NewBlueFX TotalFX vs Competitors: Which Suite Is Best for You?Choosing a video-effects suite is about matching features to the way you work, the types of projects you create, and your budget. Below is a detailed comparison of NewBlueFX TotalFX with several popular competitors — Boris FX Continuum, Red Giant Universe (Maxon), and HitFilm Pro — to help you decide which suite fits your needs.
What TotalFX is and who it’s for
NewBlueFX TotalFX is a comprehensive plugin collection for video editors and motion designers. It bundles hundreds of effects, transitions, titling tools, and presets aimed at improving efficiency and creativity in editing workflows inside host applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and popular NLEs that support OFX or plugin architectures. TotalFX targets a broad audience: content creators who want quick high-quality results, editors who need polished motion graphics without deep node-based workflows, and small studios seeking an all-in-one effects and titling package.
Core strengths of NewBlueFX TotalFX
- Large library of presets: Fast, plug-and-play effects and transitions for editors who prefer ready-made looks.
- Integrated titling tools: Templates and customizable title builders that simplify lower-thirds, intros, and animated text.
- Performance and ease of use: Many controls are streamlined for editors rather than VFX specialists, making common tasks fast.
- Broad host support: Works in major NLEs and supports both GPU and CPU acceleration where applicable.
- Value for editors: Bundles a wide variety of tools (color, stylize, blur, chroma key, motion, and more) in one package.
Competitors at a glance
Below is a concise comparison of the four suites across typical decision factors.
| Feature / Suite | NewBlueFX TotalFX | Boris FX Continuum | Red Giant Universe (Maxon) | HitFilm Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary strength | Presets, titling, transitions | High-end VFX, compositing, tracking | Stylized motion & transitions, GPU-accelerated | Hybrid NLE + VFX, compositing, particle sims |
| Target users | Editors, content creators, small studios | Broadcast, post-production pros, VFX artists | Motion designers, editors wanting stylized looks | Indie filmmakers, YouTubers, VFX hobbyists |
| Compositing power | Moderate | High | Low–moderate | Moderate–high |
| Tracking & stabilization | Basic–moderate | Advanced (Mocha) | Limited | Moderate |
| Particle systems | Limited | Moderate | Limited | Advanced |
| Titling & templates | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Ease of use | High | Moderate–complex | High | Moderate |
| Price point (typical) | Mid-range | High-end | Low–mid | Mid-range |
| Host support | Wide (Premiere, FCP, Resolve, OFX) | Wide (host plugins, standalone) | Wide (plugin suites) | Native app + plugins for NLEs |
| Ideal for | Quick professional finishes | Deep VFX work, broadcast | Fast stylized motion graphics | All-in-one editing+VFX workflows |
Detailed comparisons
1) NewBlueFX TotalFX vs Boris FX Continuum
- Strength difference: Continuum is aimed at higher-end VFX and finishing workflows; it includes advanced tools such as planar/mesh tracking, Mocha integration, image restoration, particle systems, and a very deep keying/tracking toolset. TotalFX focuses more on speed, presets, transitions, and titles.
- When to pick TotalFX: You’re an editor who needs fast, polished results, numerous ready-made transitions, and strong titling without learning complex compositing tools.
- When to pick Continuum: You need advanced tracking, robust compositing, film restoration, and pro-level finishing — typical for broadcast, feature film, or high-end commercial work.
2) NewBlueFX TotalFX vs Red Giant Universe
- Strength difference: Universe emphasizes stylized motion graphics, GPU-accelerated generators, and effects that give a modern, trendy look; it’s popular for quick stylized transitions and looks. TotalFX is broader in scope for general editing needs, with more extensive titling and standard editor-focused effects.
- When to pick TotalFX: You want more conventional broadcast-style tools, comprehensive presets, and a stronger titling suite.
- When to pick Universe: You want cutting-edge, GPU-accelerated stylized transitions and motion-design primitives especially for social media, vlogs, and modern branded content.
3) NewBlueFX TotalFX vs HitFilm Pro
- Strength difference: HitFilm is both an NLE and a VFX compositor with built-in timeline editing, advanced particle simulations, and node-like compositing features. TotalFX is a plugin suite used inside other NLEs.
- When to pick TotalFX: You already have a preferred NLE (Premiere, FCP, Resolve) and want an effects/titling suite to drop into that workflow.
- When to pick HitFilm Pro: You prefer a single app for editing + VFX, or you need integrated particle effects and compositing without switching tools.
Practical considerations when choosing
- Workflow: Do you want plugins inside your existing NLE (TotalFX, Continuum, Universe) or a standalone all-in-one app (HitFilm)?
- Project type: Broadcast and VFX-heavy projects lean toward Boris FX; social/motion-design trending looks lean toward Universe; general editing and fast titling favor TotalFX.
- Learning curve: TotalFX and Universe are easier to learn; Continuum and HitFilm have steeper curves for advanced features.
- Budget: Continuum usually costs more; Universe often offers subscription/affordable options; TotalFX sits mid-range and frequently appears in bundled deals.
Example use cases
- You produce weekly YouTube tutorials and want fast, attractive titles and transitions: TotalFX or Universe.
- You’re restoring archival footage and need advanced stabilization and grain/cleanup tools: Boris FX Continuum.
- You create stylized short-form ads with motion-graphics-heavy edits: Universe.
- You’re an indie filmmaker doing your own VFX and editing in one app: HitFilm Pro.
Licensing & pricing notes
Pricing models change often; suites are available as perpetual licenses or subscriptions depending on vendor and promotions. Check current vendor sites for trial versions — testing them in your host NLE is the best way to confirm fit.
Final recommendation
- Choose NewBlueFX TotalFX if you value ease of use, a large library of presets and titles, and fast integration into common NLEs.
- Choose Boris FX Continuum if you need pro-level VFX, tracking, and restoration.
- Choose Red Giant Universe if your work prioritizes contemporary, GPU-accelerated stylized motion effects.
- Choose HitFilm Pro if you want an integrated editing + VFX app with advanced particle and compositing tools.
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