Retold vs Synthesia: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Retold and Synthesia side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Retold leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Retold
Animate family stories with loved ones' voices
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Synthesia
Create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself
Best for you if:
- • You want create videos with AI avatars
| At a Glance | Retold | Synthesia |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan, paid from £3.33/mo, billed yearly Most families (Yearly) plan | Free plan, paid from $18/mo, billed monthly Starter plan |
Category | Video & Media Animation | Video & Media AI Video Generation |
Rating | 4.8/5 G2 4.8 2,638 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 · Capterra 4.6 3,120 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Watch out for | Voice and drawing storage limited to 5 stories on Free | Overage fees not explicitly stated |
Choose Retold or Synthesia?
Choose Retold if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want preserves the unique voice and personality of the storyteller
- You want simple and accessible for non-technical users, especially older family members
Choose Synthesia if
- You want create videos with AI avatars
- You want no filming or equipment needed
In-Depth Analysis
Retold
Animate family stories with loved ones' voices
The pricing is generous and family-friendly: the Free tier lets you keep 5 stories with full features, and the Yearly plan at £3.33/month is a steal for unlimited stories.
Watch out
Voice and drawing storage limited to 5 stories on Free
Strengths
- Pro: Preserves the unique voice and personality of the storyteller.
- Pro: Simple and accessible for non-technical users, especially older family members.
- Pro: Creates a lasting, shareable keepsake for future generations.
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited to iPhone initially, with Android access requiring manual invitation.
- Con: Animation style is intentionally simple and may not appeal to those seeking polished visuals.
Key features
Synthesia
Create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself
Synthesia's pricing is on the higher side, particularly for individual creators.
Watch out
Overage fees not explicitly stated
Strengths
- Pro: Create videos with AI avatars
- Pro: No filming or equipment needed
- Pro: 120+ languages supported
- Pro: Professional templates
- Pro: Good for training content
Weaknesses
- Con: Avatars can look uncanny
- Con: Limited customization on lower plans
- Con: Expensive for small teams
- Con: Credits expire monthly
- Con: Not suitable for all content types
Key features
Plans and prices: Retold vs Synthesia
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Retold |
| stories-retold.com/pricing read Oct 19, 2026 |
| Synthesia |
| synthesia.io/pricing read Oct 16, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Retold pricing and Synthesia pricing.
Key Takeaways
Retold
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5
Synthesia
- Choose if you want create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself
What the data shows
On the data below, Retold leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Retold has the higher user rating (4.8/5 from 2,638 reviews for Retold, 4.6/5 from 3,120 reviews for Synthesia).
- Entry prices are not ranked, they are charged on different bases: Retold £3.33/mo, billed yearly; Synthesia $18/mo, billed monthly.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Retold and Synthesia compare in 2026?
On the data below, Retold leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Retold has the higher user rating (4.8/5 from 2,638 reviews for Retold, 4.6/5 from 3,120 reviews for Synthesia). Entry prices are not ranked, they are charged on different bases: Retold £3.33/mo, billed yearly; Synthesia $18/mo, billed monthly. Both have a free plan.
What are Retold and Synthesia used for?
Retold: Animate family stories with loved ones' voices. Synthesia: Create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself.
What does Retold cost vs Synthesia?
Retold's cheapest paid plan is Most families (Yearly) at £3.33/mo, billed yearly; it also has a free plan. Synthesia's cheapest paid plan is Starter at $18/mo, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 19, 2026.
What's the main difference between Retold and Synthesia?
Retold's main strength: preserves the unique voice and personality of the storyteller. Synthesia's main strength: create videos with AI avatars.