HeyGen vs Topaz Labs (2026): Which Is Better?
Winner
HeyGen is the better pick for most people as of September 2026, rated 4.3/5 versus 4.3/5 for Topaz Labs. Both have free plans. Topaz Labs is the better choice for upscaling low-resolution photos/video.
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Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of HeyGen and Topaz Labs, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
HeyGen vs Topaz Labs: side-by-side
| Criterion | HeyGen | Topaz Labs |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Starting price | $29/mo | $99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Ease of use | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Features | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Output quality | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Value for money | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | API, Web | Mac, Windows |
| API access | Yes | No |
| Best for | Multilingual marketing videos | Upscaling low-resolution photos/video |
| Company | HeyGen, 2020 | Topaz Labs LLC, 2007 |
Strengths and weaknesses
HeyGen
- Strong avatar video generation
- Video translation and dubbing with lip-sync
- Custom avatar creation from your own footage
- Usable free tier for testing
- Free tier exports are watermarked
- Custom avatars require a paid plan
- Best suited to presenter-style content, not cinematic video
Topaz Labs
- High-quality AI upscaling and enhancement
- One-time purchase rather than mandatory subscription
- Strong for rescuing low-resolution or noisy media
- Separate specialized apps for photo, video, and upscaling
- Requires a capable local machine, ideally with a strong GPU
- Upfront cost per app can add up if you need multiple
- Major version upgrades may require an additional payment
Key features
HeyGen
- Text-to-video with AI avatars
- Video translation and dubbing
- Custom avatar creation
- Template library
- API access
Topaz Labs
- AI photo upscaling (Gigapixel AI)
- AI video enhancement and upscaling
- Noise reduction and sharpening
- Frame interpolation and stabilization
Which should you choose?
Choose HeyGen if you need:
- Multilingual marketing videos
- Product demo videos
- Localized training content
- A free plan (paid plans from $29/mo)
Choose Topaz Labs if you need:
- Upscaling low-resolution photos/video
- Noise reduction and sharpening
- Restoring old footage or images
- A free plan (paid plans from $99/mo)
Frequently asked questions
Is HeyGen better than Topaz Labs?+
For most people, HeyGen comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.3/5 against 4.3/5 for Topaz Labs. Topaz Labs is still the better fit for upscaling low-resolution photos/video.
Which is cheaper, HeyGen or Topaz Labs?+
HeyGen is cheaper, starting at $29/mo versus $99/mo for Topaz Labs. Both have free plans.
Do HeyGen and Topaz Labs have free plans?+
HeyGen has a free plan (limited monthly credits with watermarked exports). Topaz Labs has a free plan (free trial with watermarked or limited exports).
What is the main difference between HeyGen and Topaz Labs?+
HeyGen is best for multilingual marketing videos, and its standout strength is strong avatar video generation. Topaz Labs is best for upscaling low-resolution photos/video, with high-quality AI upscaling and enhancement as its biggest advantage.