Runway
AI
Generative video and VFX
AI-native alternative to After Effects for generative VFX, motion graphics, and video-to-video effects.
Text-to-video generation
AI green screen
Inpainting
Freemium · from $0
Adobe After Effects
Classic
Motion graphics and visual effects
4.3
Paid · from $22.99/mo
Best for Motion designers and VFX artistsOverview
After Effects is the standard for motion graphics, compositing and VFX. Simple animations take far longer here than in newer generative tools.
Key features
- Compositing
- Keyframe animation
- Rotoscoping
- Expressions
Pros
- Unmatched control
- Huge template market
- Deep plugin support
Cons
- Slow renders
- Very steep learning curve
Adobe After Effects screenshot
Captured from the official website
Adobe After Effects replaces
AI alternatives to Adobe After Effects
Adobe Firefly
AI
Commercially safe generative imaging
Generative AI video and effects engine that complements or replaces manual AE compositing tasks.
Text to image
Generative fill
Generative expand
Freemium · from $9.99/mo
Motionscript
Classic
Motion graphics made simple
Lightweight motion graphics editor for creators who find After Effects overkill.
Template library
Timeline editor
Team collaboration
Paid · from $29/mo
Blender
Classic
Free 3D creation suite
Free, powerful non-AI alternative for VFX, compositing and 3D motion graphics work.
Node compositor
3D animation
VFX tracking
Free · from Free
HitFilm Pro
Classic
VFX and editing combined
Combined editor and compositor with built-in VFX packs, a direct budget alternative to AE.
2D/3D compositing
Editing timeline
Effects presets
Paid · from $249 one-time
VEED AI
AI
Browser video editor with AI tools
Browser-based AI editor covering many AE-style effects for simpler social/marketing motion needs.
Auto subtitles
Background removal
AI avatars
Freemium · from $12/mo
Cavalry
Classic
Motion design, reimagined
Modern parametric motion graphics app favored by designers moving away from AE's rigging complexity.
Parametric design
Real-time playback
Node-based animation
Paid · from $21/mo