Runway

★ 4.5/5Free tier

Generative AI video from text, image, or video input

Free + from $15/mo · Verified 2026-06-19

What is Runway?

Runway is a generative AI platform focused on video creation and editing. Its Gen-4 model generates videos from text prompts, images, or existing clips, and the platform includes motion brush, inpainting, and frame interpolation tools used by professional filmmakers and content creators.

Pricing

Free tier (125 credits). Standard $15/mo, Pro $35/mo, Unlimited $95/mo, Enterprise custom. As of June 2026.

Pricing changes often — verified 2026-06-19. Always confirm the current plans on Runway's site.

Pros

✓Industry-leading video generation quality (Gen-4)
✓Multiple input modes: text, image, video, motion brush
✓Free tier available for experimentation
✓Used in professional film and advertising production

Cons

–Credit-based pricing makes costs hard to predict
–Generated clips are short (5-10 seconds per generation)
–High-quality outputs require Pro tier or above

Key features

Gen-4 text-to-video and image-to-video
Motion brush for directional control
Video-to-video style transfer
Frame interpolation and slow motion
Inpainting and background removal
4K upscaling on higher tiers

Best for

Text-to-video and image-to-video generationFilm and short-form video productionCreative professionals experimenting with AI videoMotion design and visual effects prototyping

What models does Runway use?

Runway runs on Custom (Runway proprietary)-class models. Building on the API directly instead? Compare raw LLM pricing to see what those models cost per token.

Runway alternatives

Descript★ 4.4

Edit video and podcasts by editing text — AI-powered post-production

Synthesia★ 4.3

AI avatar videos from text — no camera or studio needed

HeyGen★ 4.2

AI spokesperson videos with instant avatar and voice cloning

InVideo AI★ 4.0

Generate full edited videos from a single text prompt

See the full AI Video ranking →

FAQ

How much does Runway cost?

Free tier (125 credits). Standard $15/mo, Pro $35/mo, Unlimited $95/mo, Enterprise custom. As of June 2026.. Runway has a free tier you can start with. Pricing was verified 2026-06-19; check Runway's site for current plans.

Is Runway worth it?

Runway is best for Text-to-video and image-to-video generation, Film and short-form video production, Creative professionals experimenting with AI video. Its main strengths are industry-leading video generation quality (gen-4) and multiple input modes: text, image, video, motion brush. The main trade-offs are credit-based pricing makes costs hard to predict and generated clips are short (5-10 seconds per generation).

Does Runway have a free trial or free plan?

Yes — Runway offers a free plan or trial so you can test it before paying.

What are the best Runway alternatives?

Strong ai video alternatives to Runway include Descript, Synthesia, HeyGen, InVideo AI. Compare them on our AI Video roundup.