Cardboard vs Runware
Which Video AI tool is better in 2026?
Cardboard
Agentic video editor
Runware
One API for fast generative AI inference
Side-by-side
Runware leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($66M) and a lower entry price than Cardboard.
| Metric | Cardboard | Runware |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Agentic video editor | One API for fast generative AI inference |
| Foundedi | 2026 | 2023🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | London, GB |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 44 | 81🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $500K | $66M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Jan 2026 | Series A · Dec 2025 |
| Valuationi | — | —🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Pricing summaryi | Pricing not listed | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Cardboard and Runware.
| Capability | Cardboard | Runware |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✓ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDK languages | — | 3 (python, javascript, rest) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Cardboard
- Newer company (2026)
🔵 Strengths of Runware
- Has raised more capital ($66M vs $500K)
- Higher Neuron score (81 vs 44)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
Which should you choose?
Choose Runware if price matters most — it starts at Free, 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 Runware if you want the most established option — it has raised $66M, 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.
Frequently asked questions
Cardboard vs Runware — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Cardboard is the leaner option; Runware is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Cardboard cheaper than Runware?
No — Runware's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Cardboard's is Pricing not listed.
Do Cardboard and Runware offer free plans?
Cardboard: Paid only. Runware: Yes, has a free plan.
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