Live2D Cubism
by Live2D CubismCubism suits creators who want to animate drawn 2D models for uses such as apps, games, streaming, or animation.
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Best 2D Character Animation Software 2026
Facts read 29 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026
2D character animation software helps you draw, rig and animate characters for exported projects. Compare the animation workflow, rigging and deformation tools, lip sync, export formats and the platforms you use.
The standings: top 10
| Name | In a line | Record score | Price from | Try it free | Runs on | Facts read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Live2D Cubism | Cubism suits creators who want to animate drawn 2D models for uses such as apps, games, streaming, or animation. | 6.3 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, Windows | 29 Sep 2026 |
| 02 Animation Desk | Animation Desk suits beginners, students, and professional animators making rough animation, animatics, or storyboards. | 6.2 | $2.49 a month, billed yearly | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Mac | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 03 FlipaClip | FlipaClip suits aspiring and emerging artists who want to make frame-by-frame animations on Android, iOS, or macOS. | 6.0 | $29.99 a year | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Mac | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 04 Animaker | Animaker is a freemium animation app available on Android, iOS and the web. | 5.9 | $15 a month, billed yearly | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Web, API | 29 Sep 2026 |
| 05 Animaze | Animaze is a freemium avatar animation app for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows with streaming integrations. | 5.9 | $19.99 a year | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Mac | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 06 VTube Studio | VTube Studio suits Virtual YouTubers using Live2D models, including creators who want tracking-based controls or Twitch interaction. | 5.9 | $14.99 one-time | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows, Mac | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 07 Plotagon | Plotagon apps make animated videos for narratives, training, education and advertising on Android, iOS and Windows. | 5.7 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, iPhone & iPad, Windows | 2 Oct 2026 |
| 08 PNGTuber Plus | PNGTuber Plus suits beginners who want to customize and animate a 2D PNG avatar. | 5.6 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 09 Adobe Character Animator | 5.4 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac | 15 Oct 2026 | |
| 10 Pencil2D | It suits animators making hand-drawn 2D work who want raster and vector workflows, onion skin, keyframes, and multiple export formats. | 5.4 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux | 14 Oct 2026 |
This page does not publish a ranking basis, so it does not score the tools. The order can change as the list is rebuilt; use the published fields to compare free access, paid starting prices and platform support.
02
Animation Desk
Animation Desk suits beginners, students, and professional animators making rough animation, animatics, or storyboards.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+1 Record6.2 Visit
03
FlipaClip
FlipaClip suits aspiring and emerging artists who want to make frame-by-frame animations on Android, iOS, or macOS.
AndroidiPhone & iPadMac Record6.0 Visit
04
Animaker
Animaker is a freemium animation app available on Android, iOS and the web.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWeb+1 Record5.9 Visit
05
Animaze
Animaze is a freemium avatar animation app for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows with streaming integrations.
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+2 Record5.9 Visit
6
VTube Studio
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+2 $14.99 one-time Record5.9 Visit VTube Studio suits Virtual YouTubers using Live2D models, including creators who want tracking-based controls or Twitch interaction.
7
Plotagon
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows Free plan Record5.7 Visit Plotagon apps make animated videos for narratives, training, education and advertising on Android, iOS and Windows.
8
PNGTuber Plus
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record5.6 Visit PNGTuber Plus suits beginners who want to customize and animate a 2D PNG avatar.
10
Pencil2D
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record5.4 Visit It suits animators making hand-drawn 2D work who want raster and vector workflows, onion skin, keyframes, and multiple export formats.
11
RoughAnimator
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+1 $7.99 one-time Record5.3 Visit RoughAnimator suits beginners and professional animators who want to draw animation frame by frame on tablets or desktop computers.
12
Spriter
WindowsLinux $59.99 one-time Record5.3 Visit Spriter animates modular sprites along skeletal timelines on Linux and Windows.
13
Stick Nodes
AndroidiPhone & iPad Free plan Record5.3 Visit Stick Nodes suits people creating stickfigure animations on a phone or tablet, from beginners and students to skilled animators.
14
Callipeg
AndroidiPhone & iPadWindows+2 $5 one-time Record5.2 Visit Callipeg suits animators creating hand-drawn or keyframe work on tablets and desktop computers.
16
TupiTube
AndroidWindowsMac+1 Free plan Record5.2 Visit TupiTube may suit children, teenagers and amateur artists learning 2D animation, especially those seeking free desktop software or an Android version.
17
Mango Animate Whiteboard Animation Maker
Windows $59 one-time Record5.1 Visit Mango WM suits Windows users making whiteboard-style videos for business, education, or personal projects.
18
SkelForm
WebWindowsMac+1 Free plan Record5.0 Visit SkelForm builds 2D skeletal game animations in a downloadable or web editor.
19
veadotube
WindowsMacLinux $8 a month Record4.9 Visit veadotube makes live avatars for virtual puppetry, with image-based animation and controls on Linux, macOS and Windows.
20
Marionette Studio
Web $7 a month, billed yearly Record4.8 Visit Marionette Studio creates, rigs and animates 2D characters and environments in a browser.
21
OpenToonz
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record4.8 Visit OpenToonz makes 2D animations with rigging tools on Linux, macOS and Windows.
22
Synfig Studio
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record4.8 Visit Synfig Studio creates 2D animations with rigging on Linux, macOS and Windows.
23
Tahoma2D
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record4.8 Visit Tahoma2D suits animators who need free 2D or stop motion tools on desktop operating systems.
Before you choose
Match the animation workflow
Compare how each tool handles its animation workflow before choosing. The list records workflow details so you can look for a drawing-led, rig-led or mixed approach that fits your project.
Check bone rigging, mesh deformation and lip sync when character movement or dialogue matters.
Check your working platform
Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and web. Confirm that the tool supports the device where you plan to create and edit animations.
Platform support differs across the list, so check the published platform field rather than assuming a desktop tool has a mobile or browser version.
Start with the access model
A free plan is available with tools such as Animaze, FlipaClip, VTube Studio and TupiTube. Other tools use paid access, and some offer a free trial.
Published starting prices vary. Animaze lists paid access from $1.67 per month on an annual plan, while RoughAnimator lists a starting price of $7.99 and Callipeg lists $5.
Review export formats
Export formats affect where your finished animation can go next. Compare the listed formats with the requirements of your editing, publishing or sharing workflow before committing.
Check licensing needs
If you need to inspect or change code, check whether the tool is open source. The list includes open-source software as a comparison field alongside pricing, workflow and platform details.
Questions
Which platforms does this software list cover?
The comparison covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and web support. Check the platform field for the tool you are considering.
Can I try 2D character animation software for free?
Yes. Tools on the list include free plans and free trials. FlipaClip lists a 7-day trial, while Animaze, VTube Studio and TupiTube list free plans.
What is the lowest paid price shown?
The published examples include Animaze from $1.67 per month on an annual plan, Callipeg from $5 and RoughAnimator from $7.99.
Does Procreate offer a free plan or trial?
Procreate is listed as paid, with no free plan and no free trial.
Can I compare rigging and lip sync support?
Yes. Bone rigging, mesh deformation and lip sync are comparison fields on this page, along with workflow and export formats.
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