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HeyGen vs Synthesia
Pick HeyGen for the strongest custom-avatar pipeline and clean B2B video; pick Synthesia for enterprise-grade avatars for training and internal comms.
By Mark Gradler · Scores verified 2026-10
Choose HeyGen if…
You want a polished custom avatar of a real spokesperson and corporate-grade output.
Choose Synthesia if…
Your job is L&D, onboarding, or knowledge video at scale, not performance ads.
Side by side
| HeyGen | Synthesia | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 7.5/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Category | Custom avatars & B2B video | Enterprise avatar video (adjacent) |
| Best for | B2B, explainers, and custom-avatar spokespeople | Enterprise L&D, internal comms, and knowledge video |
| Pricing from | free tier; paid around $29/mo | free tier; paid around $29/mo (Starter) |
| Free trial | Yes (free tier) | Yes (free tier) |
| Actors / avatars | 700+ avatars, strong custom-avatar support | 125-240+ avatars depending on plan, custom avatars |
| Languages | 175+ languages | 140+ languages |
| Custom avatars | Yes | Yes |
| Output realism | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Workflow & speed | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Actors & languages | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Value for money | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Fit & support | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Where they differ
- Value for money: HeyGen leads Synthesia, 7/10 to 6/10. Real cost per usable video once credits, add-ons, and re-rolls are counted, against comparable tools. Not sticker price - effective price.
- Fit & support: HeyGen leads Synthesia, 7/10 to 6/10. How well the tool fits a specific job (app ads, e-commerce, B2B, localisation), plus onboarding, docs, and support quality.
Effectively tied: output realism, workflow & speed, actors & languages.
HeyGen in one line
The best choice when you want a polished custom avatar of a real person or spokesperson - closer to B2B explainer video than gritty UGC, with fair credit rollover.
Synthesia in one line
The enterprise standard for avatar video in training and internal comms - included for context, but the wrong tool for scrappy performance-ad UGC.
Common questions
How much do HeyGen and Synthesia cost?
HeyGen: free tier; paid around $29/mo. Synthesia: free tier; paid around $29/mo (Starter). Pricing shifts often, so confirm on each vendor's site.
Do HeyGen or Synthesia have a free trial?
HeyGen: Yes (free tier). Synthesia: Yes (free tier).
Can you make a custom avatar with HeyGen or Synthesia?
HeyGen: yes. Synthesia: yes.