Criterion HeyGen Synthesia
CategoryAI Video GeneratorsAI Video Generators
In one sentenceCreate talking-avatar videos, digital twins and translated videos from a script.Business-focused AI video platform for training, communication and dubbing with AI avatars.
Problem it solvesFilming presenters, re-shooting for edits and localising video is costly; HeyGen produces presenter videos from text.Corporate training and internal videos are slow to film and update; Synthesia lets teams produce and revise them from text.
Free planYesYes
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, APIWeb, API
Pricing (summary)Free plan offers 3 videos a month up to 1 minute. Creator is $29/month ($24 annual), Pro starts at $49/month with 1,000 credits, and Business is $149/month plus $20 per extra seat. The API is separate, pay-as-you-go from a $5 top-up.
Checked 2026-10-19
Free Basic plan with 10 minutes a month (watermarked). Starter is $29/month ($18 annual) and Pro $89/month ($64 annual), with credit allowances that convert to video minutes. Enterprise is custom with unlimited video minutes.
Checked 2026-10-19
Strengths
  • Strong avatar realism
  • Many languages
  • Flexible pay-as-you-go API
  • Enterprise focus and governance
  • Wide avatar library
  • Clear per-minute API rates for interactive avatars
Limitations
  • Credits-to-minutes conversion is not published
  • Free plan limited to 3 one-minute videos per month
  • Conflicting resolution info for Creator plan
  • Requires consent for likeness and voice
  • Free plan videos are watermarked
  • Minutes are limited on Starter
  • Plan structure changed on 1 Oct 2026, so older guides are outdated
  • Legacy video API limited to Pro and Enterprise