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Video Production · head to head

Cavalry vs HitFilm

Cavalry logo

Cavalry

Video Production

Real-time 2D animation and motion graphics software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
H

HitFilm

Video Production

Video editor and 3D compositor in one application, now owned by Artlist

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Cavalry requires Canva account for access; HitFilm editing and compositing share one interface, which suits a single operator and obstructs a team that wants to split the edit from the effects work.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cavalry and HitFilm actually diverge.

Attributes where Cavalry and HitFilm differ
AttributeCavalryHitFilm
Pricing modelfreemiumPer user per month
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Cavalry

Nothing recorded that HitFilm does not also cover.

Only in HitFilm

  • Composite shots
  • Particle simulator
  • Camera tracking
  • Keying
  • Text and titling
  • Export presets

What people use each for

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

Cavalry

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

HitFilm

  • Cutting and finishing an effects-heavy short film without moving between an editor and a compositornot Cavalry
  • Producing a YouTube channel with recurring motion graphics on one subscriptionnot Cavalry
  • Learning compositing concepts on the free tier before committing to a paid effects toolnot Cavalry
  • Adding tracked 3D elements to live footage in a one-person productionnot Cavalry

Where each one falls short

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

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

HitFilm

  • Editing and compositing share one interface, which suits a single operator and obstructs a team that wants to split the edit from the effects work.
  • The perpetual HitFilm Pro licence was retired after the Artlist acquisition, so long-standing owners who bought outright must subscribe to receive current versions.
  • Effects and add-on packs were historically sold separately, and archived projects can open with missing effects if the current plan does not cover them.
  • Performance falls off sharply on integrated graphics, so a machine that edits comfortably can still be unusable for the particle and 3D work that is the reason to choose HitFilm.
  • Colour management and delivery options are thinner than DaVinci Resolve, so any project with a broadcast or cinema deliverable ends up round-tripping to another application anyway.

Pricing, plan by plan

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

HitFilm

Free
  • Free$undefined/month
    • Editing and basic compositing
    • Limited export resolution
    • Limited effects set
  • Creator$undefined/month
    • Expanded effects
    • Higher export resolution
    • Additional export formats
  • Pro$undefined/month
    • Full effects set
    • Highest export resolution
    • Advanced compositing and tracking

Which should you pick?

Choose Cavalry if

  • You want to start without paying.
Cavalry review

Choose HitFilm if

  • You need composite shots.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want particle simulator.
HitFilm review

Questions people ask

Is Cavalry or HitFilm better?
Neither clearly leads. Cavalry starts at Free and HitFilm at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cavalry or HitFilm?
Cavalry starts at Free and HitFilm at Free.
Does Cavalry or HitFilm run on more platforms?
Cavalry runs on Web. HitFilm runs on Windows, macOS.
Can I use Cavalry for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Cavalry best used for?
Cavalry is most often used for professional 2d animation and motion graphics, data-driven animation from spreadsheets, procedural rigging and character animation, web animation export with lottie format. Of those, professional 2d animation and motion graphics and data-driven animation from spreadsheets are not what HitFilm is typically brought in for.
What can Cavalry do that HitFilm cannot?
HitFilm covers Composite shots, Particle simulator, Camera tracking, Keying.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
HitFilm: Is HitFilm still free?

There is still a free tier with limited effects and export resolution. The perpetual Pro licence is gone; the paid tiers are subscriptions.

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
HitFilm: What hardware does it actually need?

A discrete GPU with adequate video memory. Integrated graphics will run the editor but stall on composite shots, particles and 3D layers.

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
HitFilm: Does the Artlist acquisition affect the software?

It puts HitFilm inside a stock media subscription business. The licence model changed after the acquisition, and the roadmap now serves that business.

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