What is HeyGen?
HeyGen is an AI video platform that competes directly with Synthesia in the avatar space. What makes HeyGen stand out are its voice cloning and video translation features—capabilities that Synthesia doesn't match.
The platform lets you create a digital clone of yourself (both visually and vocally), then use that avatar in unlimited videos. This is powerful for personal brands and executives who want to scale their presence without being on camera constantly.
Standout Features
Voice Cloning
Record a few minutes of your voice, and HeyGen creates a clone that can speak any text in your voice. The quality is impressive—recognizably you, though not perfect. Great for personal branding at scale.
Video Translation
This is HeyGen's killer feature. Upload any video of yourself speaking, and HeyGen will translate it into another language while maintaining lip-sync. Your video self speaks fluent Spanish, German, or Mandarin. This is genuinely magical technology.
Instant Avatar
Create a custom avatar of yourself with just a few minutes of video footage. Cheaper than Synthesia's custom avatar option, though the quality isn't quite as polished.
HeyGen vs Synthesia
The key comparison most buyers make:
- Avatar quality: Synthesia wins—more realistic avatars and gestures
- Voice cloning: HeyGen wins—Synthesia doesn't offer this
- Video translation: HeyGen wins—unique feature
- Enterprise features: Synthesia wins—better security and compliance
- Price: HeyGen wins—slightly cheaper at entry level
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Excellent voice cloning quality
- Video translation is game-changing
- Create custom avatar of yourself
- Slightly cheaper than Synthesia
- Good template library
- Rapid feature development
What Could Be Better
- Fewer avatars than Synthesia
- Credit system can be confusing
- Customer support gets mixed reviews
- Less enterprise-focused
- Some features still in beta
HeyGen Pricing (January 2026)
HeyGen uses credits rather than video counts. 1 credit = ~1 minute of video. This can be confusing at first, but it gives flexibility for creating shorter or longer content.
Who Should Use HeyGen?
Perfect For:
- Personal brands wanting a digital clone
- Global marketers needing video translation
- E-commerce sellers creating product videos
- Content creators scaling with AI
Consider Synthesia Instead If:
- You need enterprise security (SOC 2)
- Avatar quality is your top priority
- You want more avatar variety
Final Verdict
Best for Personal Branding & Translation
HeyGen's voice cloning and video translation features are unmatched. If those are your priorities, choose HeyGen. For general avatar videos, Synthesia remains the safer choice.
Try HeyGen Free →Bottom line: HeyGen is the innovative challenger to Synthesia. Its unique features (voice cloning, video translation, affordable custom avatars) make it the right choice for specific use cases, even if the overall polish isn't quite at Synthesia's level.