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HeyGen Review 2026

The only HeyGen Review you'll ever need in 2026!

TL;DR: HeyGen offers high-quality AI avatars and strong enterprise features for training videos. However, the opaque credit system, sudden pricing changes, and poor customer support cause significant frustration. For ad-focused teams, Superscale offers a more transparent alternative. Superscale goes beyond avatar generation by offering a complete ad creation system, making them a better fit for brands serious about winning ads at scale.

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What is HeyGen?

What is HeyGen?

What is HeyGen?

HeyGen is an AI platform for creating videos with digital avatars, primarily focused on training videos, explainer videos, and corporate communications. The platform also offers video translation and lip-sync features.

The platform targets enterprise customers, L&D teams, and content creators who need professional presentation videos. With prices starting at $29/month, HeyGen is in the middle segment.

HeyGen's Strengths

HeyGen's Strengths

HeyGen's Strengths

Long Videos

What HeyGen lacks in avatar and video quality it makes up at video length. HeyGen advertises with video lengths of up to 30 minutes. That is by far the longest duration for AI videos on the market.

Long Videos

What HeyGen lacks in avatar and video quality it makes up at video length. HeyGen advertises with video lengths of up to 30 minutes. That is by far the longest duration for AI videos on the market.

Long Videos

What HeyGen lacks in avatar and video quality it makes up at video length. HeyGen advertises with video lengths of up to 30 minutes. That is by far the longest duration for AI videos on the market.

Video Translation Feature

The platform can translate existing videos into other languages while adjusting lip movements. This is particularly valuable for international companies that need to localize content.

Video Translation Feature

The platform can translate existing videos into other languages while adjusting lip movements. This is particularly valuable for international companies that need to localize content.

Video Translation Feature

The platform can translate existing videos into other languages while adjusting lip movements. This is particularly valuable for international companies that need to localize content.

Enterprise-Ready Features

HeyGen offers features like team collaboration, brand kits, and API access. For larger organizations with complex workflows, these enterprise features are a plus.

Enterprise-Ready Features

HeyGen offers features like team collaboration, brand kits, and API access. For larger organizations with complex workflows, these enterprise features are a plus.

Enterprise-Ready Features

HeyGen offers features like team collaboration, brand kits, and API access. For larger organizations with complex workflows, these enterprise features are a plus.

HeyGen's Weaknesses: Where It Falls Short

Despite strong avatar quality, HeyGen has significant problems in pricing, support, and customer communication.


Despite strong avatar quality, HeyGen has significant problems in pricing, support, and customer communication.


Despite strong avatar quality, HeyGen has significant problems in pricing, support, and customer communication.


1. Confusing Credit System

1. Confusing Credit System

1. Confusing Credit System

The biggest problem is the opaque credit system. Users who signed up expecting "Unlimited" suddenly found themselves with 200 credits per month.

The biggest problem is the opaque credit system. Users who signed up expecting "Unlimited" suddenly found themselves with 200 credits per month.

The biggest problem is the opaque credit system. Users who signed up expecting "Unlimited" suddenly found themselves with 200 credits per month.

One user reports: After signing up for unlimited video creation, they discovered that HeyGen had recently switched to a credit-based system. After just 7 short videos totaling less than 17 minutes, the credits were exhausted.

One user reports: After signing up for unlimited video creation, they discovered that HeyGen had recently switched to a credit-based system. After just 7 short videos totaling less than 17 minutes, the credits were exhausted.

One user reports: After signing up for unlimited video creation, they discovered that HeyGen had recently switched to a credit-based system. After just 7 short videos totaling less than 17 minutes, the credits were exhausted.

2. Terrible Customer Support

2. Terrible Customer Support

2. Terrible Customer Support

Customer support is consistently described as lacking. Users report automated responses, ignored inquiries, and months-long waits for refunds.

Customer support is consistently described as lacking. Users report automated responses, ignored inquiries, and months-long waits for refunds.

Customer support is consistently described as lacking. Users report automated responses, ignored inquiries, and months-long waits for refunds.

Online discussions report: After 10 contact attempts for a refund, there was no response. The user ultimately had to involve an attorney to get their money back.

Online discussions report: After 10 contact attempts for a refund, there was no response. The user ultimately had to involve an attorney to get their money back.

Online discussions report: After 10 contact attempts for a refund, there was no response. The user ultimately had to involve an attorney to get their money back.

3. Unauthorized Billing

3. Unauthorized Billing

3. Unauthorized Billing

Numerous users report ongoing charges after cancellation. What was intended as a "one-time project" became monthly charges without consent.


