Maya vs Runway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Maya 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:
Maya
3D animation and modeling by Autodesk
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.9/10)
- • You need animation features specifically
- • Maya is a professional 3D animation software for film and game production
- • It provides modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering tools
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need video editing features specifically
- • 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 |  Maya |  Runway |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Animation | Video Editing |
Rating | 90/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Maya | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Animation3D Design | Video EditingAnimation |
How Maya and Runway Compare
Maya
3D animation and modeling by Autodesk
Paid · 90/100 score
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Maya is a animation tool. Runway is in video editing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Runway has a free tier. Maya is paid only.
Go with: Runway
Want the highest-rated option?
Maya: 90/100. Runway: 89/100.
Go with: Maya
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Maya
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Maya is paid. Runway is freemium. Runway lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Maya is a animation tool. Runway is in video editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Maya scores higher: 90/100 vs 89/100.
Key Takeaways
Maya
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 89
- Our pick for this comparison
Runway
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for video editing
The Bottom Line
Maya (90/100) is our pick. Runway has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maya or Runway better?
Maya scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Maya is paid and Runway is freemium.
What are Maya and Runway used for?
Maya: 3D animation and modeling by Autodesk. Runway: AI creative tools for video.
What does Maya cost vs Runway?
Maya is a paid tool. Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.