Side by side
Pencil2D vs Powtoon
Both stand on animation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows
Pencil2D provides core drawing and timeline tools for hand-drawn 2D animation without a software fee. Note its unimplemented video, text, and shape tools when deciding whether it fits your workflow.
Visit Pencil2D
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1
Powtoon combines video editing, animation, presentation creation, and AI-assisted tools in a browser-based editor. Review the free plan’s length and watermark limits, or the paid tier’s annual billing and export allowance.
Visit PowtoonThe facts
| Pencil2D | Powtoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, Extension, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 2 | 10 |
| Maker | Not published | Powtoon |
| Website | pencil2d.org | powtoon.com |
| On animation software | #2 of 106 | #6 of 106 |
Pencil2D: what it does well
- Free and open source, including for commercial use.
- Supports raster and vector workflows.
- Onion skin can show previous and next keyframes.
- Exports video, GIF, and image-sequence formats.
What to know first
- Video importing has not been implemented.
- Text and shape tools are not implemented.
- Legacy builds lack the latest security fixes.
Powtoon: what it does well
- Editor includes captions, transitions, voiceovers, and soundtracks.
- AI tools cover video, scripts, speech, captions, and images.
- Capture records a screen, webcam, or both.
- Free plan includes screen recording.
What to know first
- Free videos are limited to three minutes and 720p.
- Free exports include a Powtoon watermark.
- Capture recordings are deleted after three months.
- Lite costs $15 a month billed yearly.
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