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Software · head to head

Runway vs Spline

Runway logo

Runway

Software

AI-powered creative tools for video and images

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spline logo

Spline

Software

3D design tool for the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Runway the free tier is 125 one-time credits rather than a monthly allowance, so it runs out and does not refill; Spline aI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks
  • They diverge on capability: Runway covers Gen-2 video generation, Spline covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Runway and Spline actually diverge.

Attributes where Runway and Spline differ
AttributeRunwaySpline
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android, visionOS
Founded20182020

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

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 Runway

  • Gen-2 video generation
  • Green screen
  • Inpainting
  • Super resolution
  • Motion tracking
  • Adobe Premiere
  • Final Cut Pro
  • API access

Only in Spline

  • 3D modeling
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Animations
  • Interactions
  • Code export
  • React
  • Next.js
  • Webflow

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Runway

  • Generating video clips from text or image promptsnot Spline
  • Extending or editing existing footage with generative modelsnot Spline
  • Removing objects and backgrounds from videonot Spline
  • Storyboarding and previsualisation for productionnot Spline

Spline

  • Web 3D experiencesnot Runway
  • Interactive prototypesnot Runway
  • Product visualizationnot Runway

Where each one falls short

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

Runway

  • The free tier is 125 one-time credits rather than a monthly allowance, so it runs out and does not refill
  • Outputs carry a watermark until the Standard plan at $12 a month
  • Everything is metered in credits, and Gen-4.5 video costs 60 credits per 5 seconds, so a Standard plan covers roughly 125 short videos a year
  • Only the Max plan at $76 a month rolls unused credits over, and only for one month
  • The free tier gives a selection of models rather than the full set

Spline

  • AI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks
  • Limited to simpler designs - not suitable for high-poly, detailed production models
  • Performance degrades with complex scenes containing many objects and materials
  • Limited non-Apple platform coverage compared to cross-platform design tools
  • Tutorials are either too fast for beginners or too basic for advanced users

Pricing, plan by plan

Runway

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 125 credits
    • Basic tools
    • 720p exports
  • Standard$12/month
    • 625 credits/month
    • Gen-2 access
    • 4K exports
  • Pro$28/month
    • 2250 credits/month
    • All tools
    • Priority processing
  • Unlimited$76/month
    • Unlimited generations
    • Custom models
    • API access

Spline

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited projects
    • Basic exports
    • Community support
  • Pro$9/month
    • Advanced exports
    • Custom domains
    • Password protection
  • Team$19/month
    • Team collaboration
    • Version control
    • Admin controls

Which should you pick?

Choose Runway if

  • You need gen-2 video generation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want green screen.
Runway review

Choose Spline if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
Spline review

Questions people ask

Is Runway or Spline better?
Neither clearly leads. Runway starts at Free and Spline at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Runway or Spline?
Runway starts at Free and Spline at Free.
Does Runway or Spline run on more platforms?
Runway runs on Web. Spline runs on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS.
Can I use Runway for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Runway best used for?
Runway is most often used for generating video clips from text or image prompts, extending or editing existing footage with generative models, removing objects and backgrounds from video, storyboarding and previsualisation for production. Of those, generating video clips from text or image prompts and extending or editing existing footage with generative models are not what Spline is typically brought in for.
What can Runway do that Spline cannot?
Runway covers Gen-2 video generation, Green screen, Inpainting, Super resolution. Spline covers 3D modeling, Real-time collaboration, Animations, Interactions. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Spline: What is Spline's pricing?

Spline offers a Free plan with watermarked web exports, Starter at $12/month (billed annually) removing watermarks, Professional at $20/month with unlimited projects, and Enterprise with custom pricing. Viewers are unlimited on all plans.

Source
Spline: Can Spline export 3D models to other tools?

Spline's export/import format support is more limited compared to traditional 3D tools like Blender. It focuses on web-first exports and native app code generation.

Source
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