AI Video Generation · Pricing comparison
HeyGen vs Runway: Pricing
Runway is the cheaper option ($12.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, HeyGen rates slightly higher. Below we break down plans, free tiers, and value so you can decide which fits your budget and workflow.
Last checked September 27, 2026
At a glance
Runway is the cheaper option ($12.00/mo less), both offer a free plan, HeyGen rates slightly higher.
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HeyGen vs Runway: side-by-side
| Feature | HeyGen | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Video Generation | AI Video Generation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan details | Free plan with limited watermarked videos. | One-time 125 free credits (not monthly). |
| Starting price | $24/mo (Creator, billed yearly) | $12/mo (Standard, billed yearly) |
| Highest known plan | $149/mo (Business) | $95/mo (Max) |
| Trial of paid plan | No (free plan instead) | No (free plan instead) |
| Best for | Sales and marketing teams doing personalized or translated video | Filmmakers and ad teams who need creative control |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
HeyGen uses a freemium model, starting at $24/mo (Creator, billed yearly). Creator is $29/mo or $24/mo yearly; Pro $49/mo; Business $149/mo plus $20 per extra seat. The free plan allows 3 videos/month up to 1 minute. Its free plan: Free plan with limited watermarked videos.
Runway uses a freemium model, starting at $12/mo (Standard, billed yearly). Standard is $15/mo or $12/mo yearly; Pro $35 ($28 yearly); Max $95 ($76 yearly). The Unlimited plan has been replaced by Max. Free accounts get 125 one-time credits. Its free plan: One-time 125 free credits (not monthly).
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, Runway wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
HeyGen: pros and cons
Pros
- Best translation/lip-sync in class
- Personal avatar from phone footage
- Strong API
Cons
- Credits burn fast on premium avatars
- Watermark on free tier
- Quality varies by avatar type
Runway: pros and cons
Pros
- Most creative control in category
- Trusted in professional film work
- Max tier for heavy users
Cons
- Credits deplete quickly
- Steepest learning curve
- Free credits are one-time
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: Runway — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: HeyGen.
- HeyGen is best for: Sales and marketing teams doing personalized or translated video.
- Runway is best for: Filmmakers and ad teams who need creative control.
Verdict
On price alone, Runway is the value pick at $12/mo (Standard, billed yearly). HeyGen edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose HeyGen if you want sales and marketing teams doing personalized or translated video, and Runway if you want filmmakers and ad teams who need creative control.
HeyGen vs Runway FAQ
Which is cheaper, HeyGen or Runway?
Runway has the cheaper entry price — about $12.00/mo less. HeyGen starts at $24/mo (Creator, billed yearly), while Runway starts at $12/mo (Standard, billed yearly).
Does HeyGen or Runway have a free plan?
Both offer a free plan. HeyGen: Free plan with limited watermarked videos. Runway: One-time 125 free credits (not monthly).
Is HeyGen or Runway better for beginners?
Runway tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai video generation needs.
Which is better for teams?
HeyGen is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.