Topaz Labs vs Runway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Topaz Labs 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:
Topaz Labs
AI photo and video enhancement
Best for you if:
- • Topaz Labs provides AI-powered photo and video enhancement software
- • It upscales, denoise, and sharpens images with machine learning
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • 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'
| At a Glance |  Topaz Labs |  Runway |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 86/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Topaz Labs | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video EditingImage Editing | Video EditingAnimation |
How Topaz Labs and Runway Compare
Topaz Labs
AI photo and video enhancement
Paid · 86/100 score
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Runway has a free tier. Topaz Labs is paid only.
Go with: Runway
Want the highest-rated option?
Topaz Labs: 86/100. 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?
Topaz Labs is paid. Runway is freemium. 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?
Runway scores higher: 89/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Runway
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 86
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Topaz Labs
The Bottom Line
Runway (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Topaz Labs or Runway better?
Runway scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Topaz Labs is paid and Runway is freemium.
What are Topaz Labs and Runway used for?
Topaz Labs: AI photo and video enhancement. Runway: AI creative tools for video.
What does Topaz Labs cost vs Runway?
Topaz Labs is a paid tool. Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.