Best Adobe After Effects CC Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to Adobe After Effects CC? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Adobe After Effects CC alongside similar software solutions including Adobe After Effects CC, OpenShot Video Editor, Wondershare Filmora, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Nero Video, Shotcut, Movavi Video Editor, Adobe Photoshop CS4, VSDC Free Video Editor and Adobe Illustrator.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Adobe After Effects CC, OpenShot Video Editor, Wondershare Filmora, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Nero Video, Shotcut, Movavi Video Editor, Adobe Photoshop CS4, VSDC Free Video Editor and Adobe Illustrator stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

Pricing Model

Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Monthly subscription fee
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot Video Editor
Free and open-source
Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora
Free trial with watermark, paid version available
Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop CC
Monthly subscription fee
Adobe Photoshop CS5
Adobe Photoshop CS5
Perpetual license purchase
Nero Video
Nero Video
Paid, relatively high price, free trial available
Shotcut
Shotcut
Free and open-source
Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor
Free 7-day trial version, paid license required
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Perpetual license purchase with free trial
VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor
Free version with no hidden fees
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Monthly or annual subscription

Platform Compatibility

Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Windows and macOS (64-bit only)
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot Video Editor
Windows, Mac, Linux (64-bit OS required)
Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora
Windows and Mac
Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop CC
Windows and Mac (64-bit)
Adobe Photoshop CS5
Adobe Photoshop CS5
Windows and Mac
Nero Video
Nero Video
Windows 7 SP1 and later (64-bit)
Shotcut
Shotcut
Windows, macOS, Linux (cross-platform)
Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor
Windows (Windows 7 or newer) and Mac
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Windows and Mac (64-bit OS supported)
VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor
Windows Vista/7/8/10 (32/64-bit)
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Windows and Mac

Main Functionality Focus

Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Advanced motion graphics and visual effects compositing software
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot Video Editor
Basic to intermediate video editing with multi-track timeline
Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora
User-friendly video editing suitable for beginners to intermediate users
Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop CC
Professional image editing and digital art creation
Adobe Photoshop CS5
Adobe Photoshop CS5
Advanced photo editing and image manipulation
Nero Video
Nero Video
Advanced video editing emphasizing DVD/Blu-ray authoring and various effects
Shotcut
Shotcut
Advanced cross-platform video editing with wide format support
Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor
Casual to intermediate video editing with built-in effects and filters
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Advanced photo editing and some video editing features
VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor
Non-linear video editing with advanced features including motion tracking
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Professional vector graphics creation and illustration

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how Adobe After Effects CC stacks up against Adobe After Effects CC, OpenShot Video Editor, Wondershare Filmora, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Nero Video, Shotcut, Movavi Video Editor, Adobe Photoshop CS4, VSDC Free Video Editor and Adobe Illustrator in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.