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Video Production · head to head

Avid Media Composer vs Cavalry

Avid Media Composer logo

Avid Media Composer

Video Production

Broadcast and film editing built around shared storage and multi-editor workflow

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Cavalry logo

Cavalry

Video Production

Real-time 2D animation and motion graphics software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Cavalry has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Avid Media Composer the value is concentrated in shared storage, bin locking and media management, so a solo editor pays for infrastructure complexity that returns nothing.; Cavalry requires Canva account for access
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 31 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Avid Media Composer and Cavalry actually diverge.

Attributes where Avid Media Composer and Cavalry differ
AttributeAvid Media ComposerCavalry
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelPer user per monthfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOSWeb

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Video Production).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Avid Media Composer

  • Bin locking
  • Media management
  • Avid NEXIS integration
  • Script-based editing
  • Media Composer Ultimate
  • AAF interchange

Only in Cavalry

Nothing recorded that Avid Media Composer does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Avid Media Composer

  • Cutting an episodic series where several editors and assistants share the same media and bins concurrentlynot Cavalry
  • Working to a broadcaster delivery specification that assumes Avid media handling and AAF interchangenot Cavalry
  • Running a facility where editors, assistants and producers need controlled, role-limited access to the same projectnot Cavalry
  • Handing an audio conform to a Pro Tools mixer without translation problemsnot Cavalry

Cavalry

  • Professional 2D animation and motion graphicsnot Avid Media Composer
  • Data-driven animation from spreadsheetsnot Avid Media Composer
  • Procedural rigging and character animationnot Avid Media Composer
  • Web animation export with Lottie formatnot Avid Media Composer
  • Educational animation projectsnot Avid Media Composer

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Avid Media Composer

  • The value is concentrated in shared storage, bin locking and media management, so a solo editor pays for infrastructure complexity that returns nothing.
  • Avid expects to own the media in its own managed MXF structure, and working outside that convention produces relinking problems that consume assistant time.
  • The free Media Composer First tier was discontinued in 2021, so there is no longer a no-cost path for a student or a new hire to learn the application.
  • Effects and colour tooling trail DaVinci Resolve and Premiere, so facilities round-trip to a separate finishing application, adding a step and another licence.
  • The interface and keyboard model share almost nothing with other editors, so an experienced Premiere or Resolve editor needs weeks rather than days to reach normal speed.

Cavalry

  • Requires Canva account for access
  • Enterprise pricing requires sales contact
  • Legacy Scene Group licenses not eligible for free tier
  • Updates only available through Canva version

Pricing, plan by plan

Avid Media Composer

On request
  • Media Composer$undefined/month
    • Core editing
    • Media management
    • Standard media formats
  • Media Composer Ultimate$undefined/month
    • Advanced tooling
    • Shared project workflow
    • Facility licensing options
  • Media Composer Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Role-based interface lockdown
    • Central deployment
    • Integration with MediaCentral

Cavalry

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Fully featured 2D animation software
    • No restrictions for individuals
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • Available through Canva Enterprise
    • Available through Canva Education
    • SSO access

Which should you pick?

Choose Avid Media Composer if

  • You need bin locking.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want media management.
Avid Media Composer review

Choose Cavalry if

  • You want to start without paying.
Cavalry review

Questions people ask

Is Avid Media Composer or Cavalry better?
Neither clearly leads. Avid Media Composer starts at On request and Cavalry at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Avid Media Composer or Cavalry?
Cavalry has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Avid Media Composer and Free for Cavalry.
Does Avid Media Composer or Cavalry run on more platforms?
Avid Media Composer runs on Windows, macOS. Cavalry runs on Web.
Can I use Cavalry for free?
Yes. Cavalry has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Avid Media Composer starts at On request.
What is Avid Media Composer best used for?
Avid Media Composer is most often used for cutting an episodic series where several editors and assistants share the same media and bins concurrently, working to a broadcaster delivery specification that assumes avid media handling and aaf interchange, running a facility where editors, assistants and producers need controlled, role-limited access to the same project, handing an audio conform to a pro tools mixer without translation problems. Of those, cutting an episodic series where several editors and assistants share the same media and bins concurrently and working to a broadcaster delivery specification that assumes avid media handling and aaf interchange are not what Cavalry is typically brought in for.
What can Avid Media Composer do that Cavalry cannot?
Avid Media Composer covers Bin locking, Media management, Avid NEXIS integration, Script-based editing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Avid Media Composer: Is it worth it for a solo editor?

Generally no. The multi-editor and shared storage workflow is the reason to pay for it, and a single editor uses none of it.

Cavalry: Is Cavalry free to use?

Yes, Cavalry is completely free to download and use with full professional features. No restrictions, payment, or registration fees required.

Source
Avid Media Composer: Is there still a free version?

No. Media Composer First was discontinued in 2021.

Cavalry: Do I need a Canva account to use Cavalry?

Yes, users must have a Canva account to access Cavalry, which provides access to the software and other Canva products.

Source
Avid Media Composer: Why do broadcasters still specify Avid?

Because delivery, media management and audio conform workflows across the industry assume it, and because bin locking on shared storage remains the reliable way to put many editors on one production.

Cavalry: What licensing options does Cavalry offer for organizations?

Enterprise and Educational accounts are available through Canva Enterprise or Canva Education with SSO authentication. Interested parties should contact the sales team for details.

Source
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