HeyGen vs Synthesia | A Thorough Comparison to Help You Choose
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Are you unsure whether to choose HeyGen or Synthesia for creating AI avatar videos? Both are popular tools that use AI to generate human-like presenters and automatically produce videos. In this article, we offer a thorough comparison of the two based on the latest information as of August 2026.
As of 2026, HeyGen supports over 100 AI avatars and more than 175 languages. Its greatest strengths are the "Custom Avatar" feature, which lets you create an avatar that looks just like you from a single photo, and "Video Translation," which can translate existing videos into multiple languages. In June 2026, features for real-time streaming and developers were also added, including HyperFrames and the Avatar Realtime API.
Synthesia, on the other hand, is a long-established enterprise-oriented service offering over 240 avatars and more than 160 languages. It is optimized for corporate training and internal manuals, with a rich selection of video templates and brand management features. It has a longer track record than HeyGen and has been widely adopted by major corporations.
| Feature | HeyGen | Synthesia |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Avatars | 100+ | 240+ |
| Supported Languages | 175+ | 160+ |
| Custom Avatars | Can be created from a single photo | Requires video recording |
| Video Translation | Available (lip-sync included) | Limited |
| 4K Output | Business plan and above | Enterprise plan |
| Real-Time Streaming | Avatar Realtime API | Not available |
| Brand Management | Basic settings | Advanced brand system |
| Number of Templates | Moderate | Extensive (enterprise-focused) |
HeyGen shines in video translation and the ease of creating custom avatars. Synthesia, on the other hand, wins in terms of avatar variety and template richness.
HeyGen's pricing comes in four tiers: a free plan (up to 3 videos per month, with watermark), a Creator plan ($29/month, 200 credits), a Pro plan ($99/month, 2,000 credits), and a Business plan ($149/month, 1,000 credits). It uses a credit-based system, and Avatar IV videos consume 20 credits per minute. This means the Creator plan allows you to create roughly 10 minutes of video per month.
Synthesia's pricing is reported to have three tiers: a Starter plan ($22/month, up to 10 videos per month), a Creator plan ($67/month, up to 30 videos per month), and an Enterprise plan (custom pricing). While the video count limits are easy to understand, costs can become high if you produce longer videos. Since HeyGen charges by the minute, Synthesia tends to suit those who create many short videos, while HeyGen is better for those who produce longer ones.
Note that HeyGen's Business plan charges an additional $20 per month for each extra user, though credits are shared. If you plan to use it as a team, it's advisable to calculate costs in advance.
HeyGen excels at social media marketing, product introduction videos, and multilingual distribution. For example, an influencer could create an AI avatar from their own photo and broadcast the same content in English, Chinese, and Spanish. With the Real-Time Streaming API added in June 2026, applications in live commerce and customer support are also anticipated.
Synthesia, on the other hand, is strong in corporate training, internal manuals, and e-learning content. It offers features for centrally managing brand colors and logos, making it popular with PR and HR departments at large corporations. If you want to incorporate quizzes or interactive elements, a specialized tool like Colossyan may be worth considering, but Synthesia's extensive templates make it more than capable for standard training videos.
According to user reviews, HeyGen's avatar quality has received a high rating of 9.2/10 on G2. In particular, Avatar V (released in April 2026) combines the best of photo-based and video-based models, achieving a significant improvement in the naturalness of facial expressions. The editing interface is also simple, allowing beginners to create their first video in about 10 minutes.
Synthesia's editing interface is somewhat more structured, guiding users to select a template before proceeding. While it offers less freedom than HeyGen, some users appreciate that it means "no confusion" and "no inconsistency." Some users feel the avatar movements are slightly stiffer compared to HeyGen, but this is not an issue if you prioritize the reliable, professional impression suited for enterprise use.
In terms of video rendering speed, both tools take roughly 3–5 minutes for a one-minute video. Using HeyGen's premium avatar engine increases credit consumption by 6–7 times, so it is smart to switch between the standard and premium engines depending on your needs.
Use the following criteria to decide.
If you want flexibility while keeping costs down, HeyGen is the better fit. If you need a stable enterprise environment, Synthesia is the way to go. Both offer free plans or free trials, so the surest approach is to try both and choose whichever fits your workflow.
This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.
