# HeyGen vs Riff

> HeyGen: Create avatar videos from text and translate them into 175+ languages
> Riff: Draft fresh replies, DMs and posts for X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram on-device

- HeyGen profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/heygen
- Riff profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/riff
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/heygen-vs-riff
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

HeyGen is listed under Video AI and Riff under Productivity. HeyGen scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.3 vs 7.8 out of 10), led by ease of use. Both have a free plan or trial. Only HeyGen is available on Web, iOS and Android and offers an API. Only Riff is available on Chrome Extension.

### Choose HeyGen if

- You want a tool built for Avatar-presented training and explainer videos.
- Free plan with no time limit, though capped at 3 videos a month.
- Video Translation with voice preservation and lip-sync in 175+ languages.

### Choose Riff if

- You want a tool built for writing quick replies and comments on social posts.
- Free, with no account, subscription or API key.
- Generation runs on-device with Gemini Nano, so text is not sent to a server.

## Pricing

| | HeyGen | Riff |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | HeyGen | Riff |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Studio | Yes | Not listed |
| Avatars | Yes | Not listed |
| Video Translation | Yes | Not listed |
| Video Agent | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiple input types | Yes | Not listed |
| Voice cloning | Yes | Not listed |
| Interactive video and SCORM export | Yes | Not listed |
| Developer API | Yes | Not listed |
| Identity verification and moderation | Yes | Not listed |
| On-device AI | Not listed | Yes |
| Replies and comments | Not listed | Yes |
| DM replies and first messages | Not listed | Yes |
| Riff a post | Not listed | Yes |
| Dials | Not listed | Yes |
| Repurposing | Not listed | Yes |
| Voices and presets | Not listed | Yes |
| Never sends for you | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | HeyGen | Riff |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | No | No |
| macOS | No | No |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| CLI | Yes | No |
| Chrome Extension | No | Yes |

## HeyGen strengths

- Free plan with no time limit, though capped at 3 videos a month
- Video Translation with voice preservation and lip-sync in 175+ languages
- Text-based editor with Brand Kit, captions and multi-user editing
- Custom avatars and voice cloning on every plan, including Free
- Public API with CLI and MCP server, and iOS and Android apps
- Business plan adds SAML/SSO, SCORM export and LMS integrations

## HeyGen limitations

- Free plan limits videos to 1 minute and 3 per month
- 4K export and advanced AI models need Pro at $49 per month or higher
- Credit-based pricing makes the cost of a video depend on model, length and complexity
- Business starts at $149 per month plus $20 for each extra seat
- Android app is stated as available in the U.S. only

## Riff strengths

- Free, with no account, subscription or API key
- Generation runs on-device with Gemini Nano, so text is not sent to a server
- Covers replies, DMs, posts and X threads in one side panel
- Never presses send, which keeps the user in control
- Dials for tone, pitch and length, plus a Fresh score to avoid repetitive openings

## Riff limitations

- Requires desktop Chrome 138 or newer and a one-time Gemini Nano download
- Output quality is limited by the small on-device model
- Chrome only; no Firefox, Safari or mobile support
- Very new, with few reviews on the Chrome Web Store

## FAQ

**Is HeyGen better than Riff?**

It depends on your workflow. HeyGen is built for Avatar-presented training and explainer videos. Riff is built for writing quick replies and comments on social posts.

**What are the key feature differences between HeyGen and Riff?**

HeyGen: Create avatar videos from text and translate them into 175+ languages. Riff: Draft fresh replies, DMs and posts for X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram on-device. HeyGen is rated 4.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does HeyGen or Riff have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. HeyGen is freemium and Riff is free, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, HeyGen or Riff?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.