Updated January 2026

ElevenLabs vs Synthesia

A comprehensive 2026 comparison to help you choose the right AI tool for your needs. We tested both extensively.

Winner
ElevenLabs

ElevenLabs

4.8
Try ElevenLabs Free
Synthesia

Synthesia

4.6
Try Synthesia Free

Quick Verdict: ElevenLabs vs Synthesia

After extensive testing, **ElevenLabs** comes out ahead with a 4.8/5 rating. It's the better choice for most users, especially those focused on Podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, dubbing. However, Synthesia remains competitive and may be preferable if you prioritize Training videos, corporate communications, localization.

Our Pick for 2026
ElevenLabs

ElevenLabs edges out Synthesia with superior overall performance and features that make it the better choice for most users in 2026. With a 4.8/5 rating, it excels particularly in Podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, dubbing.

Try ElevenLabs Free

Feature Comparison Table

Side-by-side comparison of key features and capabilities

Feature
ElevenLabs
Synthesia
Performance Ratings
Overall Rating
4.8
4.6
Coding
-
-
Writing
-
-
Reasoning
-
-
Speed
4.7
4.5
Value for Money
4.6
4.4
Pricing
Monthly Price
$5
$22
Free Tier
Input (per 1M tokens)
-
-
Output (per 1M tokens)
-
-
Capabilities
Context Window
-
-
Vision/Images
Audio
Video
Code Generation
AI Agents

When to Use ElevenLabs vs Synthesia

Choose ElevenLabs When You Need:

  • Podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, dubbing
  • Faster response times for time-sensitive work
  • Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing

Choose Synthesia When You Need:

  • Training videos, corporate communications, localization
  • Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing

In-Depth Analysis: ElevenLabs vs Synthesia

Performance & Capabilities

In our comprehensive testing for 2026, we evaluated both ElevenLabs and Synthesia across multiple dimensions including coding tasks, creative writing, reasoning problems, and general conversation quality. ElevenLabs emerged as our top pick with an overall rating of 4.8/5.

ElevenLabs handles coding tasks well, making it suitable for basic programming assistance. In comparison, Synthesia also performs well in this category.

Pricing & Value

When it comes to pricing, both tools offer free tiers, making them accessible for testing. For paid plans, ElevenLabs is more affordable at $5/month compared to $22/month.

Use Cases & Target Audience

ElevenLabs is particularly well-suited for Podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, dubbing. Its strengths make it ideal for professionals who need and reliable AI assistance.

Synthesia, on the other hand, excels at Training videos, corporate communications, localization. Users who prioritize fast response times, will find it particularly valuable.

ElevenLabs Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Most realistic voices available
  • Voice cloning capability
  • 29+ languages
  • Real-time synthesis
  • API for developers

Cons

  • Character limits on free tier
  • Voice cloning requires paid plan
  • Can be expensive for high volume

Synthesia Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Realistic AI avatars
  • 140+ languages and voices
  • No video production skills needed
  • Fast turnaround
  • Enterprise-ready with SOC 2 compliance

Cons

  • Avatar-based only (no text-to-video)
  • Limited creative flexibility
  • Higher cost for heavy usage
  • Avatars may feel uncanny to some viewers

Best For: ElevenLabs

Podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, dubbing

Best For: Synthesia

Training videos, corporate communications, localization

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ElevenLabs vs Synthesia

Is ElevenLabs better than Synthesia in 2026?

Based on our benchmarks and analysis, ElevenLabs performs better overall with a rating of 4.8/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - ElevenLabs excels at Podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, dubbing, while Synthesia is better for Training videos, corporate communications, localization.

What is the price difference between ElevenLabs and Synthesia?

ElevenLabs offers a free tier and costs $5/month for paid plans. Synthesia offers a free tier and costs $22/month for paid plans.

Which is better for coding: ElevenLabs or Synthesia?

Both tools can assist with coding tasks. Check our detailed comparison above to see benchmark results.

Can I use ElevenLabs and Synthesia for free?

ElevenLabs does offer a free tier with limited features. Synthesia does offer a free tier with limited features. Both tools offer trial periods or limited free access for new users.

Which AI has a larger context window: ElevenLabs or Synthesia?

Context window sizes vary by model tier. Check the comparison table above for specific details.

Is ElevenLabs faster than Synthesia?

In our speed tests, ElevenLabs is faster with a speed rating of 4.7/5. Response times can vary based on server load and query complexity.

Which is better for writing content: ElevenLabs or Synthesia?

Both AI tools are capable of generating quality content. Your choice may depend on your specific writing style preferences.

Do ElevenLabs and Synthesia support image generation?

ElevenLabs does not have built-in image capabilities. Synthesia does not have built-in image capabilities. For dedicated image generation, consider specialized tools like DALL-E or Midjourney.

Which AI should beginners choose: ElevenLabs or Synthesia?

For beginners, we recommend starting with either - both offer free tiers to experiment. ElevenLabs has a slightly better overall user experience based on our testing.

Can I switch from ElevenLabs to Synthesia easily?

Yes, switching between AI tools is straightforward since they use similar prompting interfaces. Your conversation history won't transfer, but you can export important outputs. Many professionals use both tools depending on the task - ElevenLabs for Podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, dubbing and Synthesia for Training videos, corporate communications, localization.

Ready to Get Started?

Both tools offer free tiers or trials. Try them out and see which one works best for your workflow in 2026.