What each tool does
Runway develops AI models meant to understand and simulate the real world, and offers creative tools on top of them centred on generative video. It targets filmmakers, creators and studios, partners with large organisations, and can be tried for free.
HeyGen turns ideas into videos presented by a lifelike AI avatar, which can even look like you. You give it text, an image or audio, and it builds a complete video with narration, captions, visuals and animations. It is used for social content, online courses and business videos in areas like real estate, legal and finance.
Key differences
- Type of video: Runway creates generated scenes and footage; HeyGen creates presenter-led avatar videos.
- Input: HeyGen works from text, images or audio and adds narration and captions; Runway focuses on generating visuals.
- Audience: Runway suits filmmakers and studios; HeyGen suits creators, educators and businesses making talking videos.
- Pricing: Runway is freemium; HeyGen is listed as paid, though you can get started for free. Check each pricing page for current plans.
- Personal avatar: HeyGen can create an avatar that looks like you, useful if you do not want to film repeatedly.
Which should you choose?
Choose Runway if your goal is creative visuals, such as short films, music videos or ad concepts, rather than someone speaking to camera.
Choose HeyGen if you are a teacher, course creator, freelancer or business owner who wants to publish explainer or marketing videos with a presenter, without recording yourself each time.
Can you use both?
Yes. A course creator could use HeyGen for the avatar presenter and Runway for generated scenes or transitions to cut between. Paid plans for both are usually billed in USD, so test the free options first.
