FTD Mercury vs Houdini: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between FTD Mercury and Houdini 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
FTD Mercury
Capture and analyze high-speed video for precise motion analysis and impact testing.
Best for you if:
- • You need cad & simulation features specifically
- • Captures high-speed video for detailed motion analysis.
- • Ideal for impact testing, quality control, and research applications.
Houdini
Procedural 3D animation and VFX software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need animation features specifically
- • Houdini is professional 3D animation software used in film and game production
- • It provides procedural generation, simulations, and VFX tools for complex effects
| At a Glance |  FTD Mercury |  Houdini |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CAD & Simulation | Animation |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | FTD Mercury | Houdini |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CAD & SimulationComputer Vision | Animation3D Design |
How FTD Mercury and Houdini Compare
FTD Mercury
Capture and analyze high-speed video for precise motion analysis and impact testing.
Free tier available
Houdini
Procedural 3D animation and VFX software
Free tier available · 90/100 score
FTD Mercury is a cad & simulation tool. Houdini is in animation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: FTD Mercury
Want the highest-rated option?
Houdini scores 90/100. FTD Mercury is unrated.
Go with: Houdini
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Houdini
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
FTD Mercury is a cad & simulation tool. Houdini is in animation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Houdini
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
FTD Mercury
- Better fit for cad & simulation
The Bottom Line
Houdini (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTD Mercury or Houdini better?
Houdini scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are FTD Mercury and Houdini used for?
FTD Mercury: Capture and analyze high-speed video for precise motion analysis and impact testing.. Houdini: Procedural 3D animation and VFX software.
What does FTD Mercury cost vs Houdini?
FTD Mercury is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Houdini is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.