# Runway vs StickersMaker

> Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API
> StickersMaker: Turn one photo into a cartoon character and animated stickers for chat apps

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

## Verdict

Runway and StickersMaker are both Image & Visual AI tools. Runway scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.4 vs 7.4 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Runway is available on iOS and Android and offers an API.

### 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.

### Choose StickersMaker if

- You want a tool built for personal animated reaction stickers made from a selfie.
- Pay-as-you-go credit packs with no subscription, starting at $5.
- Credits do not expire and failed generations are refunded.

## Pricing

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

## Features

| Feature | Runway | StickersMaker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gen-4.5 video model | Yes | Not listed |
| Creative Agent | Yes | Not listed |
| Multiple models | Yes | Not listed |
| Characters | Yes | Not listed |
| Aleph and Act-Two | Yes | Not listed |
| Audio tools | Yes | Not listed |
| Workflows and Recipes | Yes | Not listed |
| Runway Dev API | Yes | Not listed |
| Runway MCP | Yes | Not listed |
| Photo to character | Not listed | Yes |
| Animated reactions | Not listed | Yes |
| Transparent backgrounds | Not listed | Yes |
| WhatsApp export | Not listed | Yes |
| WeChat export | Not listed | Yes |
| Telegram export | Not listed | Yes |
| Discord export | Not listed | Yes |
| Sticker checker | Not listed | Yes |
| Automatic refunds | Not listed | Yes |
| Multilingual site | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

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

## 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

## StickersMaker strengths

- Pay-as-you-go credit packs with no subscription, starting at $5
- Credits do not expire and failed generations are refunded
- Exports match each platform's format and size rules for WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram and Discord
- Reusable saved character, so later reactions do not need a new photo
- Clear help pages that state limits and what the site does not do

## StickersMaker limitations

- No one-click import into WhatsApp or WeChat, and phone import workflows are not verified by the site
- Only 2 stickers are covered by the free credits, less than a minimum WhatsApp pack of 3
- Trying another photo requires a new paid task
- Operator and underlying AI providers are not named on the site
- Web only, with no mobile app or API

## FAQ

**Is Runway better than StickersMaker?**

It depends on your workflow. Runway is built for Text-to-video and image-to-video generation. StickersMaker is built for personal animated reaction stickers made from a selfie.

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

Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API. StickersMaker: Turn one photo into a cartoon character and animated stickers for chat apps.

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

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

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

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