Async vs Runway
Which Video AI tool is better in 2026?
Async
The only AI Video Editor you need to create and edit videos effortlessly by chatting with AI.
Runway
Applied AI research for video, image, and 3D.
Side-by-side
Runway is the more established option (raised $1.4B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Async | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The only AI Video Editor you need to create and edit videos effortlessly by chatting with AI. | Applied AI research for video, image, and 3D. |
| Foundedi | — | 2018🏆 |
| HQi | — | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 60 | 84🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $1.4B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | — | Series E · Feb 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $5.3B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Creator · $12/mo | Standard · $12/mo |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✓ Basic |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · $50/mo | Unlimited · $76/mo |
| Pricing summaryi | 4 published plans | 5 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Async and Runway.
| Capability | Async | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✓ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (JavaScript, Python) | 2 (JavaScript, Python) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Async
- Lower starting price ($12/mo)
🔵 Strengths of Runway
- Has raised more capital ($1.4B vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 60)
- Newer company (2018)
Which should you choose?
Choose Async if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $12/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Video tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Runway if you want the most established option — it has raised $1.4B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
💸 Deals
Runway free plan — 125 one-time credits
Runway's free plan includes 125 one-time credits to try Gen-3 Alpha, image-to-video, and the full creative suite.
Frequently asked questions
Async vs Runway — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Async is the leaner option; Runway has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Async cheaper than Runway?
No — Runway's cheapest paid plan is Standard · $12/mo, while Async's is Creator · $12/mo.
Do Async and Runway offer free plans?
Async: Yes, has a free plan. Runway: Yes, has a free plan.
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