Runway vs Twelve Labs
Which Video AI tool is better in 2026?
Runway
Applied AI research for video, image, and 3D.
Twelve Labs
Video understanding AI for developers
Side-by-side
Runway is the more established option (raised $1.4B), but Twelve Labs is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Runway | Twelve Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Applied AI research for video, image, and 3D. | Video understanding AI for developers |
| Foundedi | 2018🏆 | 2021 |
| HQi | New York, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 201-500 | 50-100🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 78🏆 | 53 |
| Total fundingi | $1.4B🏆 | $77M |
| Latest roundi | Series E · Feb 2026 | Series A · Jun 2024 |
| Valuationi | $5.3B🏆 | $500M |
| Cheapest paid plani | Standard · $12/mo | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ Basic | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Unlimited · $76/mo | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 5 published plans | Freemium |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Runway and Twelve Labs.
| Capability | Runway | Twelve Labs |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (JavaScript, Python) | 2 (Python, JavaScript) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✓ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Runway
- Has raised more capital ($1.4B vs $77M)
- Higher Neuron score (78 vs 53)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
🔵 Strengths of Twelve Labs
- Newer company (2021)
- Verified profile
Which should you choose?
Choose Twelve Labs if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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
Runway vs Twelve Labs — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Runway has raised more capital and is the more established option; Twelve Labs is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Runway cheaper than Twelve Labs?
No — Twelve Labs's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Runway's is Standard · $12/mo.
Do Runway and Twelve Labs offer free plans?
Runway: Yes, has a free plan. Twelve Labs: Paid only.
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