Starts atFreemium, from $10/mo
- Free option listed
- Watermark on free exports
Head-to-head
Kling AI vs Runway: which AI video generator should creators pay for?
At a glance
Starts atFreemium; Standard $15/mo or $12/mo billed yearly
- Free plan125 one-time credits, 5GB storage
- Watermark on free exports
Both make AI video clips from text or images. Runway Standard is $12/month billed yearly ($15 monthly) for 625 credits with no watermark. Free gives 125 one-time credits. Kling AI starts from $10/month in our data, and its free tier is 720p with a watermark. Runway lists more tools per plan, like 4K upscaling.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Kling AI | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, 720p with watermark (ShortStack data) | 125 one-time credits, 5GB storage |
| Entry paid plan | From $10/month (ShortStack data) | Standard: $12/month yearly, $15 monthly, 625 credits |
| Mid plan | Not confirmed (Oct 2026) | Pro: $28/month yearly, $35 monthly, 2,250 credits |
| Top plan | Not confirmed (Oct 2026) | Max: $76/month yearly, $95 monthly, 9,500 credits |
| Watermark | Free: yes | Standard: no watermark |
| Commercial use | Paid plans (ShortStack data) | Not on Runway's pricing page (Oct 2026) |
| Best for | Cheap AI clip testing | Higher-end AI video and upscaling |
Which one for Shorts, TikTok and Reels?
AI clips work as B-roll or hooks inside a Short. Use the free tiers to test the same prompt in both. Avoid posting free Kling clips, since they carry a watermark.
How to choose
- Run one prompt on each free tier.
- Pick the clip you like more.
- On Runway, pay yearly to save $36 a year on Standard.
- Watch credits: Runway Standard and Pro credits do not roll over.
Questions people ask
Is Kling AI cheaper than Runway?
At entry level, Kling is from $10/month in our data and Runway Standard is $12 yearly or $15 monthly.
Does Runway have a free plan?
Yes: 125 one-time credits and 5GB of storage.
Does Kling AI free have a watermark?
Yes, our data lists 720p with a watermark on the free tier.
Related: Kling AI, Runway, AI video generators.
Sources: runway.com/pricing, kling.ai. Kling's pricing page showed no content to our checker, so Kling facts come from ShortStack data. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.