📖 The AI Tool Bible

Frigate vs Runway

A side-by-side look at pricing, capabilities, pros, cons, and our editorial scores.

 
Frigate
Video
Runway
Video
TaglineOpen-source NVR that runs AI object detection locally on your security camera feeds.Pro-grade AI video editor and Gen-4 generation.
CategoryVideoVideo
PricingFreemium· Free and open-source; Frigate+ custom-model subscription is paidPaid· $15/mo Standard; $35/mo Pro; $95/mo Unlimited
ModelCustom object detection (Coral/YOLO/Frigate+ models)Gen-4
Editorial score—9.0 / 10
Use cases
security-camera-nvrobject-detectionhome-automationprivacy-focused-surveillance
short filmVFXimage-to-video
Pros
  • Fully local processing, no cloud, no subscription required for core
  • MIT-licensed open source with active community
  • First-class Home Assistant and MQTT integration
  • Real-time detection at 100+/sec with a Coral TPU
  • Pro editing timeline
  • Best-in-class control (motion brush, etc.)
  • Used in real productions
  • Generation + editing in one tool
Cons
  • Setup is Docker/YAML heavy and not beginner-friendly
  • Best performance requires a Coral or GPU accelerator
  • Frigate+ custom models are a paid add-on
  • Expensive for hobby use
  • Render times can be long
Websitefrigate.videorunwayml.com
Pick Frigate if
  • ✅ Fully local processing, no cloud, no subscription required for core
  • ✅ MIT-licensed open source with active community
  • ✅ First-class Home Assistant and MQTT integration
  • ✅ Real-time detection at 100+/sec with a Coral TPU
Pick Runway if
  • ✅ Pro editing timeline
  • ✅ Best-in-class control (motion brush, etc.)
  • ✅ Used in real productions
  • ✅ Generation + editing in one tool
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