HeyGen vs Runway
HeyGen and Runway are two of the most-compared Video tools. HeyGen starts at $24/mo and Runway at $15/mo — and they differ in features, ratings, and the use cases they suit best. This side-by-side breakdown covers pricing, key features, the pros and cons of each, and a clear verdict to help you pick the right one.
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓High-quality, realistic avatars
- ✓Instant avatar (clone yourself)
- ✓AI video translation (175+ languages)
- ✓Realistic voice cloning
- ✓Good for marketing and sales
Cons
- ✗Free plan is very limited
- ✗Credits consumed fast on long videos
- ✗Occasional lip-sync glitches
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading text and image to video
- ✓Full creative VFX toolkit
- ✓Fast, high-quality generations
- ✓Used by professional filmmakers
- ✓Regular model updates
Cons
- ✗Credits get used up quickly
- ✗Higher tiers can be costly
- ✗Learning curve for advanced tools
The verdict
HeyGen and Runway are close competitors, but a few differences stand out. Runway is the more affordable option at $15/mo — about 38% less than HeyGen at $24/mo. Both share an identical 4.5 rating. Runway adds a mobile app for working on the go. Bottom line: choose HeyGen if you prefer its overall feature set; choose Runway if you want to spend less.
Which one should you choose?
When to choose HeyGen
AI avatars and video translation.
Pick HeyGen if you prefer its overall feature set.
When to choose Runway
Generative AI video and visual effects.
Pick Runway if you want to spend less and want a mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between HeyGen and Runway?+
HeyGen: AI avatars and video translation. Runway: AI video generation and editing. The biggest differences come down to price and features.
Which is cheaper, HeyGen or Runway?+
Runway is cheaper at $15/mo — about 38% less than HeyGen at $24/mo.
Which has the higher rating?+
Both share the same 4.5 rating, so quality is a wash — decide on price and features.
Does HeyGen or Runway have a free plan?+
Both HeyGen and Runway offer a free plan, so you can try either before paying.
Which is better for Video?+
For Video, Runway is the stronger overall pick. Choose HeyGen instead if you prefer its overall feature set.