AI Video Generation · Pricing comparison
Runway vs Synthesia: Pricing
Runway is the cheaper option ($3/mo less), only Runway has a free plan, Synthesia rates slightly higher. Below we break down plans, free tiers, and value so you can decide which fits your budget and workflow.
Last checked January 15, 2026
Runway is the cheaper option ($3/mo less), only Runway has a free plan, Synthesia rates slightly higher.
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Runway vs Synthesia: side-by-side
| Feature | Runway | Synthesia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Video Generation | AI Video Generation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free plan details | One-time free credits to try generation; no ongoing free render pool. | No free plan; a free demo video lets you preview the output. |
| Starting price | $15/mo Standard (billed yearly) | $18/mo Starter (billed yearly) |
| Highest known plan | $95/mo Unlimited | Creator and custom Enterprise plans |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Filmmakers and motion designers doing generative video | Teams making training and explainer videos with avatars |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
Runway uses a freemium model, starting at $15/mo Standard (billed yearly). Credit-based generation; higher tiers add credits, resolution, and an unlimited relaxed mode. Its free plan: One-time free credits to try generation; no ongoing free render pool.
Synthesia uses a subscription model, starting at $18/mo Starter (billed yearly). Priced by video minutes per month and features; annual billing discounts. It has no ongoing free plan.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, Runway wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
Runway: pros and cons
Pros
- Broad creative toolset
- Strong generative video
- Has an API
Cons
- Credits burn fast
- Steep price for heavy use
Synthesia: pros and cons
Pros
- Great for avatar/training video
- Many languages
- Has an API
Cons
- No free plan
- Not for creative filmmaking
- Minute caps per plan
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: Runway — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: Synthesia.
- Runway is best for: Filmmakers and motion designers doing generative video.
- Synthesia is best for: Teams making training and explainer videos with avatars.
Verdict
On price alone, Runway is the value pick at $15/mo Standard (billed yearly). Synthesia edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose Runway if you want filmmakers and motion designers doing generative video, and Synthesia if you want teams making training and explainer videos with avatars.
Runway vs Synthesia FAQ
Which is cheaper, Runway or Synthesia?
Runway has the cheaper entry price — about $3/mo less. Runway starts at $15/mo Standard (billed yearly), while Synthesia starts at $18/mo Starter (billed yearly).
Does Runway or Synthesia have a free plan?
Only Runway has a free plan (One-time free credits to try generation; no ongoing free render pool.). The other relies on paid plans or a trial.
Is Runway or Synthesia better for beginners?
Runway tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai video generation needs.
Which is better for teams?
Synthesia is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.