Video6 min read
AI video tools: how to choose the right one in 2026
Six AI video tools compared by output type, metering, seats, and lock-in, with a situation-to-tool map and the questions to ask before paying annually.
Updated Sep 2026Read guide
Best tools · Video
Best tools to generate videos with AI
Turn scripts or text into video with AI presenters. 10 tools in this list, 8 with a free plan.
How this list is ranked. Tools are ordered by how strongly they are built for this job (as tagged in VERILO’s catalogue), then by editorial score and editor rating. Affiliate relationships and featured status are never inputs.
- 01
Synthesia
Built for itAI video platform that turns scripts into presenter-led videos using digital avatars and synthetic voices.
4.6From $29/moFree plan- This is a core use case of the product.
- Includes Real-time collaboration, Roles & permissions, API access
- 02
HeyGen
Built for itAI video generator with digital avatars, voice cloning and automatic video translation with lip sync.
4.5From $29/moFree plan- This is a core use case of the product.
- Includes AI content generation, Real-time collaboration, API access
- 03
Runway
Built for itGenerative AI platform for creating video and images from text, image and video inputs.
4.4From $15/moFree plan- This is a core use case of the product.
- Includes AI content generation, Roles & permissions, API access
- 04
InVideo AI
Built for itGenerates narrated stock-footage videos from a text prompt and lets you revise them with text commands.
3.9From $35/moFree plan- This is a core use case of the product.
- Includes AI content generation, Templates, Mobile app
- 05
Pictory
Built for itAI tool that turns scripts, blog posts and long recordings into captioned stock-footage videos.
3.8From $25/moFree trial- This is a core use case of the product.
- Includes AI content generation, API access, Templates
- 06
VEED
Good at itBrowser-based video editor with automatic subtitles, AI voiceovers, avatars and script-to-video generation.
4.2From $12/moFree plan- Well supported, though not the product's main focus.
- Includes AI content generation, Templates, Text to video
- 07
Gemini
Supports itGoogle's AI assistant, bundled with Google One storage and Workspace apps, on web, Android and iOS.
4.5From $4.99/moFree plan- Possible, but other tools on this list are more purpose-built.
- Includes AI assistant, AI content generation, AI agents
- 08
Midjourney
Supports itSubscription AI image generator known for stylized, high-quality output, available on the web and Discord.
4.4From $10/mo- Possible, but other tools on this list are more purpose-built.
- Includes AI content generation, Real-time collaboration, Import & export
- 09
CapCut
Supports itVideo editor from ByteDance with templates, auto captions and AI effects across mobile, desktop and web.
4.2From $9.99/moFree plan- Possible, but other tools on this list are more purpose-built.
- Includes AI content generation, Templates, Mobile app
- 10
Kapwing
Supports itCollaborative online video editor with AI subtitles, dubbing, text-based editing and repurposing tools.
4.1From $24/moFree plan- Possible, but other tools on this list are more purpose-built.
- Includes AI content generation, Real-time collaboration, Templates
Choosing between the top two?
See Synthesia and HeyGen side by side on pricing, free plans, ease of use and features.
Compare Synthesia vs HeyGenGuides for this decision
10 tools compared. Each listing shows when its information was last reviewed; prices can change, so check the vendor’s pricing page before you decide.