Head-to-head comparison
Hailuo vs Runway Gen-4, comparison 2026
Hailuo
7.8/10
MiniMax
Budget MiniMax model with strong motion and image-to-video — low barrier to entry.
Runway Gen-4
8.5/10
Runway ML
Precise camera control and motion tools — the agency and pro filmmaker's choice.
TL;DR, key differences
| Attribute | Hailuo | Runway Gen-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $10/mo | $15/mo |
| Pro / higher plan | $64/mo | $95/mo |
| English prompts | yes | yes |
| Native audio | no | no |
| Image-to-video | yes | yes |
| Max clip length | 10s | 10s |
| Availability | worldwide | worldwide |
| Rating (our tests) | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
Strengths
Hailuo, pros
- +Very low price point (Standard ~$10/mo)
- +Natural, dynamic motion and character physics
- +Generous free tier with daily free credits
- +Strong image-to-video (animate product shots and graphics)
- +Commercial license and no watermark on paid plans
Runway Gen-4, pros
- +Motion brush — precisely paint which areas should move
- +Director mode — parametric camera control
- +Brand kit for agency workflows
- +Best image-to-video in its class
- +Full commercial license on Pro+ plans
Weaknesses
Hailuo, cons
- −Free tier has watermark, 720p, max 6s clips, and no commercial rights
- −Free credits expire in ~3 days
- −No native audio (requires ElevenLabs or similar)
- −Weaker lip-sync quality
- −Chinese vendor — review ToS regarding data privacy
Runway Gen-4, cons
- −No native audio (requires ElevenLabs or similar)
- −Most expensive Unlimited plan ($95/mo)
- −Weaker physics than Sora 2
- −Weaker lip-sync (requires separate Lip Sync module)
- −Steeper learning curve for motion brush
When to choose which tool
Choose Hailuo if
- →Budget entry point into AI video for beginners
- →Image-to-video (animate product shots and graphics)
- →Clips with dynamic character motion and action
- →Bulk content for TikTok and Reels
- →Testing ideas on the generous free tier
Choose Runway Gen-4 if
- →Product ads (precise camera control)
- →Agency workflow (brand kit, locked AR)
- →Long-form image-to-video
- →Music video / VFX
Verdict
In our tests, Runway Gen-4 (8.5/10) outscores Hailuo (7.8/10) in overall quality. On price, Hailuo wins (from $10/mo). Choose Hailuo if you need: Budget entry point into AI video for beginners, Image-to-video (animate product shots and graphics). Choose Runway Gen-4 if you need: Product ads (precise camera control), Agency workflow (brand kit, locked AR).