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Paid Tools / Video generation

Video generation · Paid serviceFrom $12/mo, billed yearly

Runway

One of the original AI video studios, with generation and editing tools aimed at professional creators.

Runway — Image from Runway

At a glance

Best for: Creative control for professionals
Price: From $12/mo, billed yearly
Free plan: Yes, one-time credits

Prices were checked in 2026 and change often. Confirm on the service's own site.

Quick answers

How much does Runway cost?

Runway starts at $12/mo, billed yearly. We last checked in 2026.

Does Runway have a free plan?

Yes, one-time credits.

What is Runway best for?

Runway is best for creative control for professionals.

What are the best free alternatives to Runway?

The best free, open-source alternatives to Runway are ComfyUI, Wan 2.1, and Segment Anything 2. See all free alternatives to Runway.

Free alternatives in the Free Market

ComfyUI screenshot

Images4.8

ComfyUI

Build image and video generation workflows by connecting blocks, with full control over every step.

Some setup
Windows · Mac · Linux

Code: Open source, GPL-3.0
Models: Open weights, your choice
Runs: On your computer
Real cost: Free

Wan 2.1 screenshot

Video4.0

Wan 2.1

An open video generation model that turns text or a still image into short clips.

For tinkerers
Windows · Linux

Code: Open source, Apache-2.0
Models: Open weights
Runs: On your computer
Real cost: Free

Segment Anything 2 screenshot

Video4.1

Segment Anything 2

Selects and tracks any object through a video from a single click, for masking and effects work.

For tinkerers
Windows · Mac · Linux

Code: Open source, Apache-2.0
Models: Open weights
Runs: On your computer
Real cost: Free