Best Video generation tools: Generate video clips from text or images
Video generation
Ranked by an evidence score built from public, verifiable facts (pricing, free tier, docs, platforms, open source, update activity). Hands-on testing is coming. How we test.
Top 3
#1
Runway
AI video generation and editing suite.
Free tier 81/100 · evidence
#2
Pika
Text/image-to-video with playful effects.
Free tier 62/100 · evidence
#3
Luma Dream Machine
Text/image-to-video by Luma AI.
44/100 · evidence
Budget pick
Hailuo AI
MiniMax's text/image-to-video generator.
Free tier Insufficient evidence
Local / open-source pick
Jan
Open-source desktop ChatGPT alternative that runs models offline.
Free tier Open source 100/100 · evidence
Comparison
| Tool | Pricing | Free tier | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runway | Free credits; Standard $15/mo ($12/mo annual) | Yes | 81 |
| Pika | Free plan; paid from $8/mo (annual) | Yes | 62 |
| Luma Dream Machine | No free plan; Plus $30/mo | No | 44 |
| Hailuo AI | One-time welcome credits; Standard $14.99/mo | Yes | Insufficient evidence |
| Kling AI | Free daily credits; paid from $10/mo | Yes | Insufficient evidence |