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HeyGen vs Synthesia: which AI avatar video tool should you use?
Job: Make a short talking-avatar video. Our pick is HeyGen, the free option is Synthesia, and here is whether to keep the tool you already use.
Our pick
HeyGen
Chosen for: The free plan lets you try the real avatar engine (Avatar IV) before you pay.
Price: Free plan (3 videos/mo, up to 1 min each). Creator is $29/mo, or $24/mo billed annually.
Time to start: ~15 min to your first video (our estimate)
Why not Synthesia? Its Starter is also $29/mo, but it's built around training features (surveys, roleplays, learner seats) a quick social clip doesn't need.
Free option: Synthesia. Choose it for training videos. The free Basic plan gives 10 min of video, 3 survey responses and 500 credits per month (watermarked).
Already using another tool?
KEEP OR TRYAlready on Synthesia? Keep it for training videos. Try HeyGen's free plan if you mostly make short social clips.
Verdict based on docs and user reviews, not yet tested on a task. Last reviewed Oct 15, 2026.
Using something else? Tell us which tool: hello@whichtoolai.com
HeyGen vs Synthesia at a glance
| HeyGen | Synthesia | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 3 videos/mo, up to 1 min, Avatar IV access | Basic: 10 min of video, 3 survey responses, 500 credits/mo (watermarked) |
| Entry paid plan | Creator: $29/mo, or $24/mo billed annually (no watermark, 1080p, voice cloning) | Starter: $29/mo billed monthly |
| Built for | Trying the avatar engine on short clips before paying | Training videos (surveys, roleplays, learner seats) |
From each vendor's official page, checked Oct 15, 2026. How we check.
Skip HeyGen if…
- You make training or internal videos: Synthesia is built around those features.
- You already pay for Synthesia and it covers your videos.
FAQ
Is HeyGen free?
Yes, there is a free plan: 3 videos per month, up to 1 minute each, with access to Avatar IV.
How much is HeyGen Creator?
$29/mo, or $24/mo billed annually, per HeyGen's pricing page (checked Oct 15, 2026). It removes the watermark and adds 1080p and voice cloning.
Should I switch from Synthesia to HeyGen?
Keep Synthesia for training videos. Try HeyGen's free plan if you mostly make short social clips.
Does Synthesia have a free plan?
Yes. The free Basic plan gives 10 minutes of video, 3 survey responses and 500 credits per month, with a watermark.
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Verdicts are based on vendor docs and user reviews unless marked "tested on a task". Prices checked Oct 15, 2026 on vendors' official pages; they can vary by region, tax or promotion. No paid or affiliate links. Contact: hello@whichtoolai.com