12 3D Animation Software [Free and Paid]

3D animation software is a tool for designing, modeling, or animating characters in a three-dimensional environment. This software is widely used in the gaming, film, architecture, and even marketing industries to provide engaging, visually appealing content for the target audience.

If you’re running a product-based business, I recommend using 3D animation software for product visualization or prototyping. Not only does this bring your product idea to life for your clients or target audience, but it also allows you to make adjustments where required and even train your new employees.

In this post, I’ve tested and reviewed the best 3D animation software considering their features, ease of use, price, compatibility, and integration.

• 1. Blender – Best Open-source 3D Animation Software
• 2. Cinema 4D – Best for Motion Graphics
• 3. Houdini – Best for Procedural Generation and VFX
• 4. Autodesk Maya – Best Professional 3D Software for Creating Realistic Characters
• 5. 3ds Max – Best for Game Design
• 6. Daz 3D – Best to Create 3D Models
• 7. K-3D – Open-source 3D Modeling and Animation Software
• 8. Adobe Substance (3D) – Vector Animation Tools for Games, Web, and Film
• 9. Autodesk MotionBuilder – Best for Motion Capture Animation
• 10. DeepMotion Animate 3D – Best for AI-Powered Character Animation
• 11. SketchUp Pro – Professional Design Software for Interior Design
• 12. iClone (Reallusion) – Best for Real-Time Animation and Character Design Solution
• Show moreShow less

Comparison Table of the Best 3D Animation Software

The table below lists the 3D animation software featured on this list and gives a brief look at their key features, starting price, and AI-powered capability.

1. Blender

Blender is free, open-source, and widely used to create 3D animations and visual effects for games, films, and other visual media. The application offers powerful tools for modeling, sculpting, simulation, and rigging, as well as features like the Grease Pencil for 2D animation and the Cycles render engine for realistic rendering.

I found Blender’s versatility impressive, and it gave me creative opportunities with various features for modeling (Sculpt Mode), rendering (Eevee), physics simulations (Cloth Simulations), and more. It allows integrations with game engines (like Unity) and collaboration tools (like ShotGrid), which increases its usability.

Although I have used other 3D animation tools, the realistic renders in Blender were top-notch thanks to its advanced lighting effects. One aspect where I did face difficulty with Blender was the user interface. Since the software has so many features, it can be difficult to navigate and find what you need. For complete beginners in 3D design, Blender’s UI won’t be very user-friendly.

But if you’re a beginner who doesn’t know much about the software, Blender’s learning resources will help. Its knowledge base is filled with helpful content about its features and limitations, and the open-source nature means that there’s a helpful online community to tackle most issues.

Blender Pricing

Blender is open-source and available for free.

Try Blender

2. Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D is a software solution for 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering. It offers advanced tools, such as Voronoi Fracture, Spline Wrap, and MoGraph Cloner, to make animation and 3D workflows more accessible and efficient.

Features like polygonal modeling and sculpting tools (for building 3D models), texturing tools (for making photo-realistic materials), tracking tools (for accurate character placing), etc., make it a go-to choice for complex 3D projects.

The first thing I noticed when using Cinema 4D was its intuitive interface, which is simple and easy to understand. Another standout feature is the MoGraph toolkit, which helped me create intricate motion graphics and procedural animations despite not being a good artist.

The software’s Redshift render engine meets the demands of handling complex shading networks and advanced texturing. It also integrates with Unity and Unreal Engine for seamless collaboration to create immersive gaming worlds.

That said, I also found some things challenging. For instance, working with Scene Nodes felt pretty overwhelming—it’s powerful, sure, but not the easiest to figure out. The software also struggled with heavy scenes on my mid-tier laptop, encountering lags and raising questions on optimization.

Cinema 4D runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering flexibility across platforms. It also has a robust community and learning resources to help new and existing users.

Cinema 4D Pricing

Cinema 4D offers multiple plans to users, starting from $69.91/month.

Try Cinema 4D

3. Houdini

Houdini is a procedural system for 3D animation artists to create multiple iterations and share workflows with other artists. I found its node-based procedural workflow helpful in creating complex simulations, such as realistic fluid dynamics and particle effects.

The software allows decent parameter customization, ensuring efficient experimentation and iteration for professional animators working on multiple high-demand projects. So, if you experiment a lot before fixing an idea, you’ll find this helpful.

