HeyGen vs Synthesia
Compare the features side by side
Synthesia avatars
Synthesia stands out with its latest generation of avatars, called Expressive Avatars. Synthesia's Expressive Avatars uniquely adjust their performance, including body language, micro-gestures, facial expressions, and lip-syncing, to match the specific context of the script. For example, they can appear and sound sad if the script is sad, or energetic and positive if the script is inspiring.
On top of that, the lip sync rating of 4.5/5 solidifies Synthesia as the leader in the AI video generation space.
HeyGen avatars
HeyGen's custom avatar feature also allows users to create avatars from photos, which differentiates HeyGen from Synthesia.
HeyGen vs Synthesia – which one offers better voices?
Synthesia offers support for over 130 different languages, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. In contrast, HeyGen supports only 40 languages.
Both platforms also offer the ability to upload own audio voiceovers and create custom voices for text-to-speech.
In terms of other features, both Synthesia and HeyGen offer auto-captions, which is a useful tool for making speech more accessible. However, only HeyGen allows users to control the speed and pitch of speech.
Making videos with Synthesia
Synthesia, in comparison is a more complete online video editing tool, that includes a screen recorder, stock media, animations, transitions, aspect ratios and an overall cleaner UX.
Making videos with HeyGen
While HeyGen offers an in-browser video editing tool, the design and UX feels cluttered and the video canvas itself is very small. The tool also does not feature a screen recorder or transitions. On the upside, the tool includes different aspect ratios for videos.
Want to add multimedia?
Both HeyGen and Synthesia offer a wide range of media you can add to your videos.
That includes stock images, videos, music, GIFs, stickers, as well as the option to upload your own media.
Do both platforms offer templates?
HeyGen offers a larger selection of video templates compared to Synthesia. Though it's worth noting that HeyGen's templates often only consist of 1 scene layout.
Synthesia's templates, on the other hand, come with 6-10 different scene layouts, allowing to create a full video layout in one click.
Synthesia’s security & ethics
In contrast, Synthesia has a strict content moderation policy (automated & manual), SSO and SOC 2 Type II certification to enable quicker procurement for Enterprise clients and stricter security policies.
HeyGen’s security & ethics
HeyGen does offer content moderation. However, upon testing, the content moderation system seems to be subpar, allowing profane content to slip through.
With regards to the security of the platform itself, HeyGen does not offer Single Sign-On (SSO) and does not seem to be SOC compliant. Both factors can stand in the way of big enterprises using the software.
How does the customer service compare?
Looking at the most trusted software rating platform (G2), ratings for Synthesia are excellent - 4.8/5 with over 1100 reviews. HeyGen's reviews average around 4.8/5 as well, but with fewer reviews - 490+.
With regards to customer support, Synthesia offers support for all users both by chat and email, whereas HeyGen currently only offers support by email.
Both Synthesia and HeyGen have dedicated Customer Success Managers (CSMs) for Corporate plan users.
Other reasons to choose Synthesia
Synthesia is a comprehensive platform that offers a range of features, including a Knowledge Base for any questions about the platform, Synthesia Academy for simple tutorials and beginner courses with in-house L&D experts, and Integrations with 35+ tools.
Additionally, Synthesia recently launched an Examples page, that showcases real examples of videos made in Synthesia. The video can be cloned and adjusted to individual needs. Lastly, you can find a list of Service Providers to help with your video needs.
Other reasons to choose HeyGen
In comparison, HeyGen has fewer features. But it does have a Help Center and a few integrations (for Enterprise plan users only).
AI research advantage
Being the oldest & biggest company in the space, we have a bigger AI dataset for training our models. Our focus in continually solving fundamental AI problems has a direct effect on Synthesia.
- $10M R&D investment in 2023
- Best lip sync & voice quality
- Largest team of AI researchers
Most trusted brand
As the leaders of the AI video generation space since 2017, we have strong ethics and content moderation policies. That is mirrored in our customer reviews.
- Human & machine moderation
- 4.8/5 1000+ G2 reviews
- Strong moderation policies
Enterprise grade security
Synthesia is the most enterprise-ready AI video platform, with a dedicated security team, regular penetration tests and official accreditation to back this up.
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- GDPR compliant
- SOC 2 Type II compliant
Better video editing features
No need to use switch between tools to create a video. Synthesia has all the built-in tools a modern video creator may need.
Helpful learning materials
Even if you are a novice in video creation, we have helpful tutorials, webinars, and examples to help you get started.
Superior AI avatar quality
Better lip sync, more natural movements, diverse selection, no eerie uncanny valley feelings.
Synthesia plans
Free Demo
Try Synthesia by creating a free AI video.
Starter
120 minutes of video/year. Billed yearly.
Creator
360 minutes of video/year. Billed yearly.
Enterprise
Unlimited videos + premium features.
Free
$0
1 minute of video
Creator
$29/month
15 minutes of video/month (max. 5 minutes per video)
Business
$89/month
30 minutes of video/month (max. 20 minutes per video)
Enterprise
Custom pricing
The difference in numbers
Here are a few quick facts about both companies in numbers.
Why 50.000+ companies choose Synthesia
We might be biased, but our customers aren't. See what they have to say.
We have received great feedback from our colleagues!
"Our 380.000+ employees all over the world must have the same competence profile. Synthesia helps us develop engaging, relevant and localised training content at scale."
Saving tons of time and making great content in the blink of an eye
"In the projects I'm currently in, it's a life saver, I could not deliver so quickly without Synthesia. I also value that they are adding avatars and new features regularly."
Great product with even greater customer support!
"Synthesia allows us to use video for situations we do not normally have resources for. So far, it has been great for product training or explaining new processes."
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Frequently asked questions.
