HeyGen vs Runway
Detailed comparison between HeyGen and Runway. Which one to choose for your project?
H
HeyGen
4.6/5 · 2k
R
Runway
4.4/5 · 17
Our verdict is revealed after the rounds. Scroll for the analysis →
Head to Head
Our recommendation
HeyGen
Create videos with AI avatars in minutes
4.6/5 (1,991 reviews)
Price
Free plan available Key features
- 200+ photorealistic avatars
- Clone your voice in 30 seconds
- Translate your videos in 40+ languages
- Create your own avatar from a video
Runway
The AI creative suite for professional video generation and editing
4.4/5 (17 reviews)
Price
Free plan available Key features
- State-of-the-art text-to-video generation
- Animate static images
- AI video editing tools (inpainting, remove bg)
- Control movement in generated videos
HeyGen vs Runway — Specs at a glance
| Criteria | HeyGen | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 · 1,991 reviews | 4.4/5 · 17 reviews |
| Pricing model | freemium | freemium |
| Starting price | Free plan + paid from $24/mo | Free plan + paid from $12/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Marketers and trainers wanting professional videos without a camera | Creatives and studios wanting the best AI video generation quality |
HeyGen — Pros and Cons
Pros
- Most realistic avatars on the market
- Stunning video translation
- Easy to use for non-techniciens
- Free plan to try
Cons
- Limited credits on free plan
- Avatars parfois uncanny valley
- High price for heavy use
Runway — Pros and Cons
Pros
- Best video quality on the market
- Very comprehensive AI editing tools
- Free plan to try
- Used by professional studios
Cons
- Credits consumed quickly
- Short videos (5-10s max)
- Sometimes long generation times
- Expensive for heavy use
Frequently asked questions
Which one is cheaper: HeyGen or Runway?
Both HeyGen and Runway offer a free plan, so you can start with either at no cost. HeyGen has the lowest paid entry point (Free plan + paid from $24/mo).
Does HeyGen or Runway offer a free plan?
Yes, both HeyGen and Runway offer a free plan.
Which has the higher user rating, HeyGen or Runway?
HeyGen has a higher user rating: 4.6/5 (1,991 reviews) versus 4.4/5 (17 reviews) for Runway.
What is HeyGen best for compared to Runway?
HeyGen is best for marketers and trainers wanting professional videos without a camera. Runway is best for creatives and studios wanting the best ai video generation quality. Choose based on which use case matches your needs.
Should I choose HeyGen or Runway?
Pick HeyGen if you need marketers and trainers wanting professional videos without a camera, and Runway for creatives and studios wanting the best ai video generation quality. HeyGen has the lower entry price (Free plan + paid from $24/mo), while HeyGen edges ahead on user ratings at 4.6/5. Try any free plan before you commit.
