Skip to content

Cavalry vs Toon Boom Harmony: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Cavalry and Toon Boom Harmony comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.

Bottom line: Cavalry is our overall pick for animation workflows. Pick Toon Boom Harmony if you need its specific feature set.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked Jul 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Cavalry

Powerful 2D animation software for Mac and Windows, designed for motion designers.

Best for you if:

  • • You want to try before committing
  • Powerful 2D animation software for Mac and Windows.
  • Combines procedural workflows with traditional animation techniques.

Toon Boom Harmony

The all-in-one 2D animation software for creating ambitious productions with hand-drawn or rigged characters.

Best for you if:

  • All-in-one 2D animation solution for hand-drawn and cut-out animation.
  • Offers tools for drawing, rigging, compositing, and special effects.
At a Glance
CavalryCavalry
Toon Boom HarmonyToon Boom Harmony
Starts at
FreeFree tier available
Custom
Best For
AnimationAnimation
Rating
-4.7/5
Free plan
Yes No

Choose Cavalry or Toon Boom Harmony?

Cavalry

Choose Cavalry if

Powerful 2D animation software for Mac and Windows, designed for motion designers.

  • Designed by animators for animators, focusing on efficiency.
  • Offers a free tier to get started and try Pro features.
  • Supports both Mac and Windows users.
  • You want a free tier before you commit
Toon Boom Harmony

Choose Toon Boom Harmony if

The all-in-one 2D animation software for creating ambitious productions with hand-drawn or rigged characters.

  • Comprehensive toolset for the entire 2D animation pipeline
  • Supports both hand-drawn and rigged character animation styles
  • Facilitates collaboration for studios with shared project files
FeatureCavalryToon Boom Harmony
Pricing ModelFreemiumPaid
User RatingNo ratings yet
4.7/5
28 reviews
Categories
AnimationGraphic Design
AnimationVideo & Media

In-Depth Analysis

CavalryCavalry

Powerful 2D animation software for Mac and Windows, designed for motion designers.

Strengths

  • +Designed by animators for animators, focusing on efficiency.
  • +Offers a free tier to get started and try Pro features.
  • +Supports both Mac and Windows users.
  • +Integrates procedural and traditional animation techniques.
  • +Fast real-time rendering and powerful versioning.

Weaknesses

  • -Advanced features like Google Sheets import, Forge Dynamics, and Audio Export are locked behind the Pro plan.
  • -HD output is limited to Starter users, Professional offers unlimited resolution.

Key features

Real-time viewport renderingEasy versioningEnd-to-end workflow (artworking to animation)Procedural workflowsNative features (Rig Control, Rubber Hose, Duplicator)Lottie Export
Starts at Free

Toon Boom HarmonyToon Boom Harmony

The all-in-one 2D animation software for creating ambitious productions with hand-drawn or rigged characters.

Strengths

  • +Comprehensive toolset for the entire 2D animation pipeline
  • +Supports both hand-drawn and rigged character animation styles
  • +Facilitates collaboration for studios with shared project files
  • +Offers specialized editions for different user levels (enthusiast to professional)
  • +Includes AI-powered assistance for faster iteration and creative focus

Weaknesses

  • -No specific cons mentioned in the provided text.

Key features

Drawing and painting toolsCharacter riggingCompositingTraditional paperless animation supportCut-out style animation supportSmaller project files
Starts at Custom

Pricing: Cavalry vs Toon Boom Harmony

PlanCavalryToon Boom Harmony
Tier 1
Free
Starter
Contact us
Producer
Tier 2
$16/mo
Professional
N/A

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cavalry pricing and Toon Boom Harmony pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Cavalry has a free tier. Toon Boom Harmony is paid only.

Go with: Cavalry

Want the highest-rated option?

Toon Boom Harmony is rated 4.7/5. Cavalry has no ratings yet.

Go with: Toon Boom Harmony

Value user reviews?

Cavalry: no ratings yet. Toon Boom Harmony: 28 reviews (4.7/5).

Go with: Toon Boom Harmony

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Cavalry is freemium. Toon Boom Harmony is paid. Cavalry lets you start free.

2

What's your use case?

Both are animation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.

3

How important are ratings?

Toon Boom Harmony is rated 4.7/5; Cavalry has no ratings yet.

Key Takeaways

Cavalry

  • Free tier available
  • Our pick for this comparison

Toon Boom Harmony

  • Choose if you want the all-in-one 2D animation software for creating ambitious productions with hand-drawn or rigged characters

The Bottom Line

Cavalry is our pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cavalry or Toon Boom Harmony better?

Cavalry is rated in our evaluation. Cavalry is freemium and Toon Boom Harmony is paid.

What are Cavalry and Toon Boom Harmony used for?

Cavalry: Powerful 2D animation software for Mac and Windows, designed for motion designers.. Toon Boom Harmony: The all-in-one 2D animation software for creating ambitious productions with hand-drawn or rigged characters..

What does Cavalry cost vs Toon Boom Harmony?

Cavalry is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Toon Boom Harmony is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

Related Comparisons & Resources

Compare other tools