What is Runway?
Runway is a video generation tool and free to start, with paid upgrades. Hollywood-grade generative video and editing suite, free to start. We rate it 9.0/10 after hands-on testing. If it is not the right fit, there are 4 strong free and open-source alternatives.
Runway at a glance
| Category | Video Generation |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Free version | ✓ Yes |
| Open source | No |
| Our score | 9.0/10 |
| Partner deal | — |
Why we rate Runway
- Has a genuinely free version — no credit card to start.
- One of the highest-scoring tools in its category on our tests.
- Easy to swap in or out — 4 close alternatives if it is not a fit.
Runway FAQ
Is Runway free?
Runway has a free plan you can use without paying; paid tiers unlock more.
Is Runway open source?
No, Runway is not open source. If you want an open-source option, browse the alternatives below.
What are the best Runway alternatives?
Our top free and open-source Runway alternatives are Luma Dream Machine, Kling, Pika. See the full list on our alternatives page.
How do we rate Runway?
We score Runway 9.0 out of 10 after hands-on testing, weighing the free tier, output quality, ease of use and value. Scores are decided before any partnership and never bought.
