OpenShot vs Runway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenShot 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 April 14, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
OpenShot
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • Free and open-source video editor.
- • Available on Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Best for you if:
- 0
- • 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 |  OpenShot |  Runway |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | OpenShot | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video EditingAnimation | Video EditingAnimation |
How OpenShot and Runway Compare
OpenShot
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Free
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenShot is free. Runway is freemium.
Go with: OpenShot
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenShot
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenShot
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenShot is free. Runway is freemium. Go with OpenShot if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
OpenShot
- 0
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Runway
The Bottom Line
OpenShot is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenShot or Runway better?
OpenShot is rated high in our evaluation. OpenShot is free and Runway is freemium.
What are OpenShot and Runway used for?
OpenShot: Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.. Runway: AI creative tools for video.
What does OpenShot cost vs Runway?
OpenShot is completely free. Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.