162 AI tools reviewed with real pricing, quickstart code, and honest gotchas
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Veo 2 is Google's answer to Sora, delivering high-fidelity 1080p video via Vertex AI, but it comes with a steep enterprise price tag of $0.50 per second (~$30/minute). While the physics and lighting are impressive, the 8-second hard limit per generation makes it frustrating for long-form narrative work. By Feb 2026, Veo 3 is already rolling out with better pricing, so unless you are locked into a specific legacy Vertex workflow, you should likely skip Veo 2 for the newer models.
Stability AI deprecated their official video API in July 2025, shifting fully to an open-model strategy. While this kills the 'plug-and-play' convenience for API consumers, it remains the king of self-hosted video generation. Use this if you have the H100s to run it or need total data privacy; avoid it if you just want a simple REST endpoint—go to Runway or Luma instead.
Sora 2 is the heavyweight champion of physics-aware video generation, but it prices out the hobbyists. While the $20/mo Plus tier gets you in the door, the real power (25s clips, 1080p) is locked behind the $200/mo Pro plan or a pricey API. Use it if you need Hollywood-style storyboards where gravity actually works; avoid it if you just want quick, cheap social media filler.
Runway Gen-3 is the 'prosumer' choice for AI video—delivering arguably the best motion consistency in the game, but at a premium price point ($0.10/sec for the good model). While the Turbo variant slashes costs by 50% and speeds up rendering significantly, the native 720p resolution feels dated for 2026. Use this if you need granular control over camera paths and timing; avoid it if you're building a high-volume consumer app where per-second costs will eat your margin.
Pika excels at "fun" video generation with its unique physics effects (melt, squish) and keyframe controls, making it the best choice for creators chasing viral TikTok trends. However, it is hostile to budget-conscious professionals: the $10/month Standard plan curiously restricts commercial rights, forcing a jump to the $35/month Pro tier. Developers should note there is no direct API; you must access Pika 2.2 via partners like Fal.ai.
Luma Dream Machine is the 'developer's choice' for AI video right now because it actually ships a usable, reasonably priced API while competitors like Sora remain closed. It excels at image-to-video animation for marketing and prototyping but struggles with complex physics and artifacting in longer clips. Use it if you need to integrate video gen into an app today; avoid it if you need production-ready 4K footage without post-processing.
