# Quadratic vs Runway

> Quadratic: AI spreadsheet that connects live data and writes Python, SQL and formulas for you
> Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API

- Quadratic profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/quadratic
- Runway profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/runway
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/quadratic-vs-runway
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Quadratic is listed under Productivity and Runway under Image & Visual AI. Runway scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.4 vs 8.1 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Runway is available on iOS and Android.

### Choose Quadratic if

- You want a tool built for analysing database data in a spreadsheet, working with very large CSV or Parquet files, mixing Python or SQL with formulas.
- Every AI result is saved as visible Python, SQL or formula code that can be inspected and edited.
- Native Python, SQL and JavaScript cells sit alongside formulas in one grid.

### Choose Runway if

- You want a tool built for Text-to-video and image-to-video generation.
- Combines video, image and audio generation and editing in one workspace.
- Offers Runway's own Gen-4.5 plus third-party models such as Seedance 2.0.

## Pricing

| | Quadratic | Runway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Quadratic | Runway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Analysis | Yes | Not listed |
| Multi-Language Code Cells | Yes | Not listed |
| Live Data Connections | Yes | Not listed |
| Big Data Handling | Yes | Not listed |
| PDF Data Extraction | Yes | Not listed |
| Charts | Yes | Not listed |
| Scheduled Tasks | Yes | Not listed |
| MCP and API | Yes | Not listed |
| Collaboration and Sharing | Yes | Not listed |
| Gen-4.5 video model | Not listed | Yes |
| Creative Agent | Not listed | Yes |
| Multiple models | Not listed | Yes |
| Characters | Not listed | Yes |
| Aleph and Act-Two | Not listed | Yes |
| Audio tools | Not listed | Yes |
| Workflows and Recipes | Not listed | Yes |
| Runway Dev API | Not listed | Yes |
| Runway MCP | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Quadratic | Runway |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | No |
| macOS | No | No |
| iOS | No | Yes |
| Android | No | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## Quadratic strengths

- Every AI result is saved as visible Python, SQL or formula code that can be inspected and edited.
- Native Python, SQL and JavaScript cells sit alongside formulas in one grid.
- Connects to many databases and services, including Snowflake, BigQuery and Postgres.
- Handles large data: the company cites sheets up to 100M rows and multi-GB CSV and Parquet imports.
- A permanent free tier is available, and the source code is public on GitHub.
- MCP and API support let other AI tools and scripts work with sheets.

## Quadratic limitations

- The Free plan restricts AI access, sharing, files and connections.
- AI usage on paid plans is capped by monthly credits ($20 on Pro, $40 on Business), with extra credits bought on demand.
- Monthly-billing prices are not shown on the pricing page, only discounted annual prices.
- Web-only; no iOS or Android app was found.

## Runway strengths

- Combines video, image and audio generation and editing in one workspace
- Offers Runway's own Gen-4.5 plus third-party models such as Seedance 2.0
- Creative Agent builds videos from a conversation
- Runway Dev API with Node and Python SDKs
- Free plan with 125 credits that do not expire
- Native iOS and Android apps

## Runway limitations

- Credit-based pricing: a 5-second Gen-4.5 clip costs 60 credits, so the 625 credits on Standard cover about 10 such clips
- Standard and Pro credits do not roll over at the end of the month
- Some App Store reviewers complain about the cost of failed or unusable generations
- 4K upscaling is unlimited only on Pro and Max

## FAQ

**Is Quadratic better than Runway?**

It depends on your workflow. Quadratic is built for analysing database data in a spreadsheet, working with very large CSV or Parquet files, mixing Python or SQL with formulas. Runway is built for Text-to-video and image-to-video generation.

**What are the key feature differences between Quadratic and Runway?**

Quadratic: AI spreadsheet that connects live data and writes Python, SQL and formulas for you. Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API.

**Does Quadratic or Runway have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Quadratic is freemium and Runway is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Quadratic or Runway?**

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