How this list works: Numbered picks are chosen by our editors and are never for sale. We may earn a commission from some links. Full disclosure.
An AI video generator creates video from text, a script or an idea, without filming or editing. The tools in this list work in three different ways, so the best one depends on what you want to make. We reviewed six of the most popular options and ranked them on features, pricing, free plans and user feedback. All six have a free plan or a free trial, so you can test one before paying.
Quick comparison
| # | Tool | Best for | Score | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HeyGen | Best overall | ★ 4.4 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
| 2 | Synthesia | Best for business and training | ★ 4.4 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
| 3 | Runway | Best for cinematic generated clips | ★ 4.3 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
| 4 | Pictory | Best for repurposing blog posts | ★ 4.1 | Free trial | Visit ↗ |
| 5 | Fliki | Best for voiceovers and languages | ★ 4.0 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
| 6 | InVideo AI | Best for quick prompt-to-video drafts | ★ 3.9 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
#1: HeyGen
The most flexible AI presenter tool, with strong avatars, voice cloning and video translation in many languages. Premium avatars use credits quickly, so heavy use costs more.
#2: Synthesia
A polished avatar platform with a real free plan and minute-based plans that are easy to budget. Minute allowances are tight, and it is built more for business than for casual creators.
#3: Runway
Generates original video clips from text or images, and reviewers rate its quality and consistency highly. Credits run out fast and clips are short, so it is not a script-to-video tool.
#4: Pictory
Turns blog posts, scripts and long videos into short videos with stock footage and AI voices, with plans priced in video minutes. There is no permanent free plan, only a 14-day trial.
#5: Fliki
Combines text-to-video with one of the largest AI voice libraries, across 75+ languages. Credits are used by previews and retakes, and the free plan is very limited.
#6: InVideo AI
The fastest route from an idea to a draft video, with a free plan and access to several AI models. Many users report credits running out quickly and costs that are hard to predict.
How we chose these tools
We compared what each tool does well, what it costs, how much you get for free, and what users and independent reviewers say about it, including complaints. Our rankings are based on official pricing information, user reviews and community discussions, and independent write-ups. We have not run our own trials, and each review says so. Scores are editorial judgments, and we update them when products change.
The three kinds of AI video generator
Avatar and presenter tools put an AI presenter on screen who speaks your script. HeyGen and Synthesia are the leaders here, and they suit training, demos and explainers.
Script-to-video tools turn a script or blog post into a video with stock footage, captions and a voiceover. Pictory, Fliki and InVideo AI work this way.
Generative video tools create new clips from a prompt or an image. Runway is the best known, and its clips are short and cinematic.
Quick picks
Best all-rounder: HeyGen for flexible presenter videos and translation.
Best for business and training: Synthesia.
Best for generated clips: Runway.
Best for blog-to-video: Pictory.
Best for voices and languages: Fliki.
Best for quick drafts: InVideo AI, if you can manage a credit budget.
Free AI video generators: what you actually get
Almost every tool has a free option, but they are limited, so check the details before you start.
HeyGen has a permanent free plan with 3 videos a month of up to 1 minute each, with a watermark at 720p.
Synthesia gives 10 minutes a month with 9 stock avatars, but videos keep its logo and can only be shared by link.
InVideo AI gives limited weekly credits with watermarked exports, mainly for testing.
Fliki has a small monthly allowance with a watermark, 720p export and no commercial rights.
Runway gives 125 credits once, which don’t refill, enough for about two Gen-4.5 clips.
Pictory has no permanent free plan, only a 14-day trial with 3 projects and watermarked exports.
In general, free plans are for testing. If you plan to publish or sell videos, check each tool’s terms for commercial use and expect to pay for a plan that removes the watermark.
Watch the credits
Several tools use credits, and the cost of a finished video can be hard to predict. Premium avatars, generative scenes, previews and retakes all use credits, and credits usually reset each month. Start with a short video, check how many credits it uses, and keep an eye on your balance before you subscribe to a bigger plan.
Which one should you choose?
If you want a presenter on screen, compare HeyGen and Synthesia on the same script. If you want to turn written content into video, try Pictory or Fliki. If you want original cinematic footage, use Runway. If you want a quick draft from a prompt and can watch credits, try InVideo AI. Making YouTube videos? See our list of the best AI video generators for YouTube, or compare HeyGen vs Synthesia and InVideo AI vs Pictory. You can also browse the full AI video generators category.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free AI video generator?
Yes, several have free plans, but they limit length, resolution or credits and add a watermark. See the section above for each tool.
What is the best AI video generator?
It depends on the job. HeyGen is our best overall pick for presenter videos, Runway is the best for generated clips and Pictory is the best for turning blog posts into videos.
Can I use AI videos commercially?
Often only on paid plans. Free plans can restrict commercial use, so read each tool’s terms before you publish or sell a video.
Do I need to appear on camera?
No. Avatar tools use an AI presenter, and script-to-video tools use footage and a voiceover.
Which AI video generator is best for YouTube?
See our dedicated list of the best AI video generators for YouTube.