Best Adobe Character Animator CC Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to Adobe Character Animator CC? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Adobe Character Animator CC alongside similar software solutions including Adobe Character Animator CC, Adobe After Effects CC, PhotoMirage, Adobe Animate 2021, Adobe Illustrator and OpenShot Video Editor.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Adobe Character Animator CC, Adobe After Effects CC, PhotoMirage, Adobe Animate 2021, Adobe Illustrator and OpenShot Video Editor stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

Primary Function

Adobe Character Animator CC
Adobe Character Animator CC
2D character animation and real-time facial expression tracking for live animation and streaming.
Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Motion graphics, visual effects, and complex compositing for video projects.
PhotoMirage
PhotoMirage
Basic animation capabilities focused on animating still images into eye-catching designs.
Adobe Animate 2021
Adobe Animate 2021
Creation of interactive animations and vector animations, including HTML5 and game content.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Vector graphics editor for creating detailed illustrations, logos, and graphic designs.
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot Video Editor
Free and open-source video editing software with basic animation and multi-track editing.

Supported Platforms and System Requirements

Adobe Character Animator CC
Adobe Character Animator CC
Desktop application available on Windows and macOS with high system requirements.
Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Desktop software for Windows and macOS requiring powerful hardware and 64-bit OS.
PhotoMirage
PhotoMirage
Available for both Windows and macOS with lower system requirements suitable for casual users.
Adobe Animate 2021
Adobe Animate 2021
Available on Windows and macOS, requires 64-bit OS and sufficient RAM.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Available for Windows and macOS as part of Adobe Creative Cloud; requires mid to high system specs.
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot Video Editor
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux; open-source with moderate system requirements.

Pricing Model

Adobe Character Animator CC
Adobe Character Animator CC
Subscription-based through Adobe Creative Cloud.
Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Monthly subscription fee with free trial available.
PhotoMirage
PhotoMirage
Paid software with a free trial period; pricing details on Corel website.
Adobe Animate 2021
Adobe Animate 2021
Subscription-based with monthly or yearly plans available.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Monthly or annual subscription via Adobe Creative Cloud.
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot Video Editor
Free and open-source software with no cost to use.

Ease of Use & Target Users

Adobe Character Animator CC
Adobe Character Animator CC
User-friendly interface designed to cater to beginners and professionals interested in 2D character animation.
Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Complex interface with steep learning curve suited for advanced users and professionals in motion graphics.
PhotoMirage
PhotoMirage
Easy-to-use tools focused on casual users and beginners for simple image animations.
Adobe Animate 2021
Adobe Animate 2021
Robust animation tools but steep learning curve; suitable for animators needing interactive content creation.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Powerful but steep learning curve; professional graphic designers and illustrators are primary users.
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot Video Editor
Simple and intuitive user interface ideal for beginners and budget-conscious users in video editing.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how Adobe Character Animator CC stacks up against Adobe Character Animator CC, Adobe After Effects CC, PhotoMirage, Adobe Animate 2021, Adobe Illustrator and OpenShot Video Editor in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.