AI Video Tool Comparison

Generated-video tools, priced honestly — including the discarded generations that every published comparison leaves out.

Last checked 2026-09-10

How to read this

These tools bill per second of output, and most output gets thrown away. Budget three generations per usable clip and the effective rate triples, which is why generated visuals dominate a production budget in a way nothing else does.

Runway

Generated video clips, priced per second of output.

Pricing: Credit based · from $12/mo
Free tier: One-off trial credits
Best for: A handful of hero shots where no stock footage exists
Watch out: Budget three generations per usable clip. Costs climb faster than any other line.

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Pika

Short generated clips with a simpler interface and lower entry price.

Pricing: Credit based · free tier plus paid plans
Free tier: Monthly credit allowance
Best for: Short inserts and experimentation before committing budget
Watch out: Clip length limits make it awkward for anything sustained.

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InVideo

Template-led AI video generation aimed at turning a script into a finished edit rather than isolated clips.

Pricing: Free tier with watermark · paid plans from about $20/mo
Free tier: Yes, with a watermark and export limits
Best for: Getting a complete first cut fast when the visuals are illustrative rather than the point
Watch out: Template-driven output looks template-driven. Fine for explainers, weak where the footage has to carry the video.

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Work out your own numbers

Video Production Cost Calculator Compare production stacks and see what one video really costs to make.