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Compare AI video generation tools

Include discarded generations as well as usable clips when you compare costs.

Official sourceLast checked: 2026-09-02

Official source checked

Runway

Choose the model first. Free offers 125 one-time credits for models available on that plan; it does not provide a Gen-4.5 trial, and three usable shots are not guaranteed. Plan a three-shot workflow, cap the initial test budget, and finish accepted clips in your main editor. Upgrade only when a named limit—model access, watermark, credits, storage or delivery format—justifies the additional cost.

Best fitPlanned short generated shots
Runway fits when a storyboard identifies a small number of visual gaps and each generated clip has a defined role inside an edit completed elsewhere.
Pause firstThe whole video must be finished in one app
Pause if long-form assembly, exact revisions, audio mixing, captions, client handoff, offline work, or durable storage is the real production bottleneck.
Decision testComplete a three-shot loop
Design three representative shots, record every retry and credit, export accepted clips, finish one sequence in your editor, and divide spend by usable results.

Official pricing source: runway.com

Decision guide

Official source checked

Kling AI

Shortlist Kling AI when a specific 3–15-second shot would fill a real storyboard gap. Start with a 5-second 720p test, log all attempts and finish an accepted result in your main editor. Before subscribing, confirm your currency, tax, renewal, credits and model access. For client work, document input permissions and the applicable commercial-use and branding conditions: membership benefits and the rules for non-members differ.

Good fitA short missing shot has a clear job
You know the shot's purpose, duration, aspect ratio and acceptance rule, and text, an approved image or a reference element could create a usable candidate.
Wait firstPrice, rights or repeatability are still unclear
Wait when local checkout terms cannot be verified, client material is sensitive, or you have not proved that the same character and motion can survive the required revisions.
First testFinish one five-second shot outside the generator
Generate the same bounded shot, count all credits and retries, then add sound, captions and final timing in the editor that will deliver the real project.

Official pricing source: klingai.com

Decision guide

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