Runway
Cappy’s Quick Take
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | An AI video platform for generating and editing video, built for creative control |
| Pricing | Freemium · Standard $12/month · Pro $28/month · Max $76/month (annual billing) |
| Free plan | Yes, 125 one-time credits |
| Works with | Web app and iOS app, plus an API for developers |
| Best for | Filmmakers and creators who want to direct and refine every shot |
| Cappy Score | 4.4/5 |
What is Runway?
Runway is an AI video platform. You can generate video from text or images, then refine it with editing tools, so it suits people who want to shape every shot rather than accept the first result.
Besides Runway’s own Gen models, paid plans include access to several outside image and video models in the same workspace, along with tools like upscaling and lip sync.
Everything runs on credits. Pro and Max add Unlimited Mode, which generates on supported models without spending credits, in a slower queue. In 2026 Runway replaced its old Unlimited plan with Max.
Key features
- Text and image to video: create clips from a prompt or a starting image.
- Editing tools: refine, extend and modify footage inside Runway.
- Multiple models: use Runway’s own models and selected outside models in one place.
- Unlimited Mode: generate on supported models without credits on Pro and Max (slower queue).
- Upscaling: upscale videos for higher-quality exports.
- API: build Runway’s models into your own apps.
Pricing plans
| Plan | Price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Trying Runway with 125 one-time credits |
| Standard | $12/month billed annually ($144/year), or $15 billed monthly | Light use, with 625 credits a month |
| Pro | $28/month billed annually ($336/year), or $35 billed monthly | Regular creators who want 2,250 credits and Unlimited Mode |
| Max | $76/month billed annually ($912/year), or $95 billed monthly | Heavy users who need 9,500 credits a month |
| Enterprise | Custom | Organizations with custom needs |
Which plan should you pick? Use the free credits to test it, then start on Standard. Move to Pro once you make video every week: Unlimited Mode means you won’t be stuck when credits run out.
Runway free plan: what you get
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Credits | 125, one time (they don’t refill) |
| Roughly | A few short test clips |
| Monthly credits | Paid plans only |
| Unlimited Mode | Pro and Max only |
The catch: The free credits are a one-time taste, not a monthly allowance. On paid plans, Standard and Pro credits reset each month and don’t roll over.
Who is Runway for?
- Filmmakers: create shots and B-roll with fine control.
- Content creators: make standout clips for social media.
- Agencies: produce concepts and ad variations.
- Designers: bring still images to life.
Consider something else if you want a long-lasting free plan, or one-click finished videos with no editing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong creative control and editing tools
- Several AI models in one workspace
- Unlimited Mode on Pro and Max
- API for developers
Cons
- Free credits are one-time only
- Standard’s 625 credits go quickly
- Credits per clip vary by model
- Plan names changed in 2026, which can confuse older guides
Runway alternatives
| Tool | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Kling AI | Realistic motion and low entry prices |
| Google Flow | Google’s video tool, with free daily credits |
| Luma AI | Cinematic video plus creative agents |
| Pika | Fun effects and a free monthly allowance |
Compare them all side by side in our AI Video Generators list.
How to get started with Runway
- Sign up free at runwayml.com to get your one-time credits.
- Choose a model and start from a prompt or an image.
- Generate and refine your clip with Runway’s editing tools.
- Export your video, or upgrade for monthly credits.
Tip: Draft with cheaper, faster models and save premium models for final shots. Credit costs vary a lot between models.
Frequently asked questions
Is Runway free?
Runway gives new users 125 one-time credits to try it. After that, you need a paid plan for monthly credits.
How much does Runway cost?
Standard costs $15, Pro $35 and Max $95 a month. Billed annually, they cost $12, $28 and $76 a month.
What is Runway’s Unlimited Mode?
On Pro and Max, Unlimited Mode lets you generate on supported models without spending credits, in a slower queue with fewer jobs at once.
Do Runway credits roll over?
Standard and Pro credits reset each month. Max allows a limited rollover of unused credits.