HeyGen vs Luma AI: which one to choose in 2026?

Community ratings, features, pricing and free plans: the complete head-to-head between HeyGen and Luma AI to find the right tool for your needs.

Screenshot of HeyGen
Verified

HeyGen

4.4 (218)

HeyGen lets you produce professional videos with talking avatars, no camera or studio required. Pick a virtual presenter or create your own digital twin, type in your script, and the platform generates a strikingly realistic video. Its latest models, Avatar IV and then Avatar V, can animate a single photo with remarkably lifelike expressions. Its video translation feature even lip-syncs content in over 170 languages.

Text to VideoAvatar Generator
Screenshot of Luma AI
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Luma AI

4.5 (251)

Luma AI is an advanced platform that enables users to create lifelike 3D models and videos using AI technology. By leveraging tools like Dream Machine and Ray2, users can transform text prompts, images, or videos into high-quality 3D content, making it ideal for creators in various industries.

3D Design3D Model GeneratorText to VideoPhoto & Image GeneratorIllustration Generator

Comparison table

CriterionHeyGenLuma AI
Average rating4.44.5
Number of reviews218251
Free planYesYes
PlansFree, Creator, BusinessFree Plan, Lite Plan - $9.99/month, Plus Plan - $29.99/month, Unlimited Plan - $94.99/month
CategoriesText to Video, Avatar Generator3D Design, 3D Model Generator, Text to Video, Photo & Image Generator, Illustration Generator
Last updatedJuly 8, 2026April 30, 2025

See all tools in these categories: Text to Video

Our verdict

HeyGen or Luma AI?

HeyGen (4.4/5) and Luma AI (4.5/5) earn very similar ratings from our community: the choice mostly comes down to your use case.

Budget-wise, both tools offer a free plan: you can try them before committing to a paid tier.

Positioning-wise, HeyGen stands out in Avatar Generator, while Luma AI focuses on 3D Design, 3D Model Generator, Photo & Image Generator and Illustration Generator.

Features head to head

HeyGen

  • Over 500 realistic ready-to-use avatars
  • Avatar IV and Avatar V models: ultra-expressive avatars generated from a single photo
  • Custom avatar creation from your own videos
  • Video translation with lip syncing
  • Studio-quality multilingual voiceovers
  • Ready-made templates for training and marketing

Luma AI

  • Text-to-3D model generation
  • Video-to-3D model conversion
  • Dream Machine for animating 3D models
  • High-quality rendering with Ray2
  • Export options for various formats

Pricing compared

HeyGen

Free

  • 3 videos per month, up to one minute each
  • HeyGen watermark
  • Access to public avatars and the Avatar IV model

Creator

  • $29 per month, or $24 per month billed annually
  • Credit-based monthly generation, no watermark
  • 1080p export, videos up to 30 minutes
  • Custom avatar and voice cloning included

Business

  • $149 per month, plus $20 per seat
  • Team collaboration and SSO
  • 4K export and videos up to 60 minutes

Luma AI

Free Plan

  • Limited to image generation
  • 720p output quality
  • Lower priority processing
  • Non-commercial use
  • Watermarked outputs

Lite Plan - $9.99/month

  • 3200 monthly credits
  • 1080p images, 720p & 1080p videos
  • High priority processing
  • Non-commercial use
  • Watermarked outputs

Plus Plan - $29.99/month

  • 10,000 monthly credits
  • 1080p images, 720p & 1080p videos
  • High priority processing
  • Commercial use allowed
  • No watermarks

Unlimited Plan - $94.99/month

  • Unlimited credits in Relaxed Mode
  • 10,000 monthly credits for Fast Mode
  • 1080p images, 720p & 1080p videos
  • High priority processing
  • Commercial use allowed
  • No watermarks

Prices are indicative and may change — check the official sites for up-to-date pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between HeyGen and Luma AI?

Both tools share the Text to Video space, but HeyGen also covers Avatar Generator, while Luma AI adds 3D Design, 3D Model Generator, Photo & Image Generator and Illustration Generator.

HeyGen or Luma AI: which one is rated higher?

The two tools are neck and neck: HeyGen shows 4.4/5 (218 reviews) and Luma AI 4.5/5 (251 reviews).

Can you use HeyGen or Luma AI for free?

Yes: both HeyGen and Luma AI offer a free plan to get started. Advanced features require their paid tiers.

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