Best Runway Alternatives for Video Editing in 2026
Runway offers impressive AI-powered video editing tools like inpainting, background removal, and generative fill, but it's primarily a generation tool with editing bolted on. If your main goal is editing existing footage with AI assistance, several dedicated tools do it better and often cheaper. Here are the strongest alternatives for AI video editing.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Pricing | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Descript | Free plan Hobbyist $24/month, Pro $33/month | 4.6 |
| CapCut | Free plan Pro $7.99/month or $74.99/year | 4.4 |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Free plan $22.99/month (annual) or $34.99/month (monthly) | 4.5 |
| Topaz Video AI | Free plan $199 one-time purchase (includes 1 year of updates) | 4.3 |
| Filmora | Free plan $49.99/year or $79.99 perpetual licence | 4 |
Detailed Reviews
Descript
A revolutionary video editor that lets you edit video by editing text, with powerful AI tools for filler word removal, eye contact correction, and voice cloning.
Pros
- +Edit video by editing a transcript — uniquely intuitive workflow
- +Automatic filler word and silence removal saves hours of manual work
- +AI eye contact correction and green screen work remarkably well
Cons
- -Not suited for complex multi-track timeline editing
- -Transcription accuracy can struggle with heavy accents or technical jargon
- -Export quality on lower plans is restricted
Pricing
CapCut
ByteDance's free video editor packed with AI features including auto-captions, background removal, style transfer, and intelligent scene editing.
Pros
- +Extremely generous free tier with most AI features included
- +Auto-captions and smart subtitle styling are best-in-class
- +Available on desktop, web, and mobile with synced projects
Cons
- -Exported videos include CapCut branding on free tier
- -Advanced colour grading and audio tools lag behind professional editors
- -ByteDance ownership raises data privacy concerns for some users
Pricing
Adobe Premiere Pro
The industry-standard professional video editor now supercharged with Adobe Firefly AI for generative extend, object removal, and AI-powered audio cleanup.
Pros
- +Industry standard with the deepest professional feature set available
- +AI-powered Generative Extend fills gaps in footage seamlessly
- +Unmatched ecosystem integration with After Effects, Audition, and Photoshop
Cons
- -Subscription pricing is steep compared to AI-first alternatives
- -Steep learning curve that takes months to fully master
- -AI features still feel secondary compared to purpose-built AI editors
Pricing
Topaz Video AI
A specialist AI tool focused on video upscaling, deinterlacing, frame interpolation, and stabilisation using trained neural networks.
Pros
- +Best-in-class AI upscaling that genuinely adds detail, not just blur
- +Frame interpolation creates smooth slow motion from standard footage
- +One-time purchase instead of ongoing subscription
Cons
- -Not a general video editor — focused solely on enhancement
- -Processing times are very long, especially at higher resolutions
- -Requires a powerful GPU to run at reasonable speeds
Pricing
Filmora
Wondershare's accessible video editor with a growing suite of AI tools including smart cutout, AI music generation, silence detection, and auto-reframe.
Pros
- +Very beginner-friendly interface with AI doing the heavy lifting
- +AI silence detection and smart cutout save significant editing time
- +Perpetual licence option available alongside subscription
Cons
- -AI features consume credits that run out quickly on lower plans
- -Output quality and codec options don't match professional editors
- -Some AI features feel gimmicky rather than genuinely useful
Pricing
Our Verdict
For AI-first video editing, Descript is the clear winner — its transcript-based editing workflow is genuinely transformative for content creators. If budget is tight, CapCut delivers remarkable value for free. Professionals who need AI as part of a complete editing suite should stick with Adobe Premiere Pro, while Topaz Video AI is unbeatable for pure footage enhancement.