HeyGen vs Runway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between HeyGen and Runway comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
HeyGen
AI video generation with realistic avatars
Best for you if:
- • HeyGen is an AI video generation platform that creates professional videos with avatars
- • It generates videos from text with realistic AI avatars in 40+ languages
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • AI-powered video editing and generation with Gen-2 text-to-video
- • Industry-leading AI tools used in films like 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'
| At a Glance |  HeyGen |  Runway |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 82/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | HeyGen | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video EditingTranslation | Video EditingAnimation |
How HeyGen and Runway Compare
HeyGen
AI video generation with realistic avatars
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: HeyGen
Want the highest-rated option?
HeyGen: 82/100. Runway: 89/100.
Go with: Runway
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Runway
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Runway scores higher: 89/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Runway
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
HeyGen
The Bottom Line
Runway (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HeyGen or Runway better?
Runway scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are HeyGen and Runway used for?
HeyGen: AI video generation with realistic avatars. Runway: AI creative tools for video.
What does HeyGen cost vs Runway?
HeyGen is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.