Animation technology has grown leaps and bounds in the last decade, and it’s improving exponentially. This means that in just 5 or 10 years, the designs we see could be lightyears ahead of where we are now. To remain updated on the best 3D animation software and apps in 2025, you must keep an eye out for all the latest trends in technology. Know more about 3D animation benefits in businesses and the best tools to craft creative animations.
What is 3D Animation, and Why It’s Great for Businesses?
3D animation refers to creating moving, three-dimensional images in a digital environment. These captivating visuals are made using 3D software, which helps animators create computerized objects that look 3D even on a 2D surface. With proper timing and visual effects, animators can make everything in a video game or movie look like it’s moving through a three-dimensional space. Pixar’s “Toy Story” is an example of 3D animation.
Nowadays, 3D animation is used in a much broader digital context, from prototyping to architecture and medical imaging to marketing products and services.
Take your marketing to the next level with 3D animation. Here’s what it can do for you:
Attracts Audience Attention
One of the benefits of 3D animation is that it usually adds a cheerful vibe, which makes the content more interesting to viewers. This characteristic creates a great impact, especially in advertising. Once you’ve caught their interest, it is easier to promote your products and services to them.
Encourages Meaningful Interaction
Businesses use animation to interact with their customers. Visual effects help create videos by encouraging audience participation and making them feel more connected to the brand.
Builds Brand Identity
Animation is great for promotion. Using technology and imagery, firms can explain their business goals very well. A well-made video animation will stick to people’s minds for a long time and create a memorable brand. Eventually, it will create individuality and amplify uniqueness.
Attracts Online Traffic
3D animation can be posted on multiple channels. And because there are millions of internet users daily, you have a high chance of getting brand exposure. HubSpot says that embedding videos on landing pages has been found to increase conversions by as much as 86%. This is something that start-up business owners should take advantage of.
Do you need logos, brochures, aninamted ads and other marketing assets?
Subscribe to Penji and let's work together to promote your business.
Overview of the Best Animation Software in 2025
1. Autodesk Maya
Best For: small projects, advertisements, and blockbuster films
Key Features: Maya is widely regarded as the best 3D animation software on the market. It has been used to create some of the biggest blockbuster films, including Harry Potter, South Park, and numerous animated shows. Maya is equally good at 2D and 3D animation and allows users to create complex and realistic worlds, objects, and characters. It also has all the features of the other animation software programs, plus more. For example, Arnold is an advanced render that allows users to seamlessly switch from CPU to GPU. Rigging is a tool that processes the most complex things – like winged models and four-foot animals.
Maya also has an auto-rigging tool that basically does all the work for you! So if you’re looking for the best 3D animation software available, Maya is a clear choice.
Price: Maya has a one-year subscription cost of $2479. But if you wanna just test the waters and give it a spin, there is a free 30-day trial.
2. Blender
Best For: A wide range of projects. Great for video games, movies, and anyone creating animation ads.
Key Features: Probably the most well-known 3D animation software out there. Blender has high-quality Tools at your disposal. I’m talking automatic skilling, envelope, and skeleton.
Speaking of skeletons, you can design one with their rigging tool. This means that you can Define the bones and their influence. You can also define the mobility and position of each limb. Basically, you can create a character from the inside out. Is it creepy? Maybe. Is it unbelievably cool? Yes, it is.
Blender allows for direct drawing in both 2D and 3D. It can also use motion capture software. Play with multiple layers and colors to create the perfect models for your project.
Price: Free
3. Autodesk 3ds Max
Best for: 3D Modeling and Animation
Key Features: While 3ds Max and Maya are used by professional animators, 3ds Max’s interface is more user-friendly. It might be better for creating outdoor and interior designs, but you can still create animations. Plus, its rigging process is easier to manage. You can work with particle and light simulation. There’s a cloth engine and scripting. You’ll find a couple of animation tools to help you animate humanoid and non-humanoid characters, and the inclusion of motion paths makes it easy to move an object on the screen and get an instant preview of the result.
Price: Autodesk 3ds Max has three pricing options, from $235 to $5,625. A free trial of Autodesk 3ds Max is also available
4. Cascadeur
Best For: video game and movie developers
Key Features: Cascadeur is a 3D animation software made specifically with game developers in line. Based on the science of physics, Cascadeur introduces a whole new way of animating. For the experienced artist, creating realistic animations has never been easier.
You can create one from scratch or you can take realistic mocap data and modify various attributes. This 3D animation software can easily integrate itself into your existing workflow. So if you’re already working on a project, use Cascadeur to help you finish. Of course, it’s always a fun time starting from scratch on a new program.
Cascadeur has an active community. There’s a Discord server that allows loyal members to communicate with the developers.
Price: This Basic plan is free. $300 a month for Pro. $1000 a month for Business.
5. Cinema 4D
Best For: Beginners
Key Features: Don’t be fooled by the title; this is a 3D animation software. We probably won’t be seeing 4D animations anytime soon. But this is the next best thing.
Cinema 4D does have some other unique qualities; it’s one of the few programs designed specifically for beginners. A strong engine with simplistic features. The learning curve is minimal, and you can pretty much jump right into production. Furthermore, you can keyframe any desired object. The software tag expressions and effectors are readily available. It also comes with a full-on editor tool for creating expressions.
Price: This will definitely cost you some money. The standalone version costs $719 a year. If you want the full package before Max on products, that’ll be $1199 per year.
6. Houdini
Best For: game development, visual effects
Key Features: Here is a more advanced option for those of you with bigger projects. Houdini is a software developed by SideFX. Used by fairly large companies, such as Disney and Pixar. So it’s safe to say that they’re a pretty big deal in the world of animated illustrations.
Houdini is known for its artist-friendly tools. It also has an auto Rick tool which allows for the seamless creation of biped and quadruped 3D models. Need a screen with a large gathering of background characters? With Houdini, you can carry out some complex crowd simulations.
The program is most known for its flexibility and high quality.
Price: Quality doesn’t come without a price. Houdini is made up of four plans FX, CORE, Indie, and Apprentice. For the more casual users, the Apprentice version is free. Independent animators can get the Indie version which costs $269 per year. If you’re super serious, you can get either the CORE or FX package. This will cost you $1995 to $4495 per year.
Factors to Consider when Looking for the Best 3D Animation Software
When selecting the best software for 3D animation, you must consider the following factors:
Ease of Use
The user interface is important to ensure the software’s accessibility and usability. An intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate can improve productivity and minimize beginners’ learning time.
Features and Capabilities
The features and capabilities offered by the each software influence its versatility and suitability for different types of animation projects. Look for advanced modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, and rendering tools to meet your requirements.
Compatibility
Compatibility with other software applications and file formats is essential for seamless interoperability and integration. See to it that the chosen software allows efficient data exchange with other animation tools and platforms.
Cost and Licensing
Consider the overall cost of the software, including upfront fees, subscription plans, and licensing options. Based on your budget, project requirements, and long-term career goals, evaluate the ROI.
Don’t wanna do your own animations?
Does DIY animation sound like a whole headache you don’t have time for? Save time and hire it out.
Rest assured, our designers do animation on-budget and on-time. Maybe you don’t wanna be the next great animated filmmaker, but you just need some simple graphics to jazz up your project or advertise it properly. In that case, lean on Penji for unlimited animated designs for a flat monthly fee. Our designers go out of their way to provide the best customer service and talk with you about your designs in our user-friendly interface.
See our design portfolio here and click the Animations tab for samples of our work.
