effects like snow and dust storms, for example. On top of that, the 3D modeling features allow you to design real-life-like animated characters.

Autodesk Maya provides a complete 3D package, so users don’t need to purchase any other tools inside the program. This animation app is not recommended for beginners, as it is very complex and requires some previous knowledge to use it effectively. But the result of mastering it will be professional, high-quality, and realistic 3D animations.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
  • Pricing: 30-day free trial. A Standard plan enables single-user access and is $215/month.

 

13. Toon Boom Harmony

 

Toon Boom Harmony is often considered what is the best animation app for professional 2D animation, offering powerful tools and capabilities to create high-quality content. Whether you’re working on cartoons, TV shows, films, or ads, this great animation app has everything you need for stunning results.

With Toon Boom Harmony, you can create traditional frame-by-frame animations, rigging, cut-out animation, and even integrate 3D elements for hybrid projects. Its feature set includes bitmap and vector tools, advanced compositing, and a vast library of special effects to bring your animations to life, making it a good animation app for professionals.

This software is designed to handle detailed character rigging and seamless motion with tools like onion skinning, timelines, and layers. While it’s ideal for experienced animators, beginners might find the learning curve a bit challenging. However, mastering this app will allow you to produce industry-grade animations that stand out.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac OS.
  • Pricing: Offers a free trial. Subscription plans start at $25/month for the Essentials package.

14. Moho (Anime Studio) Pro – One of the Best Animation Apps

Moho (Anime Studio) Pro is often mentioned when discussing what is the best animation app for creating professional 2D animations. This great animation app is packed with advanced features, making it a top choice for animators looking to produce high-quality content for TV shows, films, or even personal projects.

With Moho Pro, users can take advantage of powerful rigging tools, vector animation, and Smart Bones™, which allow for precise character movement and realistic animations. The software also supports physics simulation and frame-by-frame animation, making it a good animation app for both experienced animators and those working on complex projects.

This animation app is designed to simplify workflows while offering advanced tools for creating detailed and dynamic animations. Its intuitive interface and wide range of features make it suitable for users who want a balance of efficiency and creative control.

While Moho Pro is more suited for intermediate and advanced animators, it’s an excellent choice for those serious about taking their 2D animation skills to the next level.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac OS.
  • Pricing: Free trial available. The full version starts at $399 for a one-time purchase.

quiz banner quote v2jpg

15. OpenToonz

OpenToonz is a popular choice when considering what is the best animation app for beginners and professionals alike. As a good animation app that’s also free and open-source, it’s perfect for animators looking for a versatile tool without breaking the bank.

This great animation app is based on the software used by Studio Ghibli, making it a reliable choice for creating 2D animations with a professional touch. OpenToonz includes a wide range of features, such as frame-by-frame animation, digital drawing tools, and a variety of effects that can be customized through its unique plug-in system.

One standout feature is its ability to scan and clean up hand-drawn animations, allowing traditional animators to digitize their work seamlessly. Additionally, its robust timeline and layering tools make it suitable for complex projects.

While OpenToonz is powerful, beginners might find its interface a bit challenging at first. However, for those willing to invest time in learning, it’s a fantastic option for producing professional-grade 2D animations.

  • Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac OS.
  • Pricing: Completely free and open-source.

 

FAQs

 

1. What is the best animation app?

While there are many great options, Toon Boom Harmony often tops the list as the best animation app for professional 2D animation. Its advanced tools, like rigging and frame-by-frame animation, make it ideal for creating high-quality TV shows, films, and ads.

 

2. Are there any good animation apps for beginners?

Yes! OpenToonz and Pencil2D are popular choices for beginners. These good animation apps offer simple interfaces and essential tools to help you start creating animations without needing extensive experience.

 

3. What makes a great animation app?

A great animation app should provide powerful features, ease of use, and flexibility. Apps like Moho Pro and Adobe Animate stand out for their ability to create professional-grade animations while remaining user-friendly for both beginners and experts.

 

4. Which animation app is best for businesses?

For businesses, Animaker is a good animation app designed for creating animated videos, ads, and presentations. Its intuitive interface and cloud-based functionality make it perfect for marketing teams looking for quick results.

 

Wrapping Up

The world of animation has never been more accessible, thanks to a wide variety of tools designed to fit every need—from crafting engaging social media videos to producing films with lifelike special effects.

With the help of great animation apps, even small businesses or nonprofits can take advantage of video marketing without breaking the bank. A good animation app can simplify the process, making it easy to create high-quality, captivating content.

Don’t get lost in the options—find what is the best animation app for your goals, and start adding dynamic videos to your strategy. With the right app, you’ll not only streamline your production process but also see your marketing results soar!

 

quiz banner quote v2jpg

 




Florencia Corazza

Florencia Corazza – Content Writer and Co-Editor

A skilled writer, translator, and co-editor for our web and blog content. As a self-defined "wordsmith," she’s talented in adapting the latest marketing news into all kinds of digital formats. If she’s not watching the latest Sci-Fi show on Netflix, then can find her tending to her perfectly reasonable number of plants.

Read more articles by Florencia Corazza







Check out other Articles



Keep up with the latest in
video marketing

Sign up for our newsletter, biweekly
digest from our video experts.


close