18.2
Cascadeur is 3D animation software for building character animation with physics-based tools, without motion capture.
Free planAndroidiOSAPI
Best 3D Animation Software in 2026
A 3D animation workflow may call for character work, motion capture, physics simulation, or a particular timeline process. Compare character animation and motion capture tools with timeline workflow and animation export, and check supported platforms for compatibility with your setup. Houdini, Blender, and Cascadeur are among the software options shown. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing give you cost…
28.2
Rokoko Studio is software for capturing, editing, streaming, and exporting character animation projects.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.8
Plask Motion turns video into 3D animation using AI motion capture without suits or sensors.
Free planWebAPIExtension
- 4
iClone
Free planiOSAPIWindows7.7Free plan - 5
Houdini
Houdini is SideFX’s procedural 3D creation software for fields including film, television, games, motion graphics, virtual reality, and synthetic data.
Free planWindowsmacOSLinux7.6From $95 a year - 6
Blender
Blender is a free, open-source desktop suite for 3D creation on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.5Free plan - 7
Avidemux
Free planOpen sourceWebLinuxmacOSWindows7.3Free plan - 8
Autodesk MotionBuilder
APILinuxSelf-hostedWindows7.1 - 9
LightWave 3D
LightWave 3D is software for creating 3D models, animations, and visual effects on Windows and macOS.
APImacOSWindows7.1 - 10
Autodesk Maya
macOSLinux6.9 - 11
Muvizu
Muvizu is Windows software for creating 3D animations and rendering them as videos.
Free planWindows6.9$69.99 one-time - 12
Daz Studio
Daz Studio is software for creating photorealistic or fantasy 3D images and animation on Windows and macOS.
Free planmacOSWindows6.8From $18.98 a month - 13
Plotagon
Plotagon apps let users create animated videos for fan fiction, original stories, social stories, training, education, and advertising.
AndroidiOSWindows6.8 - 14
Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max is paid Windows desktop software for 3D modeling and animation.
Windows6.6From $2,010 a year - 15
DeepMotion Animate 3D
DeepMotion Animate 3D converts ordinary video into 3D animation using markerless AI motion capture.
Free planWebAPI6.6Free plan - 16
6.6From $279 a year - 17
Strata Design 3D CX 8
Strata Design 3D CX 8 is professional 3D modeling and animation software for illustrators, product and package designers, display and interior…
macOSWindows6.6From $19.95 a month - 18
Bforartists
Bforartists is a free 3D creation suite for making game graphics, pre-rendered movies, and still images.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 19
Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D is a desktop application combining 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.5 - 20
Hash Animation:Master
Hash Animation:Master is a 3D animation package for still illustrations, animated shorts, product designs, architectural visualizations, special…
macOSWindows6.5 - 21
iPi Mocap Studio
iPi Mocap Studio analyzes video recordings made with iPi Recorder to track an actor’s motion and produce skeleton animation for humanlike characters.
Windows6.5From $345 a year - 22
Shade3D
Shade3D combines 3D modeling, rendering, animation, and 3D-print preparation in one application for Windows and macOS.
macOSWindows6.5 - 23
Faceware Studio
Windows6.4From $239 a year - 24
K-3D
K-3D is free software for 3D modeling and animation, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 25
Mixamo
Mixamo is a free web service for preparing animated 3D characters for film, games, interactive experiences, and illustration.
Free planWeb6.3Free plan