Reactor vs Runway
Which Video AI tool is better in 2026?
Reactor
Real-time AI video generation with near-zero time to first frame
Runway
Applied AI research for video, image, and 3D.
Side-by-side
Runway leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($1.4B) and a lower entry price than Reactor.
| Metric | Reactor | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Real-time AI video generation with near-zero time to first frame | Applied AI research for video, image, and 3D. |
| Foundedi | 2025 | 2018🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 54 | 76🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $59M | $1.4B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series A · May 2026 | Series E · Feb 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $5.3B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Standard · $12/mo🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Basic |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Unlimited · $76/mo |
| Pricing summaryi | Free trial | 5 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Reactor and Runway.
| Capability | Reactor | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✓ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 2 (JavaScript, Python) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Reactor
- Newer company (2025)
🔵 Strengths of Runway
- Has raised more capital ($1.4B vs $59M)
- Higher Neuron score (76 vs 54)
- Offers a free plan
- Lower starting price ($15/mo)
Which should you choose?
Choose Runway if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $15/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
Reactor vs Runway — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Reactor is the leaner option; Runway is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Reactor cheaper than Runway?
No — Runway's cheapest paid plan is Standard · $12/mo, while Reactor's is Free trial.
Do Reactor and Runway offer free plans?
Reactor: Free trial only. Runway: Yes, has a free plan.
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