Lottie vs Rive: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Lottie and Rive 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Lottie
Lightweight animations for web and mobile
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
Rive
Interactive animations for apps and games
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Design | Design |
Rating | 88/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Lottie | Rive |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Design | Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Lottie and Rive solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Lottie positions itself as "lightweight animations for web and mobile" while Rivefocuses on "interactive animations for apps and games". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Lottie
Lottie makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Rive
Rive is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Lottie lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Lottie
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Lottie handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Lottie
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Lottie
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Lottie, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Lottie higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Rive more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Lottie Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Rive If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Lottie (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Lottie scores higher in our analysis, but Rive might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lottie or Rive better?
Based on our analysis, Lottie scores higher with 88/100. Lottie isfreemium while Rive is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Lottie to Rive easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Lottie and Rive offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Lottie is freemium with a free tier.Rive is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.