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Best Multimedia Software in 2026

Multimedia software helps with creative work across media types and workflows. The list includes software available for macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux, Android or web use.

  1. 1

    Blender

    by Blender
    Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

    Blender brings a wide range of 3D and animation tools into one free, open-source desktop application.

    8.7 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Inkscape

    Free plan Open source ExtensionLinuxMac+1

    Inkscape offers vector illustration tools and broad listed file compatibility at no cost. It is a desktop-only option in the listed platforms, with community-provided help and no warranty.

    8.6 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    Adobe Express Video

    by Adobe Express Video
    Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+4
    7.6 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  4. 4

    Adobe Lightroom

    by Adobe Lightroom
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    Choose Lightroom if you need photo editing and organizing across desktop, web, and mobile, with RAW support, batch editing, masking, AI retouching, and cloud sync.

    7.5 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
  5. 5

    Adobe Photoshop

    by Adobe Photoshop
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    Photoshop brings detailed image editing, compositing, and generative tools together across several platforms.

    7.4 7-day trial Visit site
  6. 6

    Adobe Premiere

    by Adobe Premiere
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1
    7.4 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
  7. 7

    Adobe Character Animator

    by Adobe Character Animator
    Free plan MacWindows

    Choose Adobe Character Animator if you need 2D animation with rigging, real-time face tracking, and multiple export formats.

    7.3 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
  8. 8

    Audacity

    by Audacity
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

    Audacity offers a broad set of desktop audio editing tools without a subscription. Its lack of a mobile version and MIDI sequencing may matter to some users.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  9. 9

    Adobe Fresco

    Free plan iPhoneWindows

    Adobe Fresco combines drawing and painting tools with animation, unlimited layers, and cloud syncing. Its free plan has 5 GB of storage, while paid access is listed with Photoshop on iPad and 100 GB.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    Ardour

    by Ardour
    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Ardour covers audio and MIDI production, plugin automation, routing, and limited video synchronization in an open-source package.

    7.2 Free plan · paid from $1/mo Visit site
  11. 11

    DaVinci Resolve

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    DaVinci Resolve covers a wide range of post-production work, with a free tier and a $295 Studio edition.

    7.1 Free plan · paid from $295 Visit site
  12. 12

    GIMP

    by GIMP
    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    GIMP combines photo editing, artwork creation, and scripting tools in a free multi-platform program. Check the stated platform requirements and RAW support limitation against your needs.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    Houdini

    by Houdini
    Free plan WindowsMacLinux

    Houdini combines procedural modeling and animation with simulation, rendering and pipeline tools across several creative industries.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from $299/yr Visit site
  14. 14

    Krita

    by Krita
    Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1

    Krita combines painting, animation, color-management, and plugin tools in a free, open-source program. Check the platform and memory requirements, particularly if you need an iPad or iPhone app.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    iMovie

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac

    Its free plan, 4K support, cross-device projects, and education features cover a wide range of video projects.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  16. 16

    ZBrush

    by ZBrush
    Free plan APIiPhoneMac+1
    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  17. 17

    OpenShot Video Editor

    by OpenShot Video Editor
    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    OpenShot offers a broad set of desktop editing, effects, title, and recording tools under a free plan. Its listed platforms exclude browser-based and mobile editing.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  18. 18

    Adobe Illustrator

    by Adobe Illustrator
    Free trial iPhoneMacWeb+1

    Illustrator covers detailed vector drawing, typography, pattern, recoloring, and AI-assisted creation across desktop, mobile, and web access.

    6.4 7-day trial Visit site
  19. 19

    Adobe After Effects

    by Adobe After Effects
    Free trial MacWindows

    After Effects focuses on animation and visual effects, with useful links to Premiere and Photoshop workflows.

    6.3 7-day trial Visit site
  20. 20

    Adobe Animate

    Free trial MacWindows

    Adobe Animate provides a broad 2D and interactive animation toolset with many export formats and Adobe workflow connections.

    6.2 7-day trial Visit site
  21. 21

    Affinity Designer

    Free plan MacWindows
    6.0 Free plan Visit site
  22. 22

    Ableton Live

    by Ableton Live
    Paid MacWindows

    Choose Ableton Live if you need music production software with MIDI sequencing, multitrack editing, and sample import on Windows or macOS.

    5.8 From $99 · 30-day trial Visit site
  23. 23

    Final Cut Pro

    Free trial iPhoneMac

    Final Cut Pro pairs editing tools with Mac and iPad workflows, including 4K export and a broad list of supported formats.

    5.8 From $2.99/mo Visit site
  24. 24

    Adobe Audition

    by Adobe Audition
    Paid MacWindows

    Choose Adobe Audition if you need multitrack editing, noise reduction, video synchronization, or third-party plugin support on macOS or Windows.

    5.7 7-day trial Visit site
  25. 25

    Cinema 4D

    by Cinema 4D
    Free trial LinuxMacWindows

    Choose Cinema 4D if you need a desktop 3D application spanning modeling, motion design, simulation, and rendering.

    5.7 14-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Use the Free plan, Paid from, media types and Primary workflow fields to compare options. Before deciding, review trial duration, supported platforms, collaboration, AI media tools and licence type. If code access matters, read the open-source licence terms.

Questions

Can I use multimedia software for free?

The list includes tools with free plans, free trials or paid access. Check the pricing details for the tool you are considering.

Which platforms are supported?

Software in this list is available on macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux, Android or the web. Check the platform field for a specific tool.

How do I compare multimedia tools?

Review the Free plan, Paid from, media types, Primary workflow, supported platforms, collaboration, AI media tools and licence type fields.

Do these tools have open-source code?

Open-source code is available from tools in the list. Check the licence type and terms for the software you want to use.

Are free trials available?

A free trial may be available. Trial length and conditions vary, so review the pricing note for the tool.

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