Best AI Image-to-Video Models: 9 Generators Compared
Turn any image into a video with AI. Compare 9 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 9 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 and Hailuo 02 produce more natural motion at 60-70 credits. 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 April 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 9 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 input | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 LTX 2.3 | Mar 2026 | 50 | Fast | 10 seconds | ||
 Kling v3 Standard | Feb 2026 | 60 | Medium | 15 seconds | ||
 WAN v2.6 | Mar 2026 | 70 | Medium | 15 seconds | ||
 Hailuo 02 | Jun 2025 | 70 | Medium | 10 seconds | ||
| Kling O3 Standard | Feb 2026 | 80 | Medium | 15 seconds | ||
 Grok Imagine Video | Mar 2026 | 80 | Fast | 10 seconds | ||
| Kling v3 Pro | Feb 2026 | 100 | Medium | 15 seconds | ||
 Sora 2 Pro | Sep 2025 | 200 | Slower | 12 seconds | ||
 Veo 3.1 | Oct 2025 | 400 | Slower | 8 seconds |
Each Model at a Glance
Grok Imagine Video
xAI80xAI's #1 ranked video model with native audio, fast generation, and cinematic quality.
Sora 2 Pro
OpenAI200OpenAI's flagship video model with native synchronized audio and cinematic quality.
Veo 3.1
Google400Google's most advanced video model with native audio, 4K resolution, and reference image support.
LTX 2.3
Lightricks50Lightricks' latest model with 4K output, native audio, and a sharper VAE.
WAN v2.6
Alibaba70Alibaba's latest video model with multi-shot prompts and reference-to-video support.
Kling O3 Standard
Kuaishou80Kling's latest O3 image-to-video model with character elements, multi-shot sequences, and voice support.
Kling v3 Pro
Kuaishou100Premium Kling model with multi-shot sequences, voice IDs, and up to 15s duration.
Kling v3 Standard
Kuaishou60Kling's image-to-video model with custom character elements and end-frame control.
Hailuo 02
MiniMax70MiniMax's image-to-video model with consistent motion and end-frame control.
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.
Maximum quality, no budget concerns
Veo 3.1 at 400 credits delivers the highest quality. Highest quality video with sound, cinematic 4K output.
Video with sound effects or dialogue
LTX 2.3 generates native audio alongside video — no post-production sound editing needed.
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.
Longer clips for storytelling
Supports up to 15-second clips — enough for complete scenes and narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try All 9 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.