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Editor’s note, June 30: We removed Sora by OpenAI from this list because it is no longer generally available. OpenAI announced on March 24 it was discontinuing Sora. It was previously selected as our best free AI video generator. We will keep this list up to date as changes occur.
Our Picks Best professional AI video generator for creative workers Adobe Firefly See at Adobe 8.0/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test Adobe’s Firefly models are some of the only options available that guarantee any content you make with its AI is commercially safe. That means you can use the AI images, videos and audio you make with Firefly in your professional work. That’s undeniably a major perk for creators, as is the ability to use several non-Adobe AI models through Firefly and other programs like Photoshop. Pros Lots of hands-on controls and settings
Built into Adobe programs
Videos are safe for commercial use Cons No native audio, have to add sound effects or dialogue after Expand Pros & Cons Best cinematic AI video generator for anyone Veo and Omni by Google See at Google 7.5/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test Veo 3 is one of the most popular AI video models, and for good reason. Veo 3 was the first AI video tool from a major tech company to automatically create and synchronize AI audio to its AI videos, an important leap forward for creators and the field as a whole. Now, you can use Veo 3 in a variety of places to create cinematic videos with smooth motions. Pros Cinematic videos with smooth, natural motions
Can be used in Gemini, Canva, Google’s AI Studio and Flow Cons No free option Expand Pros & Cons Best creative AI video generator for experts and enthusiasts Runway See at Runway 7.0/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test If you don’t know a lot about AI, you probably haven’t heard of Runway. But its AI models pack a strong punch. Runway is an AI-inclined professional’s playground. It offers image, video and audio generation, and its platform comes stacked with the tools to customize your content settings before you click generate. Runway is one of the most creative models and is capable of handling a wide range of projects. Runway videos don’t natively generate with sound, but you can create and layer AI audio within the Runway platform. Runway is a great choice for creators who want to explore all kinds of AI content creation and create high-quality, detailed results. Pros Extremely creative
Great for brainstorming and animating images Cons No native audio Expand Pros & Cons Best basic AI video generator for beginners Midjourney See at Midjourney 6.0/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test Midjourney was one of the first creative AI companies, and its V1 video model will feel familiar to its fans. It’s an extremely simple AI tool to navigate, which is great if you just want to play around or create something quickly. Midjourney is very creative, though it struggles with more realistic outputs. The video model is a natural extension of Midjourney; you can animate your existing Midjourney images to bring them to life. Midjourney is a great choice for beginners or amateurs who don’t need designs within a specific style or brand guide. Pros Very simple to navigate and use
Open gallery for inspiration and community focus Cons No audio
Doesn’t always adhere to prompts Expand Pros & Cons
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