Shotcut vs Runway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Shotcut 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:
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free, open-source, and cross-platform video editor.
- • Supports a wide range of audio/video formats and 4K/8K resolutions with native timeline editing.
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • 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 |  Shotcut |  Runway |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 87/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Shotcut | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video EditingAudio Editing | Video EditingAnimation |
How Shotcut and Runway Compare
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Free · 87/100 score
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Shotcut is free. Runway is freemium.
Go with: Shotcut
Want the highest-rated option?
Shotcut: 87/100. Runway: 89/100.
Go with: Runway
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Runway
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Shotcut is free. Runway is freemium. Go with Shotcut if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Runway scores higher: 89/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
Runway
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 87
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Shotcut
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Runway (89/100) is our pick. That said, Shotcut is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shotcut or Runway better?
Runway scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Shotcut is free and Runway is freemium.
What are Shotcut and Runway used for?
Shotcut: Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.. Runway: AI creative tools for video.
What does Shotcut cost vs Runway?
Shotcut is completely free. Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.