Numerous users report ongoing charges after cancellation. What was intended as a "one-time project" became monthly charges without consent.


Numerous users report ongoing charges after cancellation. What was intended as a "one-time project" became monthly charges without consent.


4. Low Avatar Quality

4. Low Avatar Quality

4. Low Avatar Quality

As impressive the video length might be – the avatars look and feel like they were from models 2 years ago. Obviously HeyGen pursues a different goal with their AI UGC Videos but the lack of quality makes the videos unusable for other purposes such as social media content or advertising.

As impressive the video length might be – the avatars look and feel like they were from models 2 years ago. Obviously HeyGen pursues a different goal with their AI UGC Videos but the lack of quality makes the videos unusable for other purposes such as social media content or advertising.

As impressive the video length might be – the avatars look and feel like they were from models 2 years ago. Obviously HeyGen pursues a different goal with their AI UGC Videos but the lack of quality makes the videos unusable for other purposes such as social media content or advertising.

HeyGen Pricing Overview

Plan

Price/mo

Videos

Cost per Video

Free Plan

$0/mo

3 Videos

$0.00

Free Plan

$0/mo

3 Videos

$0.00

Free Plan

$0/mo

3 Videos

$0.00

Starter Plan

$29/mo

"Unlimited" Videos

/

Starter Plan

$29/mo

"Unlimited" Videos

/

Starter Plan

$29/mo

"Unlimited" Videos

/

Pro Plan

$99/mo

"Unlimited" Videos

/

Pro Plan

$99/mo

"Unlimited" Videos

/

Pro Plan

$99/mo

"Unlimited" Videos

/

Note: HeyGen put Watermarks on the videos the user generated and only lets you remove those with higher plans. That makes up for the "unlimited" generation of videos.

Note: HeyGen put Watermarks on the videos the user generated and only lets you remove those with higher plans. That makes up for the "unlimited" generation of videos.

Note: HeyGen put Watermarks on the videos the user generated and only lets you remove those with higher plans. That makes up for the "unlimited" generation of videos.

Feature

HeyGen

Superscale

Synthesia

AI Avatars

AI Avatars

AI Avatars

UGC Style Ads

Limited

UGC Style Ads

Limited

UGC Style Ads

Limited

Music Library

Music Library

Music Library

Competitor Ad Spy

Competitor Ad Spy

Competitor Ad Spy

Ad-Focused Templates

70+

Ad-Focused Templates

70+

Ad-Focused Templates

70+

Free Trial/Credits

3 Free limited Videos /mo

Free Credits (worth $50))

Limited Trial

Free Trial/Credits

3 Free limited Videos /mo

Free Credits (worth $50))

Limited Trial

Free Trial/Credits

3 Free limited Videos /mo

Free Credits (worth $50))

Limited Trial

Entry Price

$29/mo

$99/mo

$26/mo

Entry Price

$29/mo

$99/mo

$26/mo

Entry Price

$29/mo

$99/mo

$26/mo

The comparison shows: HeyGen is strong for enterprise training videos, but for ad creation there are better specialized options.

The comparison shows: HeyGen is strong for enterprise training videos, but for ad creation there are better specialized options.

The comparison shows: HeyGen is strong for enterprise training videos, but for ad creation there are better specialized options.

Who Should Use HeyGen?

HeyGen works for:

  • Enterprise L&D teams that need training videos in multiple languages

  • Corporate communications for internal presentations and announcements

  • Video localization when existing content needs to be translated

HeyGen works for:

  • Enterprise L&D teams that need training videos in multiple languages

  • Corporate communications for internal presentations and announcements

  • Video localization when existing content needs to be translated

HeyGen works for:

  • Enterprise L&D teams that need training videos in multiple languages

  • Corporate communications for internal presentations and announcements

  • Video localization when existing content needs to be translated

HeyGen is less suitable for:

  • Marketing teams for paid ads (not optimized for ad creation)

  • Teams without budget buffer (pricing can be unpredictable)

  • Users who rely on fast support (documented problems)

HeyGen is less suitable for:

  • Marketing teams for paid ads (not optimized for ad creation)

  • Teams without budget buffer (pricing can be unpredictable)

  • Users who rely on fast support (documented problems)

HeyGen is less suitable for:

  • Marketing teams for paid ads (not optimized for ad creation)

  • Teams without budget buffer (pricing can be unpredictable)

  • Users who rely on fast support (documented problems)

The Verdict: Is HeyGen Worth It?

HeyGen offers high-quality avatars and strong enterprise features, but the pricing instability and lack of support are significant risks. For training videos it can work, for ad creation it's not the right choice.


