VTuber software lets you stream or record as an animated avatar that copies your face, voice or movements. Some apps build the model, some track your face through a webcam or phone, and some do both. PNGTuber tools are the simplest start. Eleven options follow in no particular order.
Plenty of people would love to stream but don't want their face on camera. Others just like the idea of a character that's more fun than a webcam view of a spare room.
VTuber software makes that possible. The eleven apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the developer's own website or store page, read this week. If you haven't set up your broadcast yet, my guide to the best live streaming software covers the part that sends your avatar to viewers.
VTuber apps side by side
I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website or store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page names a free plan, a free version, a free account, a free edition, an open source release or says the tool itself is free. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to try it, so check the vendor's page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3tene | Real-time avatar app | VRM avatars with motion files | Not stated |
| Animaze | Avatar streaming app | Ready-made avatars for streaming | Not stated |
| Live2D Cubism | 2D model rigging software | Rigging your own 2D model | Yes |
| PNGTuber Plus | PNGTuber software | Image-swap avatars with more control | Yes |
| veadotube | Virtual puppetry tools | The easiest start as a PNGTuber | Yes |
| VMagicMirror | Desktop VRM avatar app | Moving an avatar with no extra devices | Yes |
| VNyan | 3D VTubing app | Custom animations and stages | Yes |
| VRoid Studio | 3D character creation software | Making a 3D model from presets | Yes |
| VSeeFace | Face and hand tracking app | Tracking VRM avatars on a webcam | Yes |
| VTube Studio | Live2D tracking app | Live2D models with webcam or iPhone | Not stated |
| Warudo | 3D VTubing software | 3D streams with webcam motion | Not stated |
Eleven VTuber apps
3tene
Best for: Avatar streamers who want a real-time avatar app with VRM 1.0 support and shareable VRMA motion files.
Animaze
Best for: Streamers and YouTubers who want polished ready-made avatars that work across streaming and video call apps.
Live2D Cubism
Best for: Artists and riggers who want to turn layered illustrations into moving 2D models, starting on the free edition.
PNGTuber Plus
Best for: PNGTubers who want more customisation than a simple talking image, on Windows, macOS or Linux.
veadotube
Best for: Beginners who want a microphone-driven PNG avatar running in minutes on Windows, Linux or macOS.
VMagicMirror
Best for: Windows users who want their VRM avatar to move with keyboard and mouse input, without any special tracking gear.
VNyan
Best for: 3D VTubers on Windows who want custom animations, dynamic stages and advanced tracking without a paywall.
VRoid Studio
Best for: First-time VTubers who want to build an original 3D character from presets without learning full 3D modelling.
VSeeFace
Best for: Hobby 3D VTubers who want configurable face and hand tracking for VRM and VSFAvatar models.
VTube Studio
Best for: 2D VTubers who want accurate webcam or iPhone face tracking to bring a Live2D model to life on stream.
Warudo
Best for: 3D VTubers who want idle animations, props and webcam or iPhone motion capture with no technical setup.
Which VTuber app suits which start
- The quickest PNGTuber start: veadotube or PNGTuber Plus.
- Building a 3D character from presets: VRoid Studio.
- Rigging a 2D model: Live2D Cubism.
- Tracking a Live2D model: VTube Studio.
- Tracking a 3D VRM model: VSeeFace, VNyan or Warudo.
- No camera at all: VMagicMirror.
- Ready-made avatars: Animaze.
- VRM 1.0 and motion files: 3tene.
Do VTubers need to label AI or animated content?
YouTube Help's guidance on disclosing altered and synthetic content lists examples creators don't need to disclose, and it includes content that isn't realistic, such as an AI-generated or altered animation in a fully animated video.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
An obviously animated avatar talking over gameplay sits in that unrealistic group. The rules change if you use AI to make a realistic version of a real person, including yourself, so keep the avatar clearly a character if you want to avoid the label question.
2D, 3D or PNGTuber?
A PNGTuber setup is a few drawings that swap when you talk. It's quick to make, light on your computer and perfect for testing whether you enjoy streaming as a character.
A 2D model is a layered illustration rigged to move with your face. It looks expressive but rigging takes skill, so many creators commission one.
A 3D model can turn, move its body and wear props. Free character makers have made 3D the easiest way to get a full-body avatar without hiring anyone.
Questions to ask before you pick VTuber software
- Do you have a 2D model, a 3D model or neither yet?
- Will you track with a webcam, an iPhone or not at all?
- Does it send video to OBS or your streaming app?
- Can your computer run tracking and a game together?
- Can you use your model commercially under its licence?
- Is it available on Windows, macOS or Linux?
Signs you're ready to upgrade your avatar
- Viewers ask for more expressions. Move from PNG to a rigged model.
- You want to stand up and move. Try a 3D model.
- Your stream stutters. Lighten the tracking settings.
- You keep tweaking a free model. Commission your own.
Do you make VTuber software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on starting as a VTuber
Start as a PNGTuber for a few weeks. You'll learn your setup, your audio and whether you enjoy streaming as a character before spending weeks on a model or commissioning one.
Once you're sure, pick one tracking app and stick with it. And if you're streaming on Twitch, it's worth knowing how much Twitch pays before you plan your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What software do VTubers use?
Most use a model maker, such as a 2D rigging tool or a 3D character creator, and a tracking app that moves the model with their face, then send the result to streaming software.
Is there free VTuber software?
Yes. Several model makers and tracking apps are free, and PNGTuber tools are often free or pay-what-you-want. Check the free plan column above.
Do I need a webcam to be a VTuber?
Not always. PNGTuber apps react to your microphone, and some 3D apps move the avatar from keyboard and mouse input. A webcam or iPhone gives more natural tracking.
What is a PNGTuber?
A PNGTuber uses a few still images, such as mouth open and closed, that switch as you speak. It's the simplest way to stream as a character.
Can I make my own VTuber model?
Yes. Free 3D character makers use presets, and 2D models can be drawn and rigged yourself, though rigging takes practice.
Is VTubing hard on my computer?
Face tracking uses processing power alongside your game and stream. PNGTuber setups are the lightest if your computer struggles.
