Best AI Video Tools of 2026

AI video tools split into two jobs: editing footage you've recorded, and generating presenter videos from a script. Pick the job first, then the tool.

By Robert · Prices checked against each vendor's pricing page

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Testing status: hands-on reviews of these 3 tools are in progress. Until each one is published, details here come from the vendor's own pricing and feature pages.

Video tools at a glance

Prices are shown in the currency each vendor lists. UK customers may see VAT added at checkout.

Comparison of AI video tools
ToolBest forFree optionStarting price
DescriptEditing video by editing textFree plan$16/mo
SynthesiaVideos without a cameraFree plan$29/mo
HeyGenAvatar and translated videosFree plan$29/mo

The tools in detail

What each tool does, the strongest reasons to use it, and the honest drawbacks.

01

Descript

Best AI video and podcast editor

Descript turns your recording into a transcript, and you edit the video by editing the text. Delete a sentence and it disappears from the video. Built-in AI removes filler words, fixes audio and can generate clips for you.

Why choose it

  • Edit video like a document
  • One-click filler-word removal
  • Free plan, no card required

Drawbacks

  • Free plan has export limits
  • Media hours are capped per plan
Video editingPodcastsTranscription
Free · paid from $16/moPaid price billed annually
Start Descript free →
02

Synthesia

Best for training and explainer videos

Type a script, pick an AI presenter, and Synthesia produces a professional video, with no camera, studio or actor. It's widely used for training videos, explainers and product walkthroughs, in many languages.

Why choose it

  • 125+ AI avatars on the Starter plan
  • Videos in dozens of languages
  • Free plan to try it out

Drawbacks

  • Free videos carry a watermark
  • Minutes are limited by credits
AI videoAvatarsTraining
Free · Starter $29/moAnnual billing is cheaper
See Synthesia plans →
03

HeyGen

Best for avatars and video translation

HeyGen creates presenter videos from a script and can translate a video into other languages with matching lip movement. It's popular with marketers making short social and sales videos.

Why choose it

  • Free plan: 3 videos a month
  • Watermark removed on paid plans
  • Strong video translation

Drawbacks

  • Free videos limited to 1 minute
  • Credits run down quickly on longer videos
AI videoAvatarsTranslation
Free · Creator $29/mo$24/mo billed annually
See HeyGen plans →

How to choose

01

Edit or generate?

If you film yourself, you need an editor like Descript. If you don't want to be on camera, you need an avatar tool.

02

Check the watermark

Most free plans add a watermark. Fine for testing, not for client work.

03

Watch the minutes

Paid plans ration video minutes or credits. Estimate your monthly output before choosing a tier.

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