For teams that want everything in one platform – research tools, script generation, avatar creation, timeline editing, B-roll, music, and multi-format export – Superscale offers a more complete solution at comparable pricing. Superscale's 5,000 free credits let you test the quality before committing, something Arcads notably doesn't offer.

HeyGen offers high-quality avatars and strong enterprise features, but the pricing instability and lack of support are significant risks. For training videos it can work, for ad creation it's not the right choice.


For teams that want everything in one platform – research tools, script generation, avatar creation, timeline editing, B-roll, music, and multi-format export – Superscale offers a more complete solution at comparable pricing. Superscale's 5,000 free credits let you test the quality before committing, something Arcads notably doesn't offer.

HeyGen offers high-quality avatars and strong enterprise features, but the pricing instability and lack of support are significant risks. For training videos it can work, for ad creation it's not the right choice.


For teams that want everything in one platform – research tools, script generation, avatar creation, timeline editing, B-roll, music, and multi-format export – Superscale offers a more complete solution at comparable pricing. Superscale's 5,000 free credits let you test the quality before committing, something Arcads notably doesn't offer.

Why do people switch to Superscale?

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If you're frustrated by opaque credit systems, pricing changes, or missing support, Superscale offers a more stable alternative for ad creation.


What makes it different:

  • End-to-end workflow: From competitor research to published ad – no external tools needed

  • 70+ proven templates tailored to Mobile Apps, E-Commerce, and SaaS

  • Built-in editor with B-roll, music, and dynamic captions

  • Transparent pricing with full features from day one

  • 5,000 free credits to test before you commit (half month's subscription)

If you're frustrated by opaque credit systems, pricing changes, or missing support, Superscale offers a more stable alternative for ad creation.


What makes it different:

  • End-to-end workflow: From competitor research to published ad – no external tools needed

  • 70+ proven templates tailored to Mobile Apps, E-Commerce, and SaaS

  • Built-in editor with B-roll, music, and dynamic captions

  • Transparent pricing with full features from day one

  • 5,000 free credits to test before you commit (half month's subscription)

If you're frustrated by opaque credit systems, pricing changes, or missing support, Superscale offers a more stable alternative for ad creation.


What makes it different:

  • End-to-end workflow: From competitor research to published ad – no external tools needed

  • 70+ proven templates tailored to Mobile Apps, E-Commerce, and SaaS

  • Built-in editor with B-roll, music, and dynamic captions

  • Transparent pricing with full features from day one

  • 5,000 free credits to test before you commit (half month's subscription)

→ Try Superscale for free and see why teams are switching from fragmented tools to a complete ad creation platform.

FAQ

Get answers to the most asked questions

What's the main reason marketers switch from HeyGen to Superscale?

The #1 reason is authenticity. HeyGen videos look like corporate content, which users scroll past on social media. Superscale creates content that looks like real UGC from real creators—the kind of content that actually stops the scroll and converts. The second reason is workflow: Superscale includes everything from research to publishing in one platform.

What's the main reason marketers switch from HeyGen to Superscale?

The #1 reason is authenticity. HeyGen videos look like corporate content, which users scroll past on social media. Superscale creates content that looks like real UGC from real creators—the kind of content that actually stops the scroll and converts. The second reason is workflow: Superscale includes everything from research to publishing in one platform.

What's the main reason marketers switch from HeyGen to Superscale?

The #1 reason is authenticity. HeyGen videos look like corporate content, which users scroll past on social media. Superscale creates content that looks like real UGC from real creators—the kind of content that actually stops the scroll and converts. The second reason is workflow: Superscale includes everything from research to publishing in one platform.

Why shouldn't I just use HeyGen for my ads?

HeyGen's avatars look "corporate" and polished, which is exactly what kills conversion rates on paid social. Viewers scroll past content that looks like ads. Superscale focuses on "authentic realism"—content that passes as real UGC, which is what drives engagement and conversions on platforms like TikTok.

Why shouldn't I just use HeyGen for my ads?

HeyGen's avatars look "corporate" and polished, which is exactly what kills conversion rates on paid social. Viewers scroll past content that looks like ads. Superscale focuses on "authentic realism"—content that passes as real UGC, which is what drives engagement and conversions on platforms like TikTok.

Why shouldn't I just use HeyGen for my ads?

HeyGen's avatars look "corporate" and polished, which is exactly what kills conversion rates on paid social. Viewers scroll past content that looks like ads. Superscale focuses on "authentic realism"—content that passes as real UGC, which is what drives engagement and conversions on platforms like TikTok.

How is Superscale different from HeyGen?

