Kling AI vs RunwayML: which one to choose in 2026?

Community ratings, features, pricing and free plans: the complete head-to-head between Kling AI and RunwayML to find the right tool for your needs.

Screenshot of Kling AI
Verified

Kling AI

4.3 (154)

Built by Chinese tech giant Kuaishou, Kling AI ranks among the most impressive video generators around right now. It produces footage with remarkably believable motion physics from a text prompt or an image, and offers advanced features such as trajectory control and special effects. Since early 2026, its Kling 3.0 model has generated videos in native 4K with a synchronized soundtrack.

Text to Video
View detailsOfficial site
Screenshot of RunwayML
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RunwayML

4.5 (302)

Runway has established itself as the AI video creation studio of choice for professionals, with credits that extend all the way to Hollywood productions. Its flagship Gen-4.5 model turns text or an image into cinematic video footage, while Aleph edits an existing shot from a simple written instruction. The toolkit also covers automatic green screen, slow motion and plenty of other magic touch-ups.

Text to VideoVideo Editor
View detailsOfficial site

Comparison table

CriterionKling AIRunwayML
Average rating4.34.5
Number of reviews154302
Free planYesNo
PlansFree, Standard, ProBasic, Standard, Pro
CategoriesText to VideoText to Video, Video Editor
Last updatedJuly 8, 2026July 8, 2026

See all tools in these categories: Text to Video

Our verdict

Kling AI or RunwayML?

With an average rating of 4.5/5 (302 reviews), RunwayML comes out ahead of Kling AI (4.3/5, 154 reviews) with our community.

Budget-wise, Kling AI offers a free plan to get started, while RunwayML does not appear to offer one.

RunwayML also covers Video Editor, ground that Kling AI does not directly address.

Features head to head

Kling AI

  • Videos up to native 4K at 60 fps with realistic physics
  • Generation from text or images
  • Synchronized soundtrack and voices generated alongside the visuals (Kling 3.0)
  • Professional mode for higher quality
  • Video extension up to several minutes
  • Free credits refreshed daily

RunwayML

  • Realistic video generation from text or images
  • Editing of existing shots via text instructions with Aleph
  • Precise control over camera movements
  • Video background removal without a green screen
  • Editing tools: slow motion, image expansion, cleanup
  • Team collaboration on shared projects

Pricing compared

Kling AI

Free

  • Free daily credits
  • Standard-quality generation
  • Watermark on exports

Standard

  • Around $10 per month
  • 660 monthly credits
  • Professional mode and watermark-free exports

Pro

  • Around $37 per month
  • 3,000 monthly credits
  • Priority generation

RunwayML

Basic

  • Free
  • 125 credits included at sign-up
  • Watermarked exports

Standard

  • $12 per month
  • 625 monthly credits
  • Watermark-free exports
  • Access to Gen-4.5 and partner models (Veo, Kling...)

Pro

  • $28 per month
  • 2,250 monthly credits
  • Custom voices and expanded storage

Prices are indicative and may change — check the official sites for up-to-date pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Kling AI and RunwayML?

Both tools share the Text to Video space, but RunwayML adds Video Editor.

Kling AI or RunwayML: which one is rated higher?

RunwayML earns the better average rating: 4.5/5 (302 reviews), versus 4.3/5 (154 reviews) for Kling AI.

Can you use Kling AI or RunwayML for free?

Kling AI offers a free plan, and RunwayML does not offer a free plan as far as we know.

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