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HeyGen vs Synthesia: Which Should You Pick in 2026?

Pick HeyGen for the most realistic talking-head videos and creator workflows; pick Synthesia for team training videos and the cheapest entry (Starter $18/mo billed annually).

DimensionHHeyGenSSynthesia
Free tier3 videos/month, ≤1 min eachBasic $0: 1,200 credits/month (~10 min of video)
Watermark-free fromCreator $29/moStarter $29/mo
Entry price$29/mo$29/mo
Lip syncTesting soonYes
LanguagesTesting soonTesting soon
Best forTesting soonTesting soon

FAQ

Which is more realistic for talking-head videos?

Both produce realistic talking-head videos; the differences are in avatar style, voices and workflow. Our hands-on realism notes land on each tool page after testing.

Which tool is better for team training?

It depends on collaboration and governance needs. The comparison table above puts the decision-relevant fields side by side.

Is there a truly free plan?

Both tools offer a way to try for free, with different limits and watermark rules. We verify the exact limits by hand and mark them with a "Last verified" date.

Can I try both before deciding?

Yes — both have free entry points. Check the free tier row above for what each free plan actually includes.