production. This review evaluates each platform's features, output quality, ease
of use, and pricing.
seo_title: '2026 AI Video Editing Tools Review: Runway vs CapCut vs Pika · 16IDC'
seo_keywords: AI video editing, Runway, CapCut, Pika, HeyGen, AI video generation
seo_description: Review of mainstream AI video editing tools including Runway, CapCut
Pro, Pika, and HeyGen, comparing features, output quality, ease of use, and pricing.
published_at: '2026-07-18'
status: active
AI Video Editing Tools Review: Best AI Video Platforms to Use in 2026
AI video editing tools are disrupting traditional video production workflows. From auto-editing and smart captions to text-to-video generation, AI has dramatically lowered the barrier to video creation.
1. Tool Overview
1.1 Runway
Runway is the most feature-complete AI video editing platform, offering a full suite from generation to editing.
Core Features:
- Gen-3 Alpha: Text-to-video, image-to-video
- Video restoration: Object removal, background replacement, super-resolution
- Auto captions, green screen keying
- Motion tracking, style transfer
Pricing: Free 125 credits/month, Pro $15/month (625 credits), Unlimited $95/month.
1.2 CapCut
ByteDance's free video editing tool with powerful AI features, completely free to use.
Core Features:
- Smart keying, background replacement
- Auto-generated captions
- AI digital avatar
- Text-to-speech, voice cloning
- Extensive templates and assets
Pricing: Basic features free, premium assets require subscription.
1.3 Pika
Pika focuses on AI video generation, known for high-quality output.
Core Features:
- Text-to-video, image-to-video
- Video stylization (anime, 3D, pixel art, etc.)
- Local video modification
- Video extension
Pricing: Limited free tier, Pro $10/month.
1.4 HeyGen
HeyGen specializes in AI digital avatar video generation for business video production.
Core Features:
- AI digital avatars (100+ models)
- Multi-language lip sync
- Teleprompter auto recording
- Template-based video production
Pricing: Free tier: 1-minute video, Creator $29/month.
2. Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Runway | CapCut | Pika | HeyGen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Text-to-Video | ✓ Excellent | ✗ | ✓ Excellent | ✗ |
| Image-to-Video | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI Keying | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Auto Captions | ✓ | ✓ Best | ✗ | ✓ |
| Digital Avatar | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ Best |
| Video Repair | ✓ Best | Limited | ✗ | ✗ |
| Templates | Limited | Rich | Limited | Rich |
| Mobile | Limited | ✓ Excellent | ✗ | Limited |
3. Scenario Recommendations
| Need | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|
| Short video editing | CapCut |
| AI video generation | Runway + Pika |
| Product marketing videos | HeyGen |
| Professional post-production | Runway |
| Social media content | CapCut + Pika |
4. Workflow Recommendations
Recommended combo: Use Runway or Pika to generate AI footage, then edit, add captions, and export in CapCut for maximum efficiency.