Great Startup Tools

Best 5 Animated Video Makers in 2026: Compare Tools and Features

By Great Startup Tools

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Introduction

Vyond is the strongest all-around animated video maker here, with animated, mixed-media, and avatar styles. This roundup compares five browser-based tools for business videos, from explainers to training content. It looks at where each tool fits, what stands out, and how they differ, without assuming one option works for every team.

Quick comparison table

ToolBest forPlatformPricing
VyondBusiness explainers, training, and sales videosWebFree trial
CanvaQuick promotional videos and collaborative contentWeb, iOS, AndroidFreemium
MoovlyBrowser-based animation and video editingWebFreemium
RenderforestTemplate-based 2D and 3D animationWebFreemium
PowtoonAnimated presentations and explainersWebFreemium

The tools range from template-based animation makers to broader video creation platforms. Canva is the only one listed for iOS and Android; the rest are web-based. Check each provider’s current plans for availability and included features.

1. Vyond

Best for: Business explainers, training, and sales videos that need animation or avatars.

Vyond offers a few ways to present information: animated scenes, mixed-media video, and avatar-led content. That range works well for businesses creating different kinds of videos, including marketing, sales, training, and explainers.

The main draw is the ability to mix video styles in one platform. That gives teams room to experiment, but the best style still depends on the message. For example, an avatar may not suit every training or sales video.

2. Canva

Best for: Quick promotional videos and teams already creating business content in Canva.

Canva’s online editor, templates, and animation effects make it possible to create business videos without desktop software. It’s a practical option for promotional content if your team would rather use familiar design tools than learn a dedicated animation workflow.

Canva also supports collaborative editing on web, iOS, and Android. Teams can work on videos across devices, which helps when people are in different locations or prefer using a phone or tablet.

3. Moovly

Best for: Browser-based video creation that combines animation with editing.

Moovly combines animated video features with a broader online creation and editing workflow. Templates and media assets give users a starting point, while its AI features can help generate and edit content.

Its main advantage is having animation, editing, media assets, and AI features in one web-based tool. That may suit teams looking for more than template-based animation. How much editing and customization you’ll need depends on the project.

4. Renderforest

Best for: Customizable 2D or 3D animated videos made from templates.

Renderforest’s template-based videos let users create content for business without starting from a blank canvas. The animation maker supports both 2D and 3D styles, giving teams a choice of visual approaches.

Template-based animation is the main draw, along with options aimed at businesses. Team management and branding features are available on business plans, but aren’t included with every plan. Check the current plan details if they’re important to your workflow.

5. Powtoon

Best for: Animated presentations, explainers, and whiteboard-style videos.

Powtoon brings animated video creation and presentation-making together. Users can customize designs, characters, animation, and media assets for different formats, from presentation-led explainers to whiteboard-style videos.

That combination sets it apart. Compared with tools focused more narrowly on template-based animation, Powtoon offers a presentation-friendly range in the same platform. It could suit teams that need both formats, though a presentation-style approach won’t work for every business video.

How we picked these tools

This list covers tools with clear business uses and explicit animated video features. We considered the styles available, including avatars, mixed media, 2D and 3D animation, and whiteboard videos.

We also looked at practical features such as templates, editing, media assets, collaboration, and platform access. The order reflects each tool’s range and fit for common business needs, not a claim that one is best for every workflow. Before choosing, check whether your preferred plan includes the features your team needs.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in an animated video maker?

Start with the kind of video you expect to make most often, whether that’s training, marketing, or a presentation. Then compare animation styles, templates, editing options, and collaboration features. If branding or team management matters, check which plans include them.

Can I make business videos without animation experience?

Templates, customizable designs, and media assets can help you get started without building every scene from scratch. The amount of editing still varies by tool and project, so choose a workflow that gives you the level of control you want.

Which tools work on mobile devices?

Canva is listed for web, iOS, and Android. Vyond, Moovly, Renderforest, and Powtoon are listed as web tools. Check with the provider to confirm current device support and plan details before committing.

The verdict

Vyond is the strongest overall pick, thanks to its animated, mixed-media, and avatar styles for common business video needs. That range makes it a flexible choice for teams producing more than one kind of video. Canva is a strong runner-up for collaborative work across devices, while Powtoon is a good fit for presentation-led explainers. Choose based on the format you expect to make most often.

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