Runway vs Synthesia (2026): Which Is Better?
Winner
Runway is the better pick for most people as of September 2026, rated 4.4/5 versus 4.3/5 for Synthesia. Only Runway has a free plan. Synthesia is the better choice for corporate training videos.
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. This doesn't affect our rankings. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure.
Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of Runway and Synthesia, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
Runway vs Synthesia: side-by-side
| Criterion | Runway | Synthesia |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Starting price | $12/mo | $29/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Ease of use | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Features | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Output quality | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value for money | 3.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Platforms | API, Web | API, Web |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Short AI-generated video clips | Corporate training videos |
| Company | Runway AI, Inc., 2018 | Synthesia Limited, 2017 |
Strengths and weaknesses
Runway
- Leading text-to-video and image-to-video quality
- Bundled AI editing tools (green screen, inpainting, motion tracking)
- Frequent model updates
- Usable for both generation and traditional editing
- Credit-based pricing can get expensive with heavy use
- Generated clips are still short in length
- Free tier is limited
Synthesia
- Fast script-to-video with realistic AI avatars
- Strong multilingual voice and lip-sync support
- No filming or actors required
- Good for training and explainer content at scale
- No permanent free tier, only a trial
- Not suited to cinematic or highly creative video
- Custom avatar creation typically requires a higher-tier plan
Key features
Runway
- Text-to-video generation
- Image-to-video generation
- AI green screen and inpainting
- Motion tracking
- Credit-based generation system
Synthesia
- Text-to-video with AI avatars
- Multilingual voice and lip-sync
- Custom avatar creation
- Screen recording and templates
- Team collaboration
Which should you choose?
Choose Runway if you need:
- Short AI-generated video clips
- B-roll and concept videos
- AI-assisted video editing
- A free plan (paid plans from $12/mo)
Choose Synthesia if you need:
- Corporate training videos
- Multilingual explainer videos
- Internal communications
- No free plan needed (from $29/mo)
Frequently asked questions
Is Runway better than Synthesia?+
For most people, Runway comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.4/5 against 4.3/5 for Synthesia. Synthesia is still the better fit for corporate training videos.
Which is cheaper, Runway or Synthesia?+
Runway is cheaper, starting at $12/mo versus $29/mo for Synthesia. Only Runway has a free plan.
Do Runway and Synthesia have free plans?+
Runway has a free plan (limited one-time credits for generation, often with watermarks). Synthesia has no free plan.
What is the main difference between Runway and Synthesia?+
Runway is best for short AI-generated video clips, and its standout strength is leading text-to-video and image-to-video quality. Synthesia is best for corporate training videos, with fast script-to-video with realistic AI avatars as its biggest advantage.