HeyGen vs Runway
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both HeyGen and Runway are credible ai video tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
HeyGen — AI avatar videos and translation.
Runway — Advanced AI video generation and editing.
HeyGen vs Runway: side by side
| Dimension | HeyGen | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $29/mo | Free – $15/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Marketers, Creators | Creators, Filmmakers |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
HeyGen key facts
- Vendor
- HeyGen
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $29/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Marketers, Creators
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
Runway key facts
- Vendor
- Runway
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $15/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Creators, Filmmakers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- New York, NY, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is HeyGen better than Runway?
Neither is universally better — HeyGen edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is HeyGen or Runway cheaper?
HeyGen is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $29/mo. HeyGen starts at free – $29/mo; Runway starts at free – $15/mo.
Can HeyGen replace Runway?
Yes for most teams — both are ai video tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.