Runway vs Synthesia
Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right video tool for your needs.
The Winner
Synthesia
Wins for overall value, user satisfaction, and L&D and training video creation.
Quick Comparison
Feature Breakdown
Feature Comparison
Runway 
Synthesia Runway
- Industry-leading video quality
- Comprehensive creative suite
- Unlimited plan value
- Active development
- Credit costs add up quickly
- Short clip limitations
- Facial detail challenges
Synthesia
- Express-2 Avatars Are a Game-Changer
- 140+ Languages Without Reshoots
- No Production Overhead
- Proven Enterprise ROI
- Not for Creative Projects
- Custom Avatars Are Expensive
- Minute Limits Can Feel Restrictive
Runway Overview
Runway is the gold standard for AI video generation. Gen-4.5 produces the best text-to-video quality available to consumers, with exceptional motion and physical accuracy. Free tier offers 125 one-time credits for testing. Credit costs can add up quickly, so the $95/month Unlimited plan with Explore Mode is the sweet spot for power users.
Best For:
- Filmmakers creating cinematic AI footage
- Creative agencies needing quick B-roll and visual effects
- Content creators producing complex video projects with advanced editing needs
- Marketing teams creating professional commercials and product demos
- Individual artists and designers exploring generative video art
- Production studios reducing VFX costs and timeline
- Social media creators needing high-quality short-form content
Synthesia Overview
Synthesia is the clear leader in AI avatar video for business. The Starter plan at $29/month works for individuals, but Creator at $89/month is the sweet spot for teams. 240+ avatars, 140+ languages, and the new Express-2 full-body avatars make this essential for L&D, corporate comms, and multilingual content. Enterprise unlocks unlimited minutes and upcoming Video Agents.
Best For:
- L&D and training video creation
- Corporate communications
- Multilingual content at scale
- Teams without video production expertise
- Frequent video updates (product training, onboarding)
Our Verdict
Synthesia is our top pick for most users, thanks to its higher user ratings. However, Runway remains a solid choice if you need Filmmakers creating cinematic AI footage.
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