Synthesia vs Runway: Editing Controls, Templates & Workflow

Synthesia vs Runway — compare editing flexibility, template library, timeline controls, and workflow efficiency.

Category
Video & Animation
Format
Head-to-head
Updated
April 15, 2026
Visit Synthesia (opens in a new tab) Visit Runway (opens in a new tab)
Screenshot of Synthesia AI video creation interface
Synthesia
Screenshot of Runway AI video and image editing interface
Runway

How they compare

Feature
Synthesia
Runway
Made by Synthesia Ltd. Runway AI, Inc.
Category AI Animated Video AI Video Generator Video & Animation Video To Video AI Animated Video AI Video Generator Video & Animation Video To Video
Pricing model Freemium Subscription Free Pay As You Go Subscription
Platforms API Web API Web
Built with AWS Python React TensorFlow JavaScript Python React TensorFlow
Languages Chinese English French German +2 more English
Based in United Kingdom United States

Greyed rows are the same for both tools.

What each one is

Synthesia

Synthesia is an AI-powered video generation platform that enables users to create professional videos featuring realistic AI avatars without cameras, actors, or studios. It leverages deep learning to synthesize human-like presenters who can speak multiple languages, making video production scalable and cost-effective for businesses and educators.

Full Synthesia review

Runway

Runway is a cloud-based AI platform that provides creators and developers with advanced tools for video editing, image generation, and multimedia content creation. It leverages state-of-the-art machine learning models to simplify complex creative tasks such as rotoscoping, background removal, style transfer, and text-to-image synthesis. Runway’s platform is designed to be accessible to both technical users and creative professionals, offering an intuitive interface alongside powerful APIs.

Full Runway review

Key features

Synthesia

  • AI Avatar Library

    Access a diverse set of realistic AI avatars to represent speakers in videos.

  • Multi-language Support

    Create videos in over 60 languages and accents for global reach.

  • Custom Avatar Creation

    Build personalized avatars to match your brand identity or spokesperson.

  • Text-to-Video Conversion

    Turn written scripts into engaging videos with synchronized speech and gestures.

  • API Integration

    Automate video generation workflows by integrating Synthesia’s API.

Runway

  • AI Video Editing

    Automate complex video editing tasks such as background removal, object tracking, and rotoscoping.

  • Text-to-Image Generation

    Generate high-quality images from descriptive text prompts using advanced AI models.

  • Real-time Collaboration

    Work simultaneously with team members on projects within the cloud-based platform.

  • API Access

    Integrate Runway’s AI models into custom applications and workflows via a developer-friendly API.

  • Extensive Model Library

    Access a wide range of pre-trained AI models for various creative and technical applications.

Pricing

Plans as published by each vendor. Check the vendor site before buying — pricing changes.

Synthesia

  • Free $0/month (1 min/month)

    Limited access to create short videos with standard avatars.

  • Starter $18/month

    Access to more avatars, longer videos, and basic customization.

  • Creator $64/month

    Advanced features including custom avatars, API access, and dedicated support.

  • Enterprise Custom pricing

Runway

  • Free $0/month

    Access to basic AI tools with limited usage and export options.

  • Standard $15/month

    Enhanced features, higher usage limits, and priority support.

  • Pro $35/month

    Tailored solutions with dedicated support and advanced API access.

  • Unlimited $95/month

Strengths and trade-offs

Synthesia

Strengths

  • Easy to use with no video production skills required
  • Supports a wide range of languages and accents
  • Custom avatars enhance brand identity
  • Speeds up video content creation significantly
  • API enables automation and scalability

Trade-offs

  • Custom avatars and advanced features require higher-tier plans
  • Video output quality depends on script and avatar choice
  • Limited offline capabilities as it is web-based

Runway

Strengths

  • User-friendly interface accessible to non-technical users
  • Wide range of AI models for diverse creative needs
  • Real-time collaboration capabilities
  • API access for developers to build custom workflows
  • Cloud-based platform requiring no local installation

Trade-offs

  • Pricing may be high for casual users
  • Some advanced features require technical knowledge
  • Dependent on internet connection for cloud access

Who it is for

Synthesia

  • Marketing teams
  • Corporate trainers
  • E-learning developers
  • Internal communications managers
  • Small to large enterprises

Runway

  • Video editors and filmmakers
  • Graphic designers and digital artists
  • Content creators and social media managers
  • Software developers integrating AI models
  • Marketing teams producing multimedia content

What people use it for

Synthesia

  • Corporate Training Videos

    Create engaging training content with AI avatars to improve employee onboarding and education.

  • Personalized Marketing Videos

    Generate customized videos for marketing campaigns that address individual customers by name or preferences.

  • Internal Communications

    Produce clear and consistent internal messages and announcements using AI-generated presenters.

  • E-learning Content

    Develop scalable educational videos with realistic AI avatars to enhance remote learning experiences.

  • Product Demos and Explainers

    Quickly create professional product demonstration videos without the need for actors or studios.

Runway

  • Video Editing and Effects

    Use AI-powered tools to edit videos, add effects, and generate new video content with minimal manual effort.

  • Image Generation and Manipulation

    Create images from text prompts or modify existing images using AI models for creative projects.

  • Creative Content Production

    Enable artists, designers, and creators to produce unique multimedia content leveraging AI capabilities.

  • Machine Learning Model Integration

    Developers can integrate Runway’s AI models into their own applications via API for custom workflows.

  • Real-time Collaboration

    Teams can collaborate on creative projects in real-time using Runway’s cloud-based platform.

Getting started

Synthesia

  1. Sign Up

    Create an account on Synthesia's web platform to access video creation tools.

  2. Select or Create an AI Avatar

    Choose from a library of AI avatars or create a custom avatar representing your brand or persona.

  3. Input Script

    Enter the text script you want the avatar to speak; the platform supports multiple languages.

  4. Customize Video

    Adjust video settings such as background, branding elements, and subtitles.

  5. Generate and Download

    Synthesize the video and download it for use in marketing, training, or communication.

Runway

  1. Create an Account

    Sign up on Runway’s website to access the platform and start using AI tools.

  2. Choose a Model or Tool

    Select from a variety of pre-trained AI models for video editing, image generation, or other creative tasks.

  3. Upload or Input Data

    Upload your video or image files, or input text prompts to generate new content.

  4. Apply AI Effects

    Use the selected AI models to edit, generate, or enhance your media in real-time.

  5. Export and Share

    Download your finished content or share it directly from the platform.

Common questions

Yes, Synthesia supports over 60 languages and accents for video creation.

Yes, Runway’s interface is designed for creatives with no coding experience, while also offering APIs for developers.

No, the platform is designed to be user-friendly and requires no prior video editing skills.

Runway provides models for video editing, image generation, style transfer, object detection, and more.

Yes, Synthesia offers custom avatar creation for corporate clients.

Runway offers a free tier with limited access so users can try out the platform before subscribing.

Yes, Synthesia provides API access for integrating video generation into your workflows.

Yes, Runway supports real-time collaboration for teams working on creative projects.

Share Synthesia vs Runway: Editing Controls, Templates & Workflow:

More comparisons with these tools

Browse all AI tool comparisons