Runway vs Cosmos
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Runway starts at $15/mo and Cosmos starts at $9 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Gen-4.5 video model
- Aleph video-to-video editing
- Image-to-video
- 4K upscaling
- Developer API
- Idea to 30-second film
- Sourced facts
- Wikimedia archive footage
- AI voiceover
- Original music score
| Feature | Runway | Cosmos |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI video generation and editing suite for filmmakers and studios | Turns one idea into a sourced 30-second video essay with voice and music |
| Category | Video | Video |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $15/mo | $9 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Runway AI | Cosmos |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Runway starts at $15/mo and Cosmos starts at $9 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Free
Free
- 125 one-time credits
- Selection of generative models
- 5 GB asset storage
Standard
$15/mo
- 625 credits / month
- All AI video and image models
- App Studio
Pro
$35/mo
- 2,250 credits / month
- All AI video and image models
Max
$95/mo
- 9,500 credits / month
- Credits roll over 1 month
- Early access to new models
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Team and enterprise plans
- Custom usage and security
2 plans
Make
Free
- Up to 3 films a day
- Watermarked preview
- No credit card needed
Keep
$9 one-time
- Per film
- No watermark
- 1080p MP4 download
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Runway
- High-quality cinematic output
- Edits real footage, not just generation
- Mature web editor and API
- Standard plan covers under a minute of video
- Free credits are one-time only
Cosmos
- Every fact is sourced
- Uses real, credited archive material
- Pay only for films you keep
- Films are limited to about 30 seconds
- Free previews carry a watermark
- Up to 3 free films a day
Which one should you choose?
Choose Runway if you want:
- High-quality cinematic output
- Edits real footage, not just generation
- Mature web editor and API
Watch out: standard plan covers under a minute of video.
Choose Cosmos if you want:
- Every fact is sourced
- Uses real, credited archive material
- Pay only for films you keep
Watch out: films are limited to about 30 seconds.
Runway vs Cosmos FAQ
What is the difference between Runway and Cosmos?
Runway: AI video generation and editing suite for filmmakers and studios. Cosmos: Turns one idea into a sourced 30-second video essay with voice and music. Both are video tools.
Is Runway or Cosmos cheaper?
Runway starts at $15/mo and Cosmos starts at $9 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Runway and Cosmos have free plans?
Runway: Yes. Cosmos: Yes.
Who makes Runway?
Runway is made by Runway AI, based in United States.
Who makes Cosmos?
Cosmos is made by Cosmos.
Which should I choose, Runway or Cosmos?
Choose Runway if you value high-quality cinematic output and edits real footage, not just generation. Choose Cosmos if you value every fact is sourced and uses real, credited archive material.