Melies
10 models compared

Best AI Image-to-Video Models: 10 Generators Compared

Turn any image into a video with AI. Compare 10 image-to-video models by quality, duration, pricing, and animation fidelity.

AI image-to-video lets you animate any still image, whether photos, illustrations, or AI-generated art, into a moving video clip. All 10 models in this comparison accept an input image and a text prompt describing the desired motion. The results vary significantly in how faithfully they preserve the original image while adding natural movement.

Budget options like LTX 2.3 (50 credits) and WAN v2.6 (70 credits) handle simple animations well, with LTX 2.3 offering up to 4K output and WAN v2.6 supporting 15-second clips. Mid-range models like Kling v3 Standard, Hailuo 2.3, and Seedance 2.0 produce more natural motion at 60-90 credits, with Seedance 2.0 adding native audio and up to 9 reference images. Premium models, including Sora 2 Pro, Grok Imagine Video, Kling v3 Pro, Kling O3 Standard, and Veo 3.1, deliver the most realistic animations with better physics, longer durations, and advanced features like reference images and native audio.

Upload your image to Melies, write a motion prompt, and generate with any model. Compare outputs side by side to find which image-to-video AI produces the best animation for your specific content.

Updated May 2026

Quick Recommendation

Start with LTX 2.3 (50 credits) for the best value. When quality matters more than cost, step up to Veo 3.1 (400 credits). All 10 models are available on Melies — try each with the same prompt and compare.

Video Model Specs: Side-by-Side Comparison

Model Released Cost ↑ Speed Duration Img inputAudio
LightricksLTX 2.3
Mar 2026 50Fast10 seconds
KuaishouKling v3 Standard
Feb 2026 60Medium15 seconds
AlibabaWAN v2.6
Mar 2026 70Medium15 seconds
MiniMaxHailuo 2.3
Mar 2026 80Medium10 seconds
KuaishouKling O3 Standard
Feb 2026 80Medium15 seconds
xAIGrok Imagine Video
Mar 2026 80Fast10 seconds
ByteDanceSeedance 2.0
Apr 2026 90Medium15 seconds
KuaishouKling v3 Pro
Feb 2026 100Medium15 seconds
OpenAISora 2 Pro
Sep 2025 200Slower12 seconds
GoogleVeo 3.1
Oct 2025 400Slower8 seconds

Each Model at a Glance

Sort:
ByteDance

Seedance 2.0

ByteDance90

ByteDance's most advanced video model with native audio, cinematic quality, reference images, and up to 15s clips.

Quality
Speed
Cost
xAI

Grok Imagine Video

xAI80

xAI's #1 ranked video model with native audio, fast generation, and cinematic quality.

Quality
Speed
Cost
OpenAI

Sora 2 Pro

OpenAI200

OpenAI's flagship video model with native synchronized audio and cinematic quality.

Quality
Speed
Cost
Google

Veo 3.1

Google400

Google's most advanced video model with native audio, 4K resolution, and reference image support.

Quality
Speed
Cost
Lightricks

LTX 2.3

Lightricks50

Lightricks' latest model with 4K output, native audio, and a sharper VAE.

Quality
Speed
Cost
Alibaba

WAN v2.6

Alibaba70

Alibaba's latest video model with multi-shot prompts and reference-to-video support.

Quality
Speed
Cost
MiniMax

Hailuo 2.3

MiniMax80

MiniMax's most capable video model with cinematic realism, advanced camera control, and improved motion physics.

Quality
Speed
Cost
Kuaishou

Kling O3 Standard

Kuaishou80

Kling's latest O3 image-to-video model with character elements, multi-shot sequences, and voice support.

Quality
Speed
Cost
Kuaishou

Kling v3 Pro

Kuaishou100

Premium Kling model with multi-shot sequences, voice IDs, and up to 15s duration.

Quality
Speed
Cost
Kuaishou

Kling v3 Standard

Kuaishou60

Kling's image-to-video model with custom character elements and end-frame control.

Quality
Speed
Cost

Which AI Video Model Should You Pick?

Best value for everyday use

At 50 credits, LTX 2.3 gives you the most generations per plan. High-resolution video, fast generation, 4K output, open-source workflows.

LTX 2.3

Maximum quality, no budget concerns

Veo 3.1 at 400 credits delivers the highest quality. Highest quality video with sound, cinematic 4K output.

Veo 3.1

Video with sound effects or dialogue

LTX 2.3 generates native audio alongside video — no post-production sound editing needed.

LTX 2.3

Animating a still image

Upload a photo or AI image and bring it to life. LTX 2.3 at 50 credits is the most affordable option with image input.

LTX 2.3

Longer clips for storytelling

Supports up to 15-second clips — enough for complete scenes and narratives.

WAN v2.6

Frequently Asked Questions

AI generated video
AI generated video
AI generated video
AI generated video

Try All 10 Models on Melies

LTX 2.3, WAN v2.6, Kling v3 Standard and more — all in one workspace. Switch models with one click, compare results side by side. Free credits included.