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Model comparison
Veo 3.1 vs Runway Gen-4.5
Compare Veo 3.1 and Runway Gen-4.5 using the same provider-sourced video generation rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 4, 2026
Estimate your cost
Set your usage. Your estimate updates as you type.
Example: 8-second, 720p clips with audio. Models that do not support these settings will not receive an estimate.
How this estimate works
Estimates exclude taxes, tools, cache storage/writes, free allowances and custom discounts. Image estimates cover output only, not prompt or reference-image charges. Quality modes differ by model. Unlisted settings are not treated as free.
| Model | Access | Estimated total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Veo 3.1Google | $3.20 | |
| Runway Gen-4.5Runway | Runway | No reviewed rate |
Quick take
Veo 3.1
Google's preview video model for text-, image-, and video-guided generation with native audio and output options up to 4K.
Best for
- Short cinematic clips with native audio
- 4K experiments and video extension
- Google-centric media pipelines
Watch out for
It remains a preview model. Regional person-generation rules, two-day server retention, and resolution/duration constraints need product-level handling.
Runway Gen-4.5
Runway's flagship developer video model for text- and image-guided clips, with professional formats and a predictable credit-per-second base rate.
Best for
- Editorial and post-production workflows
- Text- or image-led cinematic clips
- Teams already using Runway's media APIs
Watch out for
Format surcharges can exceed the base generation cost, and the provider does not publish one render-time number across settings.
Compare the published facts
Veo 3.1 vs Runway Gen-4.5
Values use each provider's own published units and limits. A blank means the provider did not publish a directly comparable value in the sources reviewed.
| Video generation | Veo 3.1 | Runway Gen-4.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Generation priceCurrent list price per generated second or the provider's closest billing unit. | $0.40/s standard with audio | 12 credits / sec = $0.12 / sec |
| Clip durationDocumented duration choices or maximum clip length. | 4, 6, or 8 seconds | 2–10 seconds |
| Maximum outputHighest provider-documented output resolution, with relevant constraints. | Up to 4K; 1080p/4K require 8s | Endpoint and output-format dependent |
| Native audioWhether the endpoint generates synchronized audio with video. | Yes | No native audio listed |
| Input modesSupported text, image, video, reference, or motion inputs. | Text, image, or video to video | Text or image to video |
| Generation timeOnly shown when a provider publishes a range; not a Cody benchmark. | Official range: 11s–6m | Not published |
How to choose
Compare the job, not the hype.
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
Veo 3.1
Google says paid Gemini API content is not used to improve its products. Generated videos are retained on the server for two days and should be downloaded during that window.
Provider and API links
Runway Gen-4.5
Data handling depends on the Runway plan and agreement. Review Runway's current terms, workspace controls, and any enterprise commitments before processing confidential media.
Provider and API links
Frequently asked questions
Veo 3.1 vs Runway Gen-4.5 FAQ
What is the main difference between Veo 3.1 and Runway Gen-4.5?
Veo 3.1: Google's preview video model for text-, image-, and video-guided generation with native audio and output options up to 4K. Runway Gen-4.5: Runway's flagship developer video model for text- and image-guided clips, with professional formats and a predictable credit-per-second base rate.
Should I choose Veo 3.1 or Runway Gen-4.5?
Consider Veo 3.1 when your priority is Short cinematic clips with native audio. Consider Runway Gen-4.5 when your priority is Editorial and post-production workflows. Test both with your own data and provider route before committing.
Is this Veo 3.1 vs Runway Gen-4.5 comparison based on Cody benchmarks?
No. This comparison aligns provider-published facts for the Video generation category. It does not claim a universal winner or combine incompatible third-party benchmark scores.