AI Video Generation Tools Compared (2026)

Choosing the right AI video tool matters. Here's how the major players stack up.

Quick Comparison

| Model | Provider | Max Length | Resolution | Best For | |-------|----------|------------|------------|----------| | Veo 3 | Google | 30s | 4K | Realism, consistency | | Sora | OpenAI | 60s | 1080p | Creative, cinematic | | Runway Gen-3 | Runway | 10s | 4K | Quick iterations | | Kling 1.6 | Kuaishou | 15s | 1080p | Stylized content |

Veo 3 (Google)

Google's latest model. Strong on physics and motion consistency.

✅ Best character consistency
✅ Realistic lighting
✅ Available via Leyline
❌ Slower generation time

Sora (OpenAI)

OpenAI's video model. Cinematic quality but limited availability.

✅ Longest clips
✅ Strong prompt adherence
❌ Waitlist access
❌ No API yet

Runway Gen-3 Alpha

Fast iterations, good for prototyping.

✅ Fastest generation
✅ Good API
❌ Shorter clips
❌ Less consistent

Kling 1.6

Strong on stylized and animated content.

✅ Great for animation
✅ Affordable
❌ Less realistic
❌ Limited documentation

Which Should You Use?

For professional video production: Veo 3 via Leyline - best quality and workflow integration.

For experimentation: Runway - fast and flexible.

For stylized content: Kling - good price/quality ratio.

Using Multiple Models

Leyline integrates multiple models so you can:

Compare outputs side-by-side
Use different models for different shots
Switch models without changing workflow

Try it free →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which AI video tool has the best quality?

As of January 2026, Veo 3 produces the most realistic results, particularly for human motion and lighting. Sora excels at cinematic compositions.

Can I use AI video for commercial projects?

Yes, but check each provider's terms. Veo 3 and Runway allow commercial use. Sora's commercial terms are still evolving.

How much does AI video generation cost?

Pricing varies significantly:

Veo 3 via Leyline: Included in subscription ($29-99/mo)
Runway: ~$0.05 per second
Kling: ~$0.02 per second

What's the best AI video tool for beginners?

Leyline's workflow guides you through the entire process, making it ideal for beginners using Veo 3.

Last updated: January 2026. We update this comparison monthly.