HeyGen vs Runway
Quick verdict
HeyGen and Runway are both excellent AI video tools, and the right pick depends on what you need. HeyGen is generate AI avatar videos and translate them into any language, while Runway is advanced AI tools for generating and editing video. For most people, Runway is the safer default thanks to its wider adoption — but HeyGen can be the better fit for the right workflow.
HeyGen vs Runway is one of those comparisons that comes up again and again. Both are strong AI video tools, both have loyal fans, and both could be the right call depending on your situation.
We track hundreds of AI video tools on DesignBookmark, so we've put them side by side below: what each one is, where they overlap, how they differ, and a clear answer to which you should choose.
No fluff and no fabricated benchmarks — just an honest, practical comparison to help you decide fast.
At a glance
| HeyGen | Runway | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AI Video | AI Video |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| On DesignBookmark | Listed | Featured pick |
| Categories | 1 | 1 |
Pricing is a general guide and changes often — always confirm current plans on each tool's site.
What they have in common
At a high level, HeyGen and Runway are after the same thing. Both sit in our AI video category, both are aimed at designers, developers and creators, and both are built to make that job faster and more enjoyable.
So if you're only going to use one, you won't be missing out on the fundamentals either way — the question is which one's particular take on AI video tool suits you best. That's what the rest of this comparison digs into.
HeyGen
At its core, HeyGen is generate AI avatar videos and translate them into any language. Its biggest strength is the everyday experience — the small details are thought through, so it gets out of your way and lets you work.
Against Runway, it tends to win people over when a clean, familiar workflow is the priority. On the pricing side, HeyGen is generally freemium — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
Runway
Runway bills itself as advanced AI tools for generating and editing video — and in practice that's exactly what it delivers. It earns its reputation by being genuinely useful day to day, not just impressive in a thirty-second demo.
Compared with HeyGen, it's the one to reach for when you want something that just works out of the box. On the pricing side, Runway is generally freemium — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
How to choose between HeyGen and Runway
Pick HeyGen
Choose HeyGen if its approach to AI video tools matches the way you already like to work.
Pick Runway
Choose Runway if you want the more established, widely-adopted pick that most people reach for first.
Pricing & how you'll pay
HeyGen and Runway use broadly similar pricing models, so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. Focus instead on which one fits your workflow — and always confirm the latest plans on each site, since pricing changes often.
Workflow & learning curve
The best AI video tool is the one that disappears into your routine. Think about which interface feels more natural to you, which integrates with the apps you already use, and which you'd actually open every day. A short free trial of each tells you more than any feature chart.
Scope — all-rounder or specialist
Both cover similar ground here, so neither is obviously the "bigger" tool. Judge them on how well they do the specific job you care about most, rather than the length of their feature lists.
Momentum & community
A tool is only as good as the team and community behind it. Both HeyGen and Runway are actively maintained and listed on DesignBookmark for that reason — but it's worth a quick look at each one's changelog and community to see which is moving in a direction you like.
Frequently asked questions
Is HeyGen better than Runway?+
Neither is universally "better" — they're both strong AI video tools, which is why people compare them. HeyGen suits you if you want generate AI avatar videos and translate them into any language; Runway suits you if you want advanced AI tools for generating and editing video. The best way to decide is to try both on a real project.
What's the difference between HeyGen and Runway?+
They overlap a lot — both are AI video tools aimed at the same audience. The practical difference is emphasis: HeyGen is generate AI avatar videos and translate them into any language, whereas Runway is advanced AI tools for generating and editing video. That shapes which workflows each one feels best for.
Is HeyGen or Runway cheaper?+
Their pricing models are broadly similar (HeyGen is freemium, Runway is freemium), so cost isn't the deciding factor for most people. Check each site for the current plans, since they change regularly.
Can I use HeyGen and Runway together?+
Often, yes. Plenty of people use more than one AI video tool side by side — one as their main driver and another for the things it does best. There's no rule that says you must pick only one, though most settle on a primary tool over time.
Is there a free version of HeyGen or Runway?+
Both generally offer a free or freemium way in, so you can try HeyGen and Runway before paying for either.
The bottom line
The bottom line: Runway is the easier one to recommend as a default, but there's no wrong answer between HeyGen and Runway — they're both genuinely good AI video tools. Re-read the "how to choose" points above, take whichever one speaks to you for a quick spin, and keep the one that earns a permanent place in your workflow.