HeyGen vs Runway
Which Digital Humans AI tool is better in 2026?
HeyGen
AI video platform with hyper-realistic avatars.
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 HeyGen.
| Metric | HeyGen | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI video platform with hyper-realistic avatars. | Applied AI research for video, image, and 3D. |
| Foundedi | 2020 | 2018🏆 |
| HQi | Los Angeles, US | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 51-200🏆 | 201-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 59 | 65🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $65.6M | $1.4B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series A · Feb 2024 | Series E · Feb 2026 |
| Valuationi | $440M | $5.3B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Creator · $29/mo | Standard · $12/mo🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✓ Basic |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Business · $149/mo | Unlimited · $76/mo |
| Pricing summaryi | 5 published plans | 5 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for HeyGen and Runway.
| Capability | HeyGen | 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 HeyGen
- Newer company (2020)
🔵 Strengths of Runway
- Has raised more capital ($1.4B vs $65.6M)
- Higher Neuron score (65 vs 59)
- Lower starting price ($15/mo)
- More mature (2018)
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 Digital Humans 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
Get 50% off HeyGen Creator plan
50% off HeyGen Creator — generate AI avatar videos in 40+ languages.
NEURON 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
HeyGen vs Runway — which is better?
It depends on your priority. HeyGen is the leaner option; Runway is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is HeyGen cheaper than Runway?
No — Runway's cheapest paid plan is Standard · $12/mo, while HeyGen's is Creator · $29/mo.
Do HeyGen and Runway offer free plans?
HeyGen: Yes, has a free plan. Runway: Yes, has a free plan.
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