Runway vs Sora: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Runway and Sora 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:
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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'
Sora
Text-to-video AI model by OpenAI
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.9/10)
- • Sora is OpenAI's text-to-video AI model that generates realistic videos
- • It creates video content from text descriptions with understanding of physics
| At a Glance |  Runway |  Sora |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 89/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Runway | Sora |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 89 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video EditingAnimation | Video EditingAnimation |
How Runway and Sora Compare
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Sora
Text-to-video AI model by OpenAI
Paid · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Runway has a free tier. Sora is paid only.
Go with: Runway
Want the highest-rated option?
Runway: 89/100. Sora: 90/100.
Go with: Sora
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Sora
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Runway is freemium. Sora is paid. Runway lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Sora scores higher: 90/100 vs 89/100.
Key Takeaways
Sora
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 89
- Our pick for this comparison
Runway
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Sora (90/100) is our pick. Runway has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Runway or Sora better?
Sora scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Runway is freemium and Sora is paid.
What are Runway and Sora used for?
Runway: AI creative tools for video. Sora: Text-to-video AI model by OpenAI.
What does Runway cost vs Sora?
Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Sora is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.