AI video generators. Cost comparison for low-resolution videos (5 seconds)

Here is a more detailed explanation of the key observations relating to the comparison between the main AI video generators of 2025, considering in particular low resolution (360p-540p) and cost per video:

PixVerse 4.5: The most affordable for low-resolution videos

PixVerse 4.5 stands out as the cheapest option for generating a large volume of standard-resolution videos. At just 20 credits per 360p clip and with 6,000 credits per month for $30, you can generate up to 300 five-second videos.
It’s designed to be fast and user-friendly, producing good results especially in cartoon, anime, and stylized formats. While there can be some facial distortions in complex prompts, it’s perfect for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or bulk content creation.

Kling 1.6: A balanced choice between quality and cost

Kling 1.6 allows you to create realistic 720p–1080p videos for just 20 credits per 5 seconds, making it very cost-effective (~$0.17 per video).
Although it lacks the advanced features of Kling 2.0 Master (like camera path control or ultra-smooth motion), it still delivers solid photo-realism and natural movement at a competitive price.
It’s ideal for users who want high quality without the high cost.

Kling 2.0 Master: Maximum visual quality, but high cost

Kling 2.0 Master is aimed at cinematic or professional productions. It uses a 3D spatiotemporal attention model to create extremely realistic movement, facial expressions, and faithful prompt interpretation.
However, each video costs 100 credits, which limits users to only 30 clips per month on the Pro plan.
This is the best choice if visual quality is the top priority, but it's not suitable for mass production due to the high cost per clip.

Runway Gen-3 Alpha: Great balance between quality and cost

Runway offers a Turbo mode that allows you to generate 1080p videos with excellent consistency in lighting, detail, and camera motion.
At ~25 credits per 5-second clip, and with 2,250 credits for $28, you can produce around 90 videos per month. That’s fewer than PixVerse, but the visual quality is noticeably higher.
It’s a great option if you want professional-level output without breaking the bank.

Pika Labs: High flexibility, simpler visuals

Pika Labs is well-regarded for its intuitive interface and support for diverse inputs (text, image, audio), generating videos up to 720p.
Cost per clip varies widely (5–10 credits per second), so a 5-second video may cost 50 credits ($0.44).
While suitable for stylized or animated content, it doesn’t reach the visual precision of Kling or Runway.
It’s a good fit for users seeking creativity and speed over realism.

Google Veo 2: Premium quality, professional pricing

Google Veo 2 (still in limited-access) aims to deliver 4K cinematic videos with outstanding detail and realism.
At $0.50 per second, that’s $2.50 for 5 seconds — much higher than competitors.
It’s clearly intended for advertising, film, or high-end creative work, not for daily or bulk content.