HeyGen vs Runway
HeyGen
RunwayWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
HeyGen edges it overall, winning 4 of 4 rating categories. Runway is cheaper to start ($12 vs $29).
Choose HeyGen if…
You’re marketers and creators making talking-head, explainer and translated videos. The most popular AI avatar video generator: turn a script into a talking-presenter video, clone your own avatar and voice, and translate videos into 30+ languages with lip-sync.
Visit HeyGenChoose Runway if…
You’re creators and filmmakers experimenting with AI video. A leading AI video generator and editor: text-to-video, image-to-video and pro editing tools aimed at filmmakers and creators.
Visit RunwaySide by side
| HeyGen | Runway | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Value | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Features | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.6/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Output quality | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Category | AI video, voice & music | AI video, voice & music |
| Free plan | Yes: 3 videos a month, up to 1 minute each | Yes: 125 one-time credits |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $29/mo | $12/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | $24/mo | - |
| Top plan | Business: $149/mo | Max: $76/mo |
| Seats | Individual; Business adds seats at $20/seat | Per user |
| Trial / refund | Free plan | Free credits |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, API | Web, iOS |
| Best for | Marketers and creators making talking-head, explainer and translated videos | Creators and filmmakers experimenting with AI video |
HeyGen: pros & cons
- Realistic avatars, including your own digital twin
- Video translation with lip-sync
- Free plan to test before paying
- Creator plan is $24/mo billed yearly
- Credits run out fast on long or 4K videos
- Business plan jumps to $149/mo
Runway: pros & cons
- High-quality AI video models
- Full editing toolkit
- Plans from $12/user
- Credits run out fast on video
- Free plan is a one-time sample
Questions from readers
Still deciding between these two? Ask a question and we will answer it here.