Best AI Video Generators in 2026 (After Sora)
Short answer
With Sora gone (app reported closed April 2026, API September 2026), the main choices are text-to-video generators such as Runway, Luma, Pika, Kling and Google Veo for creative clips, and avatar platforms such as Synthesia and HeyGen for presenter-led videos. Several new models were reported in July and August 2026, including Seedance 2.5, Wan 3.0 and FLUX 3 Video.
We have not re-verified video plan prices for October 2026; check each provider before buying.
AI video tools by job
| Tool | Type | Best for | Pricing | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runway | Text/image-to-video + editing tools | Creative and post-production work | Check provider (not confirmed) | Editorial assessment |
| Luma (Dream Machine) | Text/image-to-video | Fast creative clips | Check provider (not confirmed) | Editorial assessment |
| Pika | Text/image-to-video and effects | Short stylised social clips | Check provider (not confirmed) | Editorial assessment |
| Kling | Text/image-to-video | Short cinematic clips | Check provider (not confirmed) | Editorial assessment |
| Google Veo | Text/image-to-video | Realistic clips inside Google's tools | Check provider (not confirmed) | Editorial assessment |
| Synthesia | Avatar video from script | Training and internal communications | Check provider (not confirmed) | Editorial assessment |
| HeyGen | Avatar video, translation | Sales and marketing video, dubbing | Check provider (not confirmed) | Editorial assessment |
What changed in AI video in 2026
Evidence: Reported- Sora: app and web reported closed 26 April 2026; API reported sunset 24 September 2026. See Sora alternatives.
- Reported new models: Seedance 2.5 (31 July, 30-second native clips), Wan 3.0 beta (6 August), FLUX 3 Video (6 August), MiniMax H3 Max (27 August), Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash (27 August).
How to choose
Evidence: Editorial assessmentDecide first whether you need generated footage or a presenter. Then compare maximum clip length, native audio, resolution and the commercial licence on the plan you would buy. Work out the cost per usable minute, counting failed generations. If you depend on one vendor, keep your source assets elsewhere: Sora's shutdown left users migrating at short notice.
Method
This page lists tools by documented capability. We have not run a side-by-side generation test. If we do, we will publish the prompts, settings, model versions and dates alongside the results.
What changed in this update
- Sora API sunset (reported 24 September 2026) added; Sora now has a status page.
- Removed the 'AI video generation test' table: the test had not been run.
- Withdrew June prices (Runway, Kling, HeyGen, Synthesia, Pika, InVideo) pending re-verification; removed G2 scores.
- Added newer models reported July–August 2026.
Common questions
Is Sora still available in 2026?
No. The Sora app and web experience were reported closed on 26 April 2026 and the API on 24 September 2026.
What is the best Sora alternative?
For creative clips, start with Runway, Luma, Kling or Google Veo; for presenter videos, Synthesia or HeyGen. Compare clip length, audio and licence on the plan you would buy.
Can AI make a full-length video from a prompt?
Generators make short clips that still need editing into a longer video. Avatar platforms make longer videos from a script because they animate a presenter rather than generating every frame from scratch.
Why are prices missing?
We only publish prices confirmed on the provider's page in the last 45 days. Video prices were last checked in June 2026 and are being re-verified.
Sources
- OpusClip blog: Sora alternatives after OpenAI shutdown · checked 5 October 2026
- ThursdAI release log, August 2026 · checked 5 October 2026
- Runway
- Synthesia
- HeyGen