HeyGen vs Synthesia: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between HeyGen and Synthesia 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:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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
Synthesia
Create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • AI video platform creating talking-head videos with 240+ avatars in 140+ languages.
- • Features custom avatar creation, voice cloning, and enterprise Video Agents for conversations.
| At a Glance |  HeyGen |  Synthesia |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 82/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | HeyGen | Synthesia |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video EditingTranslation | Video EditingAI Video Generation |
How HeyGen and Synthesia Compare
HeyGen
AI video generation with realistic avatars
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Synthesia
Create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself
Paid · 83/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
HeyGen has a free tier. Synthesia is paid only.
Go with: HeyGen
Want the highest-rated option?
HeyGen: 82/100. Synthesia: 83/100.
Go with: Synthesia
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Synthesia
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
HeyGen is freemium. Synthesia is paid. HeyGen lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Synthesia scores higher: 83/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Synthesia
- Higher score: 83/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
HeyGen
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Synthesia (83/100) is our pick. HeyGen has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HeyGen or Synthesia better?
Synthesia scores 83/100 in our evaluation. HeyGen is freemium and Synthesia is paid.
What are HeyGen and Synthesia used for?
HeyGen: AI video generation with realistic avatars. Synthesia: Create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself.
What does HeyGen cost vs Synthesia?
HeyGen is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Synthesia is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.