REAL COST GUIDE · VERIFIED SEPTEMBER 2026
Cheapest AI Video Generator After Retries
The cheapest generation is not always the cheapest usable clip. This guide applies the same retry multiplier to transparent 5-second pricing so you can see how quickly failed attempts change the economics.
Retry-adjusted cost
Effective cost per usable clip = nominal generation cost × average attempts needed for one usable result. Two attempts means a 50% usable-output rate; three attempts is about 33%; four attempts is 25%.
5-second cost after retries
| Option | 1 attempt | 2 attempts | 3 attempts | 4 attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grok Imagine (original) · 720p API $0.07/sec × 5 sec. Lowest transparent 720p nominal cost in this comparison. | $0.35 | $0.70 | $1.05 | $1.40 |
| Runway Max · Gen-4.5 Effective subscription math: $95 ÷ 9,500 credits × 60 credits per 5 sec, assuming the included credits are fully used on Gen-4.5. | ~$0.60 | ~$1.20 | ~$1.80 