In today’s article, I will compare the two famous platforms for making animation videos Animaker and powtoon.
Both are cloud-based solutions for making animation videos. In recent years, both powtoon and Animaker added a lot of features except animation videos.
So if you are looking for up to date comparison, then you are on the right page. I will compare both in the terms of
Introduction the competitors
In the blue corner, we have Animaker. It is started in 2014 by RS Raghavan. In 2015 the software launched a freemium model that allows the user to create a free account.
The main limitation of a free account is your videos will be watermarked.
Animaker recently launched a 2.0 version that works without flash. It is missing some features such as characters, whiteboard videos, infographic videos.
You can still use the 1.0 version; just make sure you are using the chrome browser for the best performance. In this post, I will compare the 2.0 version.
Animaker also launched picmaker (a graphic design tool) and vmaker (cloud-based solution for video recording). These are separate apps from Animaker, meaning you are not getting their subscription with Animaker.
You have to purchase additionally. However, similar to the Animaker, you can sign up for free.
In the red corner, we have powtoon. A UK based company that exists in marketing since 2011. Powtoon launched the freemium business model in 2013.
Today, powtoon allows you to create animation videos, but you can also record screen, create a presentation, graphic video, and video editing.
There is no other tool that powtoon is promoting.
Features Comparison
In this section, I will compare the features of both tools. Mainly I look into animation videos maker because probably you can buy $70 software such as filmora x for video recording & editing.
Character builder: Both tools allow you to build a custom character. However, for powtoon, you have to purchase an agency plan that will cost $1200 for a year (no monthly plan).
On other side, Animaker allows you to build custom characters in any subscription. The number of custom characters that you can create depends upon your subscription.
I have found Animaker has an advance character builder. You can customize everything from head to bottom. You can even select a tie, watch, band.
Although powtoon character builder isn’t that advance, still you can build a pretty decent character. You can place a logo on the t-shirt of the character. Animaker is missing this feature.
Winner: Except the logo on the t-shirt, Animaker is the winner in custom character.
Pre-made characters: Powtoon has a never-ending list of characters. Characters are divided into multiple sections.
On the other side, inside Animaker, you are getting around 30 characters only. However, when it comes to action, you can find all kinds of actions. There are close to 500 pre-made actions. Yes, you read it right. I have to count 400 then I give up.
Thankfully there is a search available. Not only this, but you can also change face expression once you select the action. It is a fantastic feature for bringing emotions into characters.
By the way, you can assign multiple actions after one another.
In powtoon, this isn’t possible. There is a tricky method to do it, but in Animaker, it is pretty straightforward.
I seriously hate powtoon for not having this feature.
Winner: I think it is all about needs. Do you need more actions or more characters? Although you can build custom character but still having pre-made characters save times.
Other Assets Both platforms have a big enough library of other assets such as shapes, emoji, stickers, etc.
You are getting search for finding the right assets quickly. It is difficult to say which tool has a better library; both are good enough.
Keep in mind that you can also upload your own one if you cannot find a specific prop image. There are tons of sites on the internet such as freepik
Powtoon is using storyblocks API for photos & videos that gives an advantage over Animaker in terms of stock media.
Winner: Both have a decent library. But if I have to pick one, then I will choose powtoon.
As I mentioned earlier, both can also edit videos. Both are good; If you need an advanced video editor, then it will better to choose a separate editor such as invideo, filmora x, Premiere Pro, etc.
Animaker only Features
There are some features that you are not getting in powtoon. You are getting only in Animaker.
- Text to Speech: This isn’t any other robotic text to speech. It is pretty decent. You can also control the volume, pitch or emphasize the specific words.
- Gif maker: If you want to make memes to engage with your audience, then Animaker can also help you make a gif.
- No Limit on Video Length: Unlike powtoon, there isn’t any limit on the video’s length. You can create as lengthy videos as you want.
Powtoon Only Features
- Screen recording: You can record your screen using powtoon.
- Infographic Videos: So if you want to make graphic videos, powtoon can also help in that scenario.