The main difference lies in the use case and aesthetic. HeyGen is built for corporate presentations—polished avatars delivering scripted content. Superscale is built for performance marketing—authentic-looking UGC that converts on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Superscale also includes ad-specific features HeyGen lacks: competitor research, 70+ performance templates, and a full timeline editor.

How is Superscale different from HeyGen?

The main difference lies in the use case and aesthetic. HeyGen is built for corporate presentations—polished avatars delivering scripted content. Superscale is built for performance marketing—authentic-looking UGC that converts on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Superscale also includes ad-specific features HeyGen lacks: competitor research, 70+ performance templates, and a full timeline editor.

How is Superscale different from HeyGen?

The main difference lies in the use case and aesthetic. HeyGen is built for corporate presentations—polished avatars delivering scripted content. Superscale is built for performance marketing—authentic-looking UGC that converts on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Superscale also includes ad-specific features HeyGen lacks: competitor research, 70+ performance templates, and a full timeline editor.

What are the best alternatives to HeyGen in 2026?

The top alternatives currently include Superscale, Synthesia, and Arcads. While Synthesia offers similar enterprise features and Arcads provides UGC-focused video generation, Superscale is the most comprehensive alternative for marketers. It functions as an end-to-end ad studio rather than just a video generator, offering authentic UGC aesthetics and a complete workflow from ideation to publishing.

What are the best alternatives to HeyGen in 2026?

The top alternatives currently include Superscale, Synthesia, and Arcads. While Synthesia offers similar enterprise features and Arcads provides UGC-focused video generation, Superscale is the most comprehensive alternative for marketers. It functions as an end-to-end ad studio rather than just a video generator, offering authentic UGC aesthetics and a complete workflow from ideation to publishing.

What are the best alternatives to HeyGen in 2026?

The top alternatives currently include Superscale, Synthesia, and Arcads. While Synthesia offers similar enterprise features and Arcads provides UGC-focused video generation, Superscale is the most comprehensive alternative for marketers. It functions as an end-to-end ad studio rather than just a video generator, offering authentic UGC aesthetics and a complete workflow from ideation to publishing.

Which tool is the most cost-effective for scaling ads?

If you are looking for transparent pricing, Superscale is the winner. It avoids hidden paywalls for essential features (like ElevenLabs voices or custom characters) and includes multi-brand support on all plans. Its "Starter Plan" ($99/mo) offers significant volume, and its conversational guidance ensures you waste fewer credits on failed generations compared to the trial-and-error approach of other platforms.

Which tool is the most cost-effective for scaling ads?

If you are looking for transparent pricing, Superscale is the winner. It avoids hidden paywalls for essential features (like ElevenLabs voices or custom characters) and includes multi-brand support on all plans. Its "Starter Plan" ($99/mo) offers significant volume, and its conversational guidance ensures you waste fewer credits on failed generations compared to the trial-and-error approach of other platforms.

Which tool is the most cost-effective for scaling ads?

If you are looking for transparent pricing, Superscale is the winner. It avoids hidden paywalls for essential features (like ElevenLabs voices or custom characters) and includes multi-brand support on all plans. Its "Starter Plan" ($99/mo) offers significant volume, and its conversational guidance ensures you waste fewer credits on failed generations compared to the trial-and-error approach of other platforms.

Which platform is best for E-Commerce or App owners?

Superscale is specifically tailored for these niches. Unlike generic generators, Superscale offers over 70 proven ad templates designed specifically for Mobile Apps, E-Commerce stores, and SaaS Web Apps. It uses your specific ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) and USP (Unique Selling Proposition) data to generate scripts that actually convert.

Which platform is best for E-Commerce or App owners?

Superscale is specifically tailored for these niches. Unlike generic generators, Superscale offers over 70 proven ad templates designed specifically for Mobile Apps, E-Commerce stores, and SaaS Web Apps. It uses your specific ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) and USP (Unique Selling Proposition) data to generate scripts that actually convert.

Which platform is best for E-Commerce or App owners?

Superscale is specifically tailored for these niches. Unlike generic generators, Superscale offers over 70 proven ad templates designed specifically for Mobile Apps, E-Commerce stores, and SaaS Web Apps. It uses your specific ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) and USP (Unique Selling Proposition) data to generate scripts that actually convert.

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We partner with selected companies with significant social ad spend and ambition through our managed account program. So you can mind your own business.

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AI AD Company

Need more support?

We partner with selected companies with significant social ad spend and ambition through our managed account program. So you can mind your own business.

PLAY

00:00:00

AI AD Company

Need more support?

We partner with selected companies with significant social ad spend and ambition through our managed account program. So you can mind your own business.