After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve (Fusion)
A detailed comparison of After Effects and DaVinci Resolve (Fusion) to help you choose the best tool for your needs in 2026. DaVinci Resolve includes Fusion, a professional VFX and motion graphics tool. The free version includes Fusion. It's cro...
After Effects
After Effects is a paid tool that many users are looking to replace with free or cheaper alternatives. This page curates the best alternatives to After Effects in 2026.
PRICING
Single app $20.99/month; All Apps $54.99/month
DaVinci Resolve (Fusion)
DaVinci Resolve includes Fusion, a professional VFX and motion graphics tool. The free version includes Fusion. It's cross-platform (Mac, Windows, Linux).
RATING
4.7Live Data
After Effects
DaVinci Resolve (Fusion)
💡 Data sourced from FMHY (Free Media Heck Yeah) and updated regularly. GitHub stars reflect real-time community adoption.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Detailed breakdown of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | After Effects | DaVinci Resolve (Fusion) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid Single app $20.99/month | Free |
| Open Source | ||
| Self-Hosted | — | |
| User Rating | — | 4.7 |
| Migration Difficulty | N/A | Medium |
| Best For | General use | Motion graphics artists who want a free, professional-grade VFX and motion graphics tool |
Why Choose DaVinci Resolve (Fusion) Over After Effects?
Free version with professional VFX and motion graphics (Fusion page)
KEY FEATURES
Best For
Motion graphics artists who want a free, professional-grade VFX and motion graphics tool
Pros & Cons
After Effects
KNOWN FOR
After Effects is a paid tool that many users are looking to replace with free or cheaper alternatives. This page curates the best alternatives to Afte...
PAIN POINTS
- Expensive ($20.99/month for single app)
- No free tier — must pay to use
- Steep learning curve
DaVinci Resolve (Fusion)
PROS
- Free version is very powerful
- Cross-platform
- Professional-grade VFX
- Node-based compositing
CONS
- Steep learning curve
- Requires powerful hardware
Why Consider Switching from After Effects?
Get free motion graphics and VFX with Blender
Pay $0/year instead of $252/year
Get 100% open-source with no subscription
Get cross-platform support (Mac, Windows, Linux)
Get better 3D integration with Blender
Common After Effects Pain Points
Expensive ($20.99/month for single app)
Impact: Users pay $252/year for motion graphics software
No free tier — must pay to use
Impact: Students and casual users can't try
Steep learning curve
Impact: New users take months to master
Requires powerful hardware
Impact: Users need to upgrade their computers
Adobe ecosystem lock-in
Impact: Users who don't use other Adobe apps overpay
How to Migrate from After Effects to DaVinci Resolve (Fusion)
- 1
Download Blender (free and open-source)
- 2
Learn Blender's motion graphics workflow
- 3
Use DaVinci Resolve (Fusion) for VFX
- 4
Rebuild After Effects compositions in Blender or Fusion
- 5
Cancel Adobe After Effects subscription after confirming the alternative meets your needs
Pro Tips
- Blender is best for 3D motion graphics and VFX
- DaVinci Resolve (Fusion) is best for node-based compositing
- Both are cross-platform (Mac, Windows, Linux)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a completely free alternative to After Effects?
Yes. Blender is 100% free and open-source. DaVinci Resolve has a free version with Fusion (VFX and motion graphics).
Which After Effects alternative is best for 3D motion graphics?
Blender is the best free alternative for 3D motion graphics and VFX.
Can I migrate my After Effects compositions to Blender?
Yes. You'll need to rebuild your compositions in Blender, but Blender's motion graphics capabilities are very powerful.