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AI · head to head

ElevenLabs vs Synthesia

ElevenLabs logo

ElevenLabs

AI

AI voice generation and cloning platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Synthesia logo

Synthesia

Video Production

AI video creation with digital presenters

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ElevenLabs number pronunciation errors: '200000' reads as 'twenty thousand thousand' instead of '200,000'; Synthesia free plan limited to 10 minutes of video per month
  • They diverge on capability: ElevenLabs covers Text-to-speech, Synthesia covers AI avatars.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ElevenLabs and Synthesia actually diverge.

Attributes where ElevenLabs and Synthesia differ
AttributeElevenLabsSynthesia
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, ApiWeb
CategoryAIVideo Production
Founded20222017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ElevenLabs

  • Text-to-speech
  • Voice cloning
  • 29 languages
  • Emotion control
  • Speech-to-speech
  • Dubbing

Only in Synthesia

  • AI avatars
  • 140+ languages
  • Video templates
  • Brand customization
  • LMS integrations
  • PowerPoint

Both cover

  • API access
  • Web support
  • Api support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ElevenLabs

  • ai tools managementnot Synthesia
  • Workflow automationnot Synthesia
  • Reportingnot Synthesia

Synthesia

  • Training video creation with AI avatarsnot ElevenLabs
  • Multilingual video localisation with AI dubbingnot ElevenLabs
  • Enterprise video production and managementnot ElevenLabs

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ElevenLabs

  • Number pronunciation errors: '200000' reads as 'twenty thousand thousand' instead of '200,000'
  • Voice cloning requires professional-grade audio quality; no upfront guidance on technical requirements
  • Email-only support with 5-14 day response times for complex issues; no phone support
  • Pricing unpredictability: actual usage often exceeds advertised estimates due to regenerations needed for quality

Synthesia

  • Free plan limited to 10 minutes of video per month
  • Starter plan limited to 10 minutes of video per month
  • Creator plan capped at 30 minutes of video per month
  • SSO/SAML authentication restricted to Enterprise tier

Pricing, plan by plan

ElevenLabs

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 10,000 characters/month
    • 3 custom voices
    • Text-to-speech, speech-to-text access
  • Starter$5/month
    • 30,000 characters/month
    • Commercial license
    • Instant voice cloning
  • Creator$22/month
    • 121,000 characters/month
    • Professional voice cloning
    • Dubbing studio access
  • Pro$99/month
    • 600,000 characters/month
    • Unlimited voice cloning
    • 60-minute extended audio generation

Synthesia

Free
  • BasicFree
    • 1,200 credits per month
    • Up to 10 minutes of video per month
    • 9 AI avatars
  • Starter$29/month
    • 14,500 credits per year
    • Up to 120 minutes of video per year
    • 125+ AI avatars
  • Creator$89/month
    • 44,000 credits per year
    • Up to 360 minutes of video per year
    • 180+ AI avatars

Which should you pick?

Choose ElevenLabs if

  • You need text-to-speech.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want voice cloning.
ElevenLabs review

Choose Synthesia if

  • You need ai avatars.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want 140+ languages.
Synthesia review

Questions people ask

Is ElevenLabs or Synthesia better?
Neither clearly leads. ElevenLabs starts at Free and Synthesia at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ElevenLabs or Synthesia?
ElevenLabs starts at Free and Synthesia at Free.
Does ElevenLabs or Synthesia run on more platforms?
ElevenLabs runs on Web, Api. Synthesia runs on Web.
Can I use ElevenLabs for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is ElevenLabs best used for?
ElevenLabs is most often used for ai tools management, workflow automation, reporting. Of those, ai tools management and workflow automation are not what Synthesia is typically brought in for.
What can ElevenLabs do that Synthesia cannot?
ElevenLabs covers Text-to-speech, Voice cloning, 29 languages, Emotion control. Synthesia covers AI avatars, 140+ languages, Video templates, Brand customization. Both handle API access, Web support, Api support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ElevenLabs: Does the free plan include commercial usage rights?

No. The free plan provides 10,000 characters monthly and access to 3 custom voices, but excludes commercial license. Commercial usage rights are only available on paid Starter plan ($5/month) and above.

Source
Synthesia: How much does Synthesia cost?

Synthesia offers a free Basic plan with 10 minutes of video per month, Starter at $29 per month with 120 minutes per year, and Creator at $89 per month with 360 minutes per year. Annual billing provides 38% savings. Enterprise plans are available with custom pricing.

Source
ElevenLabs: How many languages does ElevenLabs support?

ElevenLabs supports voice generation in 32+ languages. Professional Voice Cloning (PVC) allows you to create a digital replica of your voice that works across these 32+ languages while maintaining emotional register and prosody.

Source
Synthesia: What is included in Synthesia's free plan?

The free Basic plan includes 1,200 credits per month (approximately 10 minutes of video), 9 AI avatars, 3 personal avatars, and access to 160+ languages and voices. No credit card is required.

Source
ElevenLabs: What are the requirements for voice cloning?

Professional voice cloning requires high-quality audio with RMS between -23dB to -18dB, no background noise, consistent microphone distance, and proper compression. Without meeting these technical requirements, the cloned voice sounds robotic or distorted. ElevenLabs does not disclose these requirements upfront.

Source
ElevenLabs: How is pricing calculated?

ElevenLabs uses a credit-based system where monthly character limits determine your plan. Free plan has 10,000 characters/month. Starter tier ($5/month) provides 30,000 characters. Creator ($22/month) includes 121,000 credits. Annual billing offers approximately 17% savings (2 free months equivalent).

Source
ElevenLabs: What happens if I exceed my monthly character limit?

Exceeding your monthly quota requires upgrading to a higher plan. Users report pricing unpredictability, with actual usage averaging 220-280 credits per 1,000 characters when accounting for regenerations, often exceeding advertised usage estimates.

Source
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