I found its particle and physics systems efficient, saving me a lot of time when working with physics-based motion and trajectory for characters and other moving objects like balls, water, etc.

Despite its benefits, Houdini also presents some challenges. During my testing of the software, its interface was confusing, and mastering its extensive toolset required considerable time and dedication. Houdini is also very expensive and not the most friendly 3D animation software for beginners.

Houdini Pricing Plans

Houdini offers multiple pricing plans to users, starting at $355 for a 30-day rental.

Try Houdini

4. Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya helps users create immersive effects and life-like characters. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 3D modeling (sculpting and polygon modeling), animation (graph editor, rigging, skinning), and rendering (Arnold renderer). I liked how realistic the results looked after creating a 3D model, mainly due to Ray Tracing and Global Illumination features.

The software provides flexibility to customize workflows and seamless integration with tools like Adobe After Effects and Unreal Engine. Studios and artists who collaborate often on 3D animation and game development projects will find it helpful.

While the interface initially felt overwhelming, I came to appreciate its depth later. The built-in rendering engine is another standout, helping me produce stunning visuals that turned out better than I had hoped for. Thanks to its active community, I also found tutorials or troubleshooting help quickly.

While Maya does a great job at many things, it also has limitations. Like many others on this list, its learning curve is steep, which might deter many beginners. It’s also heavy on your rig. So, you will need a robust setup to avoid lag or crashes.

Autodesk Maya Pricing

Autodesk Maya offers multiple plans, starting at $235/month/user.

Try Autodesk Maya

5. 3ds Max

Autodesk 3ds Max is used to create premium designs and expansive worlds. It comes with various modeling features, such as Retopology tools, Spline workflows, Smart Extrude, etc., to build immersive 3D characters, landscapes, environments, and more. 

After using 3ds Max for some time, I can vouch for its versatility in 3D modeling and animation. The interface was intuitive, which made it easier for me to get started. One of my favorite features was the Modifier Stack—it let me make quick adjustments without losing my original work. This is particularly useful for game development and design.

I used the FFD Modifier and Mesh Smoothing tools to easily create complex shapes. Another standout for me was the seamless integration with rendering engines like V-Ray. This also helped me render photorealistic visuals quickly.

What surprised me particularly was how well it worked with other Autodesk software like AutoCAD, streamlining my workflow.

However, a common issue I faced was how demanding the software was on my laptop, especially for larger projects. I also found the program to be expensive, even with multiple plans.

3ds Max Pricing

3ds Max offers multiple plans, starting at $235/month/user.

Try 3ds Max

6. Daz 3D

Daz 3D is free software for creating 3D art, animations, and scenes. It offers a vast library of ready-made models and realistic rendering capabilities.

Despite using Daz 3D for the first time, its user-friendly interface simplified my navigation. Plus, it has an extensive library of pre-made models which I could customize further to my liking. This was an excellent way to introduce beginners to Daz 3D’s features.

The Genesis platform allowed me to morph the characters as I wanted. Thanks to the dForce physics engine, I simulated natural cloth and hair movements for better realism in my renders. Daz 3D also integrates seamlessly with NVIDIA Iray to render photorealistic images efficiently, saving me a lot of time during the rendering process.

However, the software lacked advanced 3D modeling features, like intricate sculpting, fluid dynamics, rigging tools, etc. This made the creation of custom models from scratch quite challenging. Additionally, while the software is free, you’ll have to purchase high-end assets from the online marketplace.

Daz 3D Pricing

Daz 3D is available for free with its Daz Base tier, and there are 2 membership plans that you can avail of:

• Daz+: $9.99/month
• Daz Premier: $18.98/month

Try Daz 3D

7. K-3D

K-3D is an open-source 3D modeling and animation software that offers a node-based workflow, enabling flexible and non-destructive editing.

My first impression of the software was how light it felt on my device. I used its extensive range of features, like parametric design algorithms, advanced undo/redo systems, etc., to configure and adjust design properties and test them; each worked smoothly.

The node-based visualization pipeline allowed me to experiment, and its non-destructive editing process meant I didn’t have to alter any original files while editing.

K-3D integrates with a bunch of other tools, like RenderMan, for improved rendering and customization capabilities. Its open-source nature enables you to experiment and personalize the workflow according to your needs.

