Starts atFree plan · paid from $6/mo
- Free plan
Head-to-head
Synthesia vs ElevenLabs: do you need an AI avatar or an AI voice?
At a glance
Starts atFree plan · paid from $14/mo billed yearly
- Free plan
- Watermark on free exports
They do different jobs. Synthesia makes videos with an AI presenter on screen. ElevenLabs makes voices: text-to-speech, cloning and dubbing. If you want a face on screen, use Synthesia. If you only need narration for a faceless video, ElevenLabs costs less: Starter is $6/month against $19/month for Synthesia Starter.
Quick verdict
- Choose Synthesia if you want a talking presenter in your video, for training or explainers.
- Choose ElevenLabs if you need voiceovers, a cloned voice or dubbing for faceless Shorts.
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Synthesia | ElevenLabs |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Basic: 500 credits/month, about 10 minutes of video, watermark | Yes: 10,000 credits/month |
| Entry paid plan | Starter: $19/month billed monthly, 1,250 credits, downloads, no logo | Starter: $6/month, 30,000 credits, commercial use |
| Mid plan | Pro: $89/month, 6,000 credits, 5 personal avatars | Creator: $22/month, 121,000 credits |
| Output | Video with AI avatar | Audio |
| Watermark | Free: yes. Paid: removed | Audio only, no watermark |
| Best for | Presenter-led videos | Voiceovers and dubbing |
For faceless Shorts and TikToks
Most faceless channels pair a voiceover with stock clips or gameplay. ElevenLabs covers the voice. Synthesia fits when you want a person on screen without filming yourself.
How to choose
- Decide if you need a face or just a voice.
- Voice only: ElevenLabs Free, then Starter at $6.
- Face on screen: Synthesia Basic to test, Starter to download without the logo.
Common questions
Does Synthesia use ElevenLabs voices?
Our sources do not cover which voice engine Synthesia uses. Each tool lists its own voices.
Is ElevenLabs cheaper than Synthesia?
Yes. ElevenLabs Starter is $6/month. Synthesia Starter is $19/month billed monthly.
Can Synthesia make Shorts?
Synthesia makes avatar videos you can download on paid plans and post as Shorts.
Related: HeyGen vs Synthesia, ElevenLabs alternatives, AI avatar tools, AI voiceover tools.
Sources: synthesia.io/pricing, elevenlabs.io/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.