HeyGen vs Arcads: pricing and which to pick for UGC ads
HeyGen vs Arcads in one line: HeyGen has a free plan and starts at $29/mo ($24/mo yearly); Arcads has no public price list and reviewers report about $110/mo for 10 videos (~$11 each).
Short answer: pick Arcads if you only need UGC-style ads that look like a creator filmed them and you can spend about $110 a month. Pick HeyGen if you want a cheaper start (free plan, then $29/mo) or you also need training, explainer or translated videos.
Full HeyGen plan breakdown (free plan, credits, rollover): HeyGen pricing (2026). Arcads: Arcads pricing (2026).
| HeyGen | Arcads | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | General avatar and spokesperson video | UGC-style ads with AI actors |
| Entry price | Creator $29/mo, $24/mo billed yearly | No public price list; ~$110/mo for 10 videos (reported) |
| Higher plans | Pro from $49/mo; Business $149/mo + $20/seat | ~$220/mo for 20 videos (reported) |
| Cost per video | Depends on credits and length | ~$11 on Starter (reported) |
| Free plan or trial | Free: 3 videos/mo, up to 1 min, watermarked | None confirmed |
| Credits | Monthly credits roll over one month | Credits reportedly don't roll over; edits need a full regeneration |
| Best for | Explainers, translation, talking-head promos | Paid social creatives that look like creator UGC |
| Website | heygen.com | Visit Arcads (affiliate) |
Pricing
HeyGen publishes its prices: Creator $29/mo ($24/mo billed yearly), Pro from $49/mo, Business $149/mo plus $20 per extra seat, and a free plan of 3 videos a month. Arcads doesn't publish a price list. Reviews and Reddit threads put Starter at about $110/mo for 10 videos and about $220/mo for 20. That's about $11 a video, which is pricier than most tools in our price table.
Which one looks more like real UGC?
Arcads only does creator-style ads, with AI actors shot in homes, cars and kitchens. HeyGen's avatars are cleaner and more presenter-like. It has UGC-style templates, but most of its library is built for business video. If the ad has to pass as a creator testimonial, Arcads is the more direct fit. For a talking-head explainer, HeyGen does the job for less money.
Watch out for
- Arcads: you'll likely pay before you see output, and an edit means a full regeneration that uses credits.
- HeyGen: free exports carry a watermark, and unused credits only roll over for one month.
FAQ
Is HeyGen cheaper than Arcads?
Yes on entry price. HeyGen Creator is $29/mo ($24/mo billed yearly) and there is a free plan of 3 videos a month up to 1 minute (heygen.com/pricing, checked Oct 20, 2026). Arcads has no public price list; reviewers report about $110/mo for 10 videos, roughly $11 a video.
Which is better for UGC ads?
Arcads is built only for UGC-style ads with AI actors filmed to look like creators. HeyGen is a general avatar platform (spokesperson, training, translation) that can also make ad-style videos.
Does Arcads have a free trial?
Not that we could confirm. Most reviews say there is none; check arcads.ai before you buy.
Can I try HeyGen for free?
Yes. The free plan gives 3 videos a month, up to 1 minute each, and exports carry a watermark.
Sources: heygen.com/pricing (checked Oct 20, 2026) · aiarter.com/blogs/best-ai-ugc-video-ad-g · arcads.ai/affiliate · appscribed.com/ai-ugc-cost/ · reddit.com/r/AI_UGC_Marketing/comments/1. Full data: HeyGen, Arcads.
More: HeyGen alternatives for ads · Arcads alternatives · Arcads vs MakeUGC · MakeUGC vs HeyGen · Tool finder quiz