Two kinds of AI video
AI video tools split into two groups. Generative models create new footage from a prompt, while avatar tools produce a presenter speaking your script. Know which one you need first, because the top tools in each group are very different. Credits also run out quickly in this category, so look at the cost per finished second, not just the monthly price.
Google Veo
Cinematic clips with synced sound.
Veo 3.1 leads on following prompts and on native audio, with synced dialogue, ambience and music generated along with the picture. That can cut out a lot of post-production for short clips.
It is tied to the Google ecosystem and credits drain quickly, so high-volume creators should budget carefully.
- Strong prompt adherence
- Native synced audio
- Tied to Google
- Credits drain fast
Runway
Creative control for filmmakers and editors.
Runway gives you more control than most, with motion brush, camera controls and reference images. It feels like a tool for people who want to direct a shot rather than simply accept what comes out.
Top quality is expensive, and credits do not roll over on plans below Max.
- Fine creative controls
- Reference images
- Expensive at top quality
- Limited rollover
Kling
The best quality for the money.
Kling offers strong quality per dollar along with good consistency, and it has the lowest entry price and a daily free allowance. That makes it a good choice for anyone generating a lot of clips.
The interface can be rough for English speakers and queues get long at peak times.
- Great value
- Daily free credits
- Good consistency
- Rougher interface
- Peak-time queues
Hailuo
Quick, realistic image-to-video.
Hailuo from MiniMax is fast and produces realistic motion when animating an existing image, making it handy for social content and quick concept tests.
Clips are short and text-to-video is weaker, so it works best with a strong starting image.
- Fast
- Realistic motion
- Short clips
- Weaker text-to-video
Luma Dream Machine
Sweeping camera moves and keyframes.
Luma is known for smooth camera movement and keyframes, which let you control how a shot starts and ends. It suits product shots and short transitions.
Cost per clip is relatively high, at around $1, and the free tier runs out quickly.
- Excellent camera motion
- Keyframe control
- High per-clip cost
- Free tier runs out fast
HeyGen
Realistic avatars and lip-synced translation.
HeyGen creates presenter-style videos from a script, with realistic avatars and lip-synced translation. It is a fast way to localize marketing and sales videos.
The credit system is fiddly, and it only produces person-to-camera formats.
- Realistic avatars
- Lip-synced translation
- Fiddly credits
- Only person-to-camera video
Synthesia
The corporate standard for training video.
Synthesia is built for companies, with SCORM export, SSO and voiced avatars in more than 140 languages. It is an established choice for learning and internal communications teams.
Tight minute caps make it expensive for solo users.
- Enterprise features
- 140+ languages
- Tight minute caps
- Pricey for individuals
How to choose
For generated footage, start with Veo, or Kling if you need volume. For presenter videos, compare HeyGen and Synthesia.
Run the same prompt through two tools on free credits before you subscribe, since results vary a lot by subject.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best AI video generator?
Google Veo for cinematic clips with audio. Kling offers the best value, and HeyGen is our pick for avatar videos.
Is there a free AI video generator?
Kling has daily free credits, and Hailuo, Luma, HeyGen and Synthesia offer limited free use, usually watermarked.
Do AI video tools generate sound?
Some do. Veo and Kling generate native audio, while avatar tools produce speech from your script.