Synthesia vs HeyGen 2026: Honest Comparison

Overview

Synthesia and HeyGen are the two leading AI video generation platforms that create professional videos using digital avatars. Both allow you to type a script and generate a video of a realistic AI presenter speaking your words, eliminating the need for cameras, studios, or actors. Synthesia targets enterprise training and corporate communications with its compliance features and SOC 2 certification. HeyGen focuses on marketing and social media content with faster generation, more creative avatar options, and a popular video translation feature.

AI video generation has matured significantly in 2026, and both platforms now produce videos that are difficult to distinguish from real footage in many cases.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Synthesia	HeyGen	Winner
Avatar Quality	High, enterprise-grade	High, more variety	Tie
Custom Avatars	Yes, from video recording	Yes, instant from photo	HeyGen
Languages	140+ languages	175+ languages	HeyGen
Video Translation	Basic dubbing	Advanced lip-sync translation	HeyGen
Enterprise Features	SOC 2, SSO, compliance	Growing enterprise tools	Synthesia
Templates	200+ scene templates	300+ templates	HeyGen
Generation Speed	5-15 minutes	3-10 minutes	HeyGen
API Access	Enterprise only	Available on paid plans	HeyGen

Pricing

Synthesia Starter is $29/month for 10 minutes of video per month. The Creator plan is $89/month for 30 minutes. Enterprise pricing is custom with unlimited videos and advanced features. HeyGen offers a free plan with 1 minute of video. The Creator plan is $29/month for 15 minutes. The Business plan is $89/month for 60 minutes. Enterprise pricing is custom.

HeyGen offers more video minutes per dollar at every tier, making it the better value for most users. Synthesia justifies its pricing for enterprise customers who need compliance features.

Pros and Cons

Synthesia Pros

• Enterprise-grade security with SOC 2 compliance
• Professional avatar quality suitable for corporate use
• Robust API for enterprise integration
• Strong track record with Fortune 500 companies

Synthesia Cons

• Fewer video minutes per dollar than competitors
• Custom avatar creation requires video recording session
• Limited creative flexibility for marketing content
• Slower generation times

HeyGen Pros

• More video minutes per dollar at every price point
• Instant custom avatar from a single photo
• Industry-leading video translation with lip-sync
• Faster video generation

HeyGen Cons

• Enterprise features are less mature
• Security and compliance certifications are newer
• Avatar quality can be inconsistent
• Less established brand for corporate buyers

Who Should Use Which?

Choose Synthesia if you are creating corporate training videos, internal communications, or compliance content. Its enterprise features, security certifications, and established reputation make it the safe choice for large organizations.

Choose HeyGen if you are creating marketing videos, social media content, or need video translation capabilities. Its better value, faster generation, and creative flexibility make it ideal for marketing teams and content creators.

Verdict

HeyGen offers better value and more creative features for most users. Synthesia is the safer choice for enterprise and compliance-focused organizations. If budget and video volume matter, HeyGen wins. If corporate trust and security matter most, Synthesia wins.