- Doodle video: Powtoon also allows you to make whiteboard animation videos.
If you want to make doodle videos and infographic videos inside animaker then try its 1.0 version.
Support
You don’t need to contact support every other day. But I thought still I need to include this.
Animaker has a chatbot, ask your question. The response time is 2 hours, but generally, I get a reply earlier.
On another side, powtoon there isn’t any chatbot system. You have to send them a message. You can expect a reply in under 24 hours.
Both platforms have tutorials on how to make animation videos.
So bottom line, you will not face any problem; however, Animaker support is fast than powtoon.
Pricing
Last but not least, we have pricing. This is something that can make or break the game.
If you are already familiar with price, then you know powtoon pricing is shocking.
Anyway, here are the powtoon plans.
| Pro | Pro+ | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| $228 annual or $89 monthly | $708 annual or $197 monthly | $1188 annual no monthly subscription |
| 5 Video Export Per month | Unlimited Exports Per Month | Unlimited Exports Per Month |
| Access to Pro & free content | Unlimited access to all content | Unlimited access to all content |
| Up to 10 Minute Video (FHD) | Up to 5 Minute Video (FHD) | Up to 30 Minute Video (FHD) |
| Commercial Rights | Commercial Rights | Commercial rights |
| Custom Fonts | ||
| Character Outfit Customization | Character Outfit Customization | |
| Character Face Customization | ||
| Third-Party Resell Rights | ||
| Upload Custom Fonts | ||
| 2 GB Space For Uploading Own Files | 10 GB Space For Uploading Own Files | 100 GB Space For Uploading Own Files |
Its monthly plans are shocking, and for god’s sake, don’t choose the pro plan. Go with pro+ or higher plan. The reason for this is limited assets. Not only video length the characters & other assets are also limited in the pro plan.
Basically powtoon is forcing users to go with pro+ or agency annually subscription.
Powtoon has 14 days money-back guarantee. However, if you exported a video, then refund isn’t possible.
Here are Animaker’s plans.
| Basic | Starter | Pro | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 annual or $20 monthly | $228 annual or $35 monthly | $468 annual or $97 monthly | Custom Price |
| 5 Video Export Per month | 10 Video Export Per month | 20 Video Export Per month | Unlimited Downloads |
| HD quality Videos (720 p) | Full HD quality Videos (1080 p) | 2k Videos | 4k Videos |
| $20 per extra Download | $15 per extra Download | $10 per extra Download | No Extra charge |
| Custom Fonts | Custom Fonts | ||
| Commercial rights | Commercial rights | ||
| License to resell | |||
| Priority rendering | |||
| 5 Custom Character | 15 Custom Character | 30 Custom Character | Unlimited Custom Character |
| 20 Animaker Voice (TTS) | 50 Animaker Voice (TTS) | 100 Animaker Voice (TTS) | 200 Animaker Voice (TTS) |
| 5 GB Space For Uploading Own Files | 5 GB Space For Uploading Own Files | 10 GB Space For Uploading Own Files | 20 GB Space For Uploading Own Files |
Try to avoid a basic plan because of limited assets. Go for starter and pro subscription.
Powtoon vs Animaker: Which Is Winner?
I accept that I didn’t compare every single feature. I thought an overview is enough for making a decision.
Here are the advantages of both platforms over each other.
| Animaker | Powtoon |
|---|---|
| 500 pre-made actions. | Giant library of characters & assets |
| Better custom character Builder | Premium Stock Media By Storyblocks |
| Add new Action After first action | Screen recording |
| Change face expression | |
| Export In 2k and 4K | |
| Affordable |
I picked up the Animaker because it is so cheap comparing with powtoon. Animaker has everything that I need.
Powtoon isn’t a bad platform, but overpriced. Even if you can afford powtoon is missing two crucial things.
Final Words
If you are already using any platform and think I miss a crucial point, let me know in the comment section.
So it can help other users. If you made a mind for one specific software, then let me know in the comment section.