However, the open-source nature is also limiting in some aspects. The vanilla version of K-3D is basic, with little to no advanced tools. You’ll have to integrate it separately with other software to enhance its functionality. I also didn’t like the user interface, which felt outdated and uninspired.

K-3D Pricing

K-3D is available for free.

Try K-3D

8. Adobe Substance (3D)

Adobe Substance 3D is a tool suite for creating, texturing, and rendering 3D assets and scenes. It includes tools like Painter for texturing, Designer for sculpting, Sampler for creating assets from real-life images, and Stager for rendering images and videos, catering to all aspects of 3D design.

I found Adobe Substance 3D a comprehensive solution for creating 3D assets. The integration between its tools, such as Painter and Designer, streamlined my workflow. The suite offers an extensive library with a decent collection of materials and assets that you can use to save time.

It was easy to use AI to generate materials and effects—none of the other tools in this list had that option—which saved my time without creating resources from scratch. Moreover, Stager’s real-time rendering feature enabled me to visualize scenes instantly.

One key issue I noticed during my use is that the software requires a lot of system resources, which led to occasional slowdowns on my machine. The project file sizes were also large, which can be an issue if you’re working with limited storage space.

Adobe Substance 3D Pricing

Adobe Substance 3D is available for a 30-day trial. It also offers multiple plans, with the cheapest plan starting at $49.99/month.

Try Adobe Substance 3D

9. Autodesk MotionBuilder

Autodesk MotionBuilder allows users to capture, edit, and playback any kind of complex animation. The software offers a wide range of readymade poses/moves that can be easily applied to animation characters.

I found the interface user-friendly, even for beginners. The efficient workflow for 3D character animation was another highlight, giving me excellent control while sculpting, modeling, texturing, and rigging.

The real-time rendering made it easy to preview animations instantly, saving time on adjustments. Its compatibility with other Autodesk tools, like Maya and 3ds Max, streamlined my animation pipeline.

Adopting a USD (Universal Scene Description) plug-in into the software enables artists to work on animations in the broader USD pipeline within MotionBuilder. The tool also provides rich motion-tracking support that seamlessly integrates live-action data.

However, there were some stability issues as it crashed often with larger projects. Moreover, the licensing costs felt steep for smaller projects or individual users.

Autodesk MotionBuilder Pricing

Autodesk MotionBuilder’s plan starts at $2,145/year/user with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try Autodesk MotionBuilder

10. DeepMotion Animate 3D

DeepMotion Animate 3D is a cloud-based motion capture and 3D animation software that uses AI to capture motion without mo-cap suits.

Using DeepMotion’s Animate 3D was surprisingly easy and straightforward. The markerless motion tracking allowed me to convert standard videos into detailed 3D animations without any specialized equipment, like a mo-cap suit.

I captured face and hand-tracking features using my phone and my 4-year-old daughter as the model. Then, I used some of the existing models from the library to accelerate the animation process.

The software’s physics simulation enhanced realism by accurately depicting movements and interactions. Although the AI does a pretty good job mapping the model’s motion to the 3D character, I had to edit it slightly.

I also utilized the Rotoscope Pose Editor to fine-tune animations directly over input videos for precision. The platform’s compatibility with various export file formats, such as FBX, GLB, MP4, etc., helped me streamline the integration.

However, processing complex animations was time-consuming, especially with high-resolution videos. Additionally, the learning curve for mastering its powerful features was steeper than anticipated.

DeepMotion Animate 3D Pricing

DeepMotion Animate 3D offers multiple plans with a free option and limited credits. The basic plan starts at $9/month (when billed annually).

Try DeepMotion Animate 3D

11. SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro is a versatile animation tool accessible across desktop, iPad, and web apps. It has native 3D tools for freely creating organic shapes and structures.

I liked its user interface, which was sleek, well-organized, and easy to use. The menu arrangement was also intuitive, making it faster to work with.

You can create and modify complex structures within the app using the Push-Pull feature. It helps turn 2D shapes into 3D forms with a simple click-and-drag.

The tool’s drafting capabilities streamlined intermittent work. I could pause my work and come back to it whenever I wanted without losing the progress.

The real-time rendering capability was beneficial as I worked on different 3D models. I could test how each model looked under different environments, lighting conditions, etc. It made the iterative design process more efficient. Integrating the software with other design tools like V-Ray and Lumion was easy and seamless, enhancing functionality.

However, the quality of the renderings was not top-notch, and they turned out unoptimized. Working on complex models and structures was challenging with the tool, as it froze or outright crashed.

SketchUp Pro Pricing Plan

SketchUp Pro’s pricing plans start at $17.99/month.

Try SketchUp Pro

12. iClone (Reallusion)

iClone is real-time 3D animation software that helps artists build animations for feature films, games, videos, and more. It offers multiple features like body animation, face animation, character creation, simulation, and rendering.

I loved how intuitive the iClone UI was. Its drag-and-drop interface allowed me to customize scenes without diving into overly technical steps.

The facial animation tool was convenient—it captured expressions and brought characters to life with precision. The integration with motion capture tools was another advantage, making it easy to add natural movements to my characters.

The software also offers an extensive content library with pre-built characters, props, and environments to save animation time. Its compatibility with external 3D software like Maya and Blender gave me flexibility when switching between tools.

What I didn’t enjoy about iClone was the steep learning curve for beginners. The tutorials felt insufficient, especially when tackling advanced features like video composition, scene and pro, etc. I also found the rendering process slower than expected, which can become frustrating during time-sensitive projects.

iClone Pricing

iClone offers a 30-day free trial, with the Basic plan starting at $599 (one-time payment).

Try iClone

What Is 3D Animation Software?

3D animation software is a digital tool for creating animated visuals in 3D. It enables users to design, animate, and render lifelike characters, 3D objects, and environments. It plays a vital role in the animation workflow, covering stages like modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering.

Usually, the animation process begins with modeling. This is where artists use the software’s modeling tools to create objects or characters in a 3D space. Once the character design is done, the next process is rigging.

Using an armature tool, pose morph tag, or joint tool, rigging adds structures that enable movement. At the same time, animation defines actions and interactions. Rendering produces final visuals, transforming the work into realistic or stylized outputs.

3D animation software is handy for users with different skill levels. Beginners start with simple tools that allow basic animation and modeling, while professionals use advanced features for rendering in complex projects. The software’s flexibility ensures it suits the diverse needs of hobbyists and industry experts.

What Are the Use Cases of 3D Animation Software?

Below, I’ve explained 4 major use cases of 3D animation software.

1. Entertainment Industry (Films, TV Shows, Video Games)

The entertainment industry tells captivating stories using fantastic visuals and characters thanks to 3D animation.

Movies like Avatar, Alita: Battle Angel, etc., were created with 3D animation software. Animated films like Frozen, Moana, etc., rely on detailed 3D models to bring characters to life. TV shows, such as Loki, Warrior Nun, The Witcher, etc., also use CGI to blend realistic effects with live action.

The case is the same with video games. Immersive words and fantastic characters in video games like The Last of Us, Black Myth Wukong, etc., can’t be created without 3D animation software integrating with game engines like Havok and Unreal Engine 5.

2. Education and Training (Simulations, Interactive Learning)

3D animation transforms learning into an interactive experience. For example, medical students practice surgery using virtual models without real-life risks. Aviation schools train pilots through flight simulators powered by 3D animation.

Science educators use animated videos and modules to simplify complex concepts. This makes lessons more engaging and easier to grasp while improving knowledge retention.

3. Advertising and Marketing (Product Demos, Animated Ads)

Marketers use 3D animation to create compelling product presentations. One of the best examples is tech brands that showcase devices from every angle using 3D demos.

Another example is automotive ads. Vehicle companies launch new models with interactive car tours, 360-degree videos, etc.

Even online retailers boost product appeal using animated previews to highlight key features and product benefits.

4. Architectural Visualization (Realistic Renders of Buildings and Spaces)

Architects and designers rely on 3D animation for realistic building previews. Real estate firms create virtual home tours, helping buyers explore properties remotely. Interior designers test various layouts using 3D models before making final decisions.

These visualizations improve client communication and streamline the design process. It helps them promote their projects and designs via social media to grow their business.

Overall, 3D animation software has been a game-changer for creators and consumers alike. By bridging creativity and functionality, it offers limitless possibilities for creators and unforgettable experiences for audiences.

More Resources for Design

• Best Adobe Illustrator Alternatives
• Best AI Design Tools