Side by side
Cinema 4D vs SynthEyes
Both stand on vfx tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial LinuxMacWindows
Choose Cinema 4D if you need a desktop 3D application spanning modeling, motion design, simulation, and rendering. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan, or if your computer lacks AVX2 support for version 2025 or newer.
Visit Cinema 4D Paid LinuxMacWindows
SynthEyes focuses on camera tracking while also providing keying and rotoscoping tools across three desktop operating systems. The 14-day trial offers an evaluation period before the 325.00 USD annual subscription.
Visit SynthEyesThe facts
| Cinema 4D | SynthEyes | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Subscription: $325 a year |
| Plans published | None | 2 |
| Maker | Cinema 4D | Not published |
| Website | maxon.net | borisfx.com |
| On vfx tools | #14 of 21 | #18 of 21 |
Cinema 4D: what it does well
- MoGraph tools support procedural motion design.
- Simulation covers cloth, bodies, particles, hair, smoke, and liquids.
- Every subscription includes GPU-accelerated Redshift rendering.
- Supports 3D printing export and numerous 3D and CAD formats.
- Cineware supports After Effects and Unreal Engine workflows.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- The free trial lasts 14 days and includes only the latest releases.
- Versions 2025 and newer require a CPU with AVX2 support.
- Licensing and online content access require an internet connection.
SynthEyes: what it does well
- 3D camera tracking included
- Keying and rotoscoping tools
- Supports macOS, Windows, and Linux
- 14-day trial available
- Standalone desktop application
What to know first
- No free plan
- Costs $325 a year
- Subscription is billed annually
- Paid product
Alternatives to Cinema 4D Alternatives to SynthEyes The whole list