Skip to content

Rive vs Runway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?

Choosing between Rive 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:

Rive

Interactive animations for apps and games

Best for you if:

  • • You need animation features specifically
  • Rive is an animation tool for creating interactive graphics for apps and games
  • It builds real-time animations that respond to user input

Runway

AI creative tools for video

Best for you if:

  • • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.5/10)
  • • 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
RiveRive
RunwayRunway
Price
Free + PaidFree + Paid
Best For
AnimationVideo Editing
Rating
85/10089/100
FeatureRiveRunway
Pricing ModelFreemiumFreemium
Editorial Score
85
89
Community RatingNo ratings yetNo ratings yet
Total Reviews00
Community Upvotes
0
0
Categories
AnimationUI/UX Design
Video EditingAnimation

How Rive and Runway Compare

Rive

Interactive animations for apps and games

Free tier available · 85/100 score

Runway

AI creative tools for video

Free tier available · 89/100 score

Rive is a animation tool. Runway is in video editing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.

Go with: Rive

Want the highest-rated option?

Rive: 85/100. Runway: 89/100.

Go with: Runway

Value user reviews?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: Runway

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.

2

What's your use case?

Rive is a animation tool. Runway is in video editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.

3

How important are ratings?

Runway scores higher: 89/100 vs 85/100.

Key Takeaways

Runway

  • Higher score: 89/100 vs 85
  • Free tier available
  • Our pick for this comparison

Rive

  • Better fit for animation

The Bottom Line

Runway (89/100) is our pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rive or Runway better?

Runway scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.

What are Rive and Runway used for?

Rive: Interactive animations for apps and games. Runway: AI creative tools for video.

What does Rive cost vs Runway?

Rive is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

Related Comparisons & Resources

Compare other tools