Canva vs Grammarly vs CapCut vs HeyGen

Independently tested by PERYXA • September 2026

We tested four popular design and content tools on mobile using real PERYXA tasks. Here’s how they compared for ease of use, output quality, speed, free-plan value, and price.

How We Tested

1. Canva Design Test — Created two posts and a six-slide carousel using AI and manual editing.

2. Grammarly Writing Test — Corrected error-filled business copy in the editor and apple notes.

3. CapCut Video Test — Created a 12 second video with transitions, text, music and export.

4. HeyGen Avatar Test — Tested Mia with the Hope voice and checked captions, output, and free limits.

5. Price & Plan Test — Verified official pricing, usage limits, paywalls and watermark rules.

Testing note: Canva, Grammarly, CapCut, and HeyGen were tested on their free plans using an iPhone in September 2026. Earlier PERYXA videos created with HeyGen were also reviewed for avatar quality, voice, and lip-sync. Pricing and plan limits may change or vary by region.

Because these tools solve different creative tasks, we tested each one on a real mobile workflow suited to its purpose. We then evaluated every tool using the same five criteria: ease of use, output quality, mobile experience, speed, and value.

Results at a Glance

#1- Canva 8.9/10 • Best All-in-One Creative Tool

Created polished posts, carousels, and reels quickly. Templates, mobile editing, and exporting were easy to use with no watermarks.

Main trade-off: The free AI allowance ran out, and some AI-generated text was not editable.

#2- Grammarly 8.7/10 • Best for Writing

Accurately corrected grammar and wording in both its editor and apple notes. Suggestions were clear, useful, and easy to apply.

Main trade-off: Some punctuation checks were premium-only, with frequent update prompts.

#3- CapCut 8.3/10 • Best for Mobile Video Editing

Created a polished video with transitions, text, music, and simple mobile editing tools.

Main trade-off: Some effects loaded slowly, and the free export included a CapCut watermark.

#4- HeyGen 8.2/10 • Best for AI Avatar Videos

Created polished presenter videos with a natural voice, accurate pronunciation, and convincing avatar lip-sync.

Main trade-off: The free plan allows only a few videos, while captions and watermark removal require an upgrade.

Plans & Pricing

“Each tool offers free access, but the limits differ significantly. Prices below were checked in September 2026 and may vary by country, taxes, promotions, and billing method.”

Canva

  • Free plan: Available

  • Pro: $180/year

  • Plan tested: Free

  • Main free limits: Limited AI use; Background remover and brand kit require a paid plan

Grammarly

CapCut

HeyGen

  • Free plan: Available

  • Pro: €12/month

  • Plan tested: Free

  • Main free limit: Advanced punctuation and writing suggestions require Pro

  • Free plan: Available

  • Standard: Price varies by region & account

  • Plan tested: free

  • Main free limits: Watermarked export and some premium effects

  • Free plan: 3 videos/month

  • Creator: $29/month

  • Plan tested: free

  • Main free limits: Captions and watermark removal require creator

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Which Creative Tool Is Best for You?

“The right choice depends on what you want to create. Use this guide to match each tool with your workflow, priorities, and budget.”

Choose Canva if...

“You regularly write emails, documents, captions, or business copy and want fast, accurate corrections across different apps.”

Best for: Professionals who want clearer,more polished writing

Choose Grammarly if...

“You want polished presenter-led videos using an AI avatar and voice without filming yourself or setting up a studio.”

Best for: Businesses creating AI spokesperson and explainer videos

Choose CapCut if...

“You want one platform for branded posts, carousels, presentations, and simple videos, with templates and easy mobile editing.”

Best for: Small businesses and creators producing regular visual content

Choose HeyGen if...

“You want hands-on control when creating short-form videos with transitions, text, music, effects, and mobile editing tools.”

Best for: Creators editing reels and social videos on mobile

Final Verdict

Canva earned the highest overall score because it offered the most versatile workflow, strong mobile editing, polished results, and excellent free-plan value. Grammarly was the strongest specialist for writing accuracy. CapCut offered more hands-on video editing control, while HeyGen was the easiest way to create presenter-led videos without filming. The best choice ultimately depends on the type of content you need to create.

PERYXA's Best Overall Choice: Canva - 8.9/10

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