Best AI text-to-video generators
Generative video models that turn a prompt (or an image) into footage. Quality, motion and access vary a lot, so compare the sub-scores below.
Ranked by score on our 100-point rubric (how we score). Scores are initial editorial estimates from public information, not hands-on tests. Pricing is labeled verified (checked on the vendor's official pricing page, with date) or unverified.
Quick picks
| # | Tool | Tier | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Veo Google DeepMind's video generation model | A | 80 |
| 2 | Kling AI High-quality text and image to video | A | 76 |
| 3 | Runway AI video generation and editing suite | A | 76 |
| 4 | Luma Dream Machine Video generation from Luma AI | B | 69 |
| 5 | Hailuo AI MiniMax's video generator | B | 67 |
The ranking
-
Text-to-video model with native audio, available via Gemini, Flow and the Gemini API.
- Best for
- You want state-of-the-art video with sound.
- Skip it if
- You need lots of cheap generations.
- Pricing
- Via Google AI plans or pay-per-second API unverified editorial summary, not yet confirmed on an official pricing page
- Platforms
- web · API
-
Kuaishou's video model known for realistic motion.
- Best for
- You want realistic motion at a good price.
- Skip it if
- Data jurisdiction is a concern for you.
- Pricing
- Free daily credits; paid plans unverified editorial summary, not yet confirmed on an official pricing page
- Platforms
- web · API
-
AI video generation and editing tools; the company now frames its research around "real-world intelligence" world models.
- Best for
- You want pro-grade AI video tools in one suite.
- Skip it if
- You are on a tight budget.
- Pricing
- Free plan (125 one-time credits); Standard $15/mo ($12 annually); Pro $35/mo ✓ verified on the official pricing page, Oct 18, 2026
- Platforms
- web · iOS · API
-
Text and image to video generation with the Ray models.
- Best for
- You want fast, easy video generation.
- Skip it if
- You need longer clips.
- Pricing
- Plus $30/mo; Pro $90/mo; Ultra $300/mo ✓ verified on the official pricing page, Oct 18, 2026
- Platforms
- web · iOS · API
-
Text and image to video generation from MiniMax.
- Best for
- You want strong video results with free credits.
- Skip it if
- You need Western data hosting.
- Pricing
- Free credits; paid plans unverified editorial summary, not yet confirmed on an official pricing page
- Platforms
- web · API
Head-to-head comparisons
FAQ
What is the best AI tool for text-to-video generation?
Google Veo ranks first with 80/100 (A-tier). Google DeepMind's video generation model. Use it when you want state-of-the-art video with sound. Next in our ranking: Kling AI (76/100, A-tier) and Runway (76/100, A-tier).
Which AI tools for text-to-video generation have a free tier?
In our pricing data, Kling AI (unverified), Runway (verified) and Hailuo AI (unverified) list a free tier. "Unverified" means it is an editorial summary we have not yet confirmed on the vendor's official pricing page, so check the vendor before relying on it.
How are these tools ranked?
Each tool is scored out of 100 on our public rubric: job fit (30), ease (15), value (15), momentum (15), openness and portability (10), trust and maturity (10) and a builder/gamer bonus (5). S-tier is 85+, A-tier 70–84, B-tier 55–69 and C-tier below 55. Current scores are initial editorial estimates from public information, not hands-on tests, and sponsors can't buy points.