Side by side

Apple Motion vs Final Cut Pro

Both stand on motion tracking software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Apple Motion

Free trial Mac

Apple Motion combines motion-graphics creation, built-in content, effects, and Final Cut Pro integration in a Mac application. Its paid model and macOS requirements matter for anyone considering it.

Visit Apple Motion

Final Cut Pro pairs editing tools with Mac and iPad workflows, including 4K export and a broad list of supported formats. Check the operating-system requirements and whether a one-time Mac purchase or subscription fits your needs.

Visit Final Cut Pro

The facts

	Apple Motion	Final Cut Pro
Free plan	A free trial	A free trial
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Mac	iPhone, Mac
Lowest paid plan	Apple Creator Studio: $12.99 a month	Apple Creator Studio for students and educators: $29.99 a year
Plans published	2	5
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	apple.com	apple.com
On motion tracking software	#23 of 40	#27 of 40

Apple Motion: what it does well

Supports 2D, 3D, and 360° compositions
Includes over 1,900 royalty-free graphics
Offers more than 200 filters and effects
Publishes titles and effects to Final Cut Pro
Includes keying, rotoscoping, and simulation tools

What to know first

Mac-only application
No free plan
Requires macOS 15.6 or later
Starts at $49.99 a month

Final Cut Pro: what it does well

Includes audio, color, title, transition, and effects tools
Creates captions from spoken audio
iPad app supports Apple Pencil and Live Drawing
Supports 4K export and team collaboration
Mac version supports a range of named formats

What to know first

No free plan
Mac version requires macOS 15.6 or later
iPad version requires iPadOS 18.6 or later
Some features require an Apple Intelligence-capable device

Alternatives to Apple Motion Alternatives to Final Cut Pro The whole list