7 alternatives
Runway alternatives
Love the idea of Runway but not quite sold? You’re in good company. We rounded up the 7 alternatives our editors and readers keep coming back to in 2026.
For context, Runway costs Free · from $15/mo and suits filmmakers and video creators exploring AI in their work.
The short version: 6 of these let you start for free, and 4 cost less.
- 1
HeyGenFreemium
No reviews yetCreate avatar videos or translate your own clips into other languages with matching lip movements.
- ✓ marketers and creators reaching audiences in several languages
Runway vs HeyGenFree · from $29/mo - 2
SynthesiaPaid
No reviews yetMake polished presenter-led videos from a script, no camera, studio or actors required.
- ✓ learning and HR teams producing lots of training videos
Runway vs SynthesiaFrom $29/mo - 3
DescriptFreemium
No reviews yetEdit your video or podcast like a document by simply cutting and fixing words in the transcript.
- ✓ podcasters and creators who find timeline editing tedious
Runway vs DescriptFree · from $16/mo - 4
PikaFreemium
No reviews yetA fun, easygoing way to turn ideas and photos into short videos with quirky effects.
- ✓ cheaper (from $8)
Runway vs PikaFree · from $8/mo - 5
Luma Dream MachineFreemium
No reviews yetType a scene or drop in a still, and get a short clip with real camera movement.
- ✓ cheaper (from $9.99)
Runway vs Luma Dream MachineFree · from $9.99/mo - 6
ElevenLabsFreemium
No reviews yetNatural-sounding AI voices for narration, dubbing and cloning, with real emotion in the delivery.
- ✓ cheaper (from $5)
- ✓ more people use it
Free · from $5/mo - 7
KreaFreemium
No reviews yetSketch, tweak and watch images update almost instantly, then upscale or animate the results.
- ✓ cheaper (from $10)
Free · from $10/mo
Runway alternatives: FAQ
What’s a good alternative to Runway?+
Start with HeyGen — it’s the closest match. Synthesia and Descript are great too, depending on your budget.
Is there a free tool like Runway?+
Yes! ElevenLabs, HeyGen and Descript won’t cost you anything to get started.
What’s cheaper than Runway?+
If $15 feels steep, look at ElevenLabs ($5), Pika ($8) and Luma Dream Machine ($9.99).