# Runway vs Vocal Separator

> Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API
> Vocal Separator: Split recordings into vocals and instrumental WAV files in your browser, free

- Runway profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/runway
- Vocal Separator profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/vocal-separator
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/runway-vs-vocal-separator
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Runway is listed under Image & Visual AI and Vocal Separator under Audio & Speech AI. Runway scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.4 vs 7.6 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 Vocal Separator if

- You want a tool built for making a backing track or acapella from your own recording, quick one-off separations without an account.
- Free use with no account or card and clear published limits.
- WAV downloads and four-stem output.

## Pricing

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

## Features

| Feature | Runway | Vocal Separator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Two-track separation | Not listed | Yes |
| Four-stem splitter | Not listed | Yes |
| Browser preview | Not listed | Yes |
| Result workbench | Not listed | Yes |
| Local tempo tools | Not listed | Yes |
| Audio practice | Not listed | Yes |
| Bass boost | Not listed | Yes |
| Minute Pack batches | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Runway | Vocal Separator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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

## Vocal Separator strengths

- Free use with no account or card and clear published limits
- WAV downloads and four-stem output
- Several local tools that never upload audio
- One-time paid pack with no subscription and a 7-day refund window
- Detailed privacy policy covering retention and providers

## Vocal Separator limitations

- Free tier is capped at 5 jobs per day and 10 minutes per file
- Free results expire after 55 minutes
- The separation model and the operating company are not named
- Processing capacity can pause service even when free jobs remain
- Separation can leave artifacts, as the site itself notes

## FAQ

**Is Runway better than Vocal Separator?**

It depends on your workflow. Runway is built for Text-to-video and image-to-video generation. Vocal Separator is built for making a backing track or acapella from your own recording, quick one-off separations without an account.

**What are the key feature differences between Runway and Vocal Separator?**

Runway: AI video, image and audio creation suite with Gen-4.5, agents and an API. Vocal Separator: Split recordings into vocals and instrumental WAV files in your browser, free.

**Does Runway or Vocal Separator have a free plan?**

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

**Which is cheaper, Runway or Vocal Separator?**

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