Synthesia vs Play.ht: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Synthesia and Play.ht 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Synthesia
Create videos with AI avatars instead of filming yourself
Best for you if:
- • You need video & media features specifically
Play.ht
AI voice generation platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ai & automation features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video & Media | AI & Automation |
Rating | 83/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Synthesia | Play.ht |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video & MediaAI & Automation | AI & Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both Synthesia and Play.ht solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Synthesia positions itself as "create videos with ai avatars instead of filming yourself" while Play.htfocuses on "ai voice generation platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Synthesia
Synthesia makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Play.ht
Play.ht is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 85/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Play.ht won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Play.ht
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Play.ht is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Play.ht
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Synthesia is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Synthesia
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Play.ht has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Play.ht higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Play.ht more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Play.ht Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Synthesia If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Play.ht (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Play.ht scores higher in our analysis, but Synthesia might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Synthesia or Play.ht better?
Based on our analysis, Play.ht scores higher with 85/100. Synthesia ispaid while Play.ht is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Synthesia to Play.ht easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Synthesia and Play.ht offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Synthesia is paid with potential trial.Play.ht is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.