Puppetry vs HeyGen
Both create AI talking head videos. One gives you 33x more videos for less money. Here's the honest side-by-side.
- Free plan (3 videos/month)
- Upload any photo as avatar
- 500+ voices, 45 free
- API on all plans
- Creator plan: 100 videos for $15
- 1 free video trial only
- Custom avatars need video recording
- 300+ voices, 40+ languages
- API only on Enterprise plan
- Creator: 15 videos for $24
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Puppetry | HeyGen |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (3 videos/mo) | $24/month |
| Free Plan | Yes — 3 videos/month | 1 free video trial |
| Videos per Month (paid) | 10–300 | 15–60+ |
| Cost per Video (Creator) | ~$0.03 | ~$1.60 |
| Custom Photo Avatars | Upload any photo | Video recording required |
| Video Translation | Coming soon | Full dub + lip sync |
| AI Voices | 500+ (65+ languages) | 300+ (40+ languages) |
| Free Voices | 45 free AI voices | All paid |
| Voice Cloning | Studio plan ($30) | Business plan ($180+/mo) |
| Video Formats | MP4 talking-head export; crop externally | 16:9, 9:16, 1:1 |
| API Access | All plans | Enterprise plan only |
| AI Script Generation | Built-in | Built-in |
| Interactive Avatars | Not yet | Streaming avatars |
| Best For | Creators, educators, SMBs | Enterprise, video translation |
When to Choose Each
Choose Puppetry if you...
- Want to use your own photos (not record video)
- Need high-volume video at a low cost
- Want free AI voices included
- Need API access without enterprise pricing
- Are a creator, educator, or small business
Choose HeyGen if you...
- Need video translation / dubbing features
- Want interactive streaming avatars
- Need 40+ languages (more than Puppetry's 65+)
- Are an enterprise with large L&D budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puppetry cheaper than HeyGen?
Yes. Puppetry has a free tier, then Creator is $15/month for 100 videos. HeyGen starts at $24/month with a limited free trial (1 video), and its Creator plan costs $24/month for 15 videos.
Can I upload my own photos in Puppetry vs HeyGen?
Both platforms support custom avatars, but Puppetry makes it simpler. Upload any portrait photo and it becomes a talking character instantly. HeyGen requires a video recording for custom avatars and charges extra for "Instant Avatar" on higher plans.
Which has better video translation — Puppetry or HeyGen?
HeyGen is known for its video translation feature that dubs and lip-syncs existing videos. Puppetry focuses on creating new talking head videos from photos. If your primary need is translating existing videos, HeyGen may be better. For creating new content from photos, Puppetry wins.
How should I make vertical social videos with Puppetry?
Use Puppetry to generate the talking-head MP4 segment, then place or crop it in your editor or social app when you need a final TikTok, Reel, or Short layout. HeyGen offers broader format controls inside its avatar studio.
Which is better for small businesses — Puppetry or HeyGen?
Puppetry is more affordable for small businesses. You get 100 creations/month for $15 (Creator plan) vs HeyGen's 15 videos/month for $24 (Creator plan). Puppetry also offers free AI voices, while all HeyGen voices are behind the paywall.
Ready to create videos for 50x less?
Join 189K+ creators who chose Puppetry. Start free — no credit card required.