Head-to-head · same fixed prompt
HeyGen vs Synthesia (2026)
Which avatar tool's free plan can you monetize? Neither. Here's which one is worth paying for.
By Abdallah AmjidLast verified June 11, 2026
Watermark on every free export
Safe entry: Creator, $24/mo (billed yearly)
Watermark on free + 10 min/month cap
Safe entry: Starter, ~$18/mo (billed yearly)
These are the two avatar tools faceless creators actually shortlist, and both free plans fail the same test: watermarked exports with no commercial rights. So the real comparison is between the cheapest safe plans, HeyGen Creator at $24/mo versus Synthesia Starter at ~$18/mo, and what each buys you.
Side by side
 HeyGen |  Synthesia | |
|---|---|---|
| Monetization safety | ||
| Safe on free plan? | Not safe | Not safe |
| Watermark on free | Yes, corner logo on every export | Yes, on all free renders |
| Commercial use on free | No, watermarked, personal-use terms | No |
| Attribution required | No | No |
| Cheapest safe plan | Creator, $24/mo | Starter, ~$18/mo (billed yearly) |
| Free plan | ||
| Free plan | Limited monthly credits, up to 720p | 10 min/month, watermarked (already 1080p) |
| Max quality on free | 720p | 1080p |
| Our testing | ||
| Same-Prompt result | Best lip-sync of the avatar tools on our fixed script; least 'corporate' delivery | Cleanest studio look on our fixed script; delivery a notch stiffer than HeyGen |
| Our score | 8.2 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
The key difference
Same verdict on free (both unsafe), different price to fix it: Synthesia's safe entry is ~$6/mo cheaper, while HeyGen's safe plan buys noticeably better lip-sync and a more human delivery.
Bottom line
Pick HeyGen if delivery quality is the product, UGC-style Shorts, talking-head hooks, anything where stiffness reads as fake. Pick Synthesia if you publish in multiple languages or want the lowest safe monthly cost. On the free plans, pick neither: both export watermarked video you can't monetize.
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FAQ
Can I monetize either free plan?
No. Both watermark every free export and reserve commercial rights for paid plans. Synthesia adds a 10-minute monthly cap on top.
Which is cheaper to use safely?
Synthesia, Starter at ~$18/mo versus HeyGen Creator at $24/mo. Over a year, that's about $72 of difference.
Which looks more human on camera?
HeyGen, in our Same-Prompt Test. Its lip-sync tracked our fixed script more accurately and the delivery read less corporate.