Thomas Klein
On May 3, 2026, Runway shipped Gen-4. And for once, the real story isn't image quality — it's sound. Gen-4 generates its own audio track, on its own. Here's what actually changes, and whether it's worth switching.
Sound finally shows up
Before Gen-4, the routine never changed: generate the video in Runway, then add sound somewhere else. That's over. Effects, ambience, foley — it all comes out with the image. On an ad or a teaser, you save a whole step. Mostly, Runway is catching up to Sora and Veo, which already handled audio natively.
Runway is no longer just a model
Since February 2026, Runway has been folding its rivals straight into its interface: Kling 3.0, Sora 2 Pro, WAN2.2 Animate... you reach them without switching tools. With Gen-4, APIs even let you combine several engines in one video. In plain terms, you can pit Runway against Kling or Runway against Sora without leaving the platform.
Gen-4, Gen-4.5, GWM-1: the recap
Runway keeps stacking versions, so let's recap. Gen-4.5 (December 2025) takes a starting image on top of the text prompt, and it's included in every paid plan. Gen-4 (May 2026) adds audio and third-party models. Alongside it, GWM-1 targets real-time avatars and robotics — more niche, but it shows where Runway is heading.
So how does it stack up against Kling and Veo?
On Video Arena, where models go head-to-head blind, Gen-4.5 edged past Veo and Kling in early 2026. Except Kling 3.0 still holds the best ELO score on other tests. So there's no single winner. Runway leads on rendering and ecosystem; Kling stays unbeatable on entry price.
Should you switch to Gen-4?
Already paying for Runway? Go for it, it's included. Torn between tools? The third-party integration is a huge time-saver — you test everything in one place. Tight budget? Look at Kling, far cheaper to start — our Kling vs Runway comparison breaks down the gap.
Try these AI video generators
Compare the tools mentioned in this article and open their detailed review:
Frequently asked questions
When was Runway Gen-4 released?
Runway officially launched Gen-4 on May 3, 2026, billed as its most advanced text-to-video model.
Does Runway Gen-4 generate audio?
Yes. Gen-4's headline feature is native audio generation: sound effects and ambience are produced directly with the video, no third-party tool needed.
What's the difference between Gen-4 and Gen-4.5?
Gen-4.5 (December 2025) added the ability to supply a first frame image alongside the prompt. Gen-4 (May 2026) adds native audio, third-party model integration and API hooks for hybrid pipelines.
Is Runway Gen-4 better than Kling or Veo?
On Video Arena, Gen-4.5 climbed to the top ahead of Veo 3.1 and Kling 3.0, but Kling 3.0 claims the best ELO score on some benchmarks. The best choice depends on your use case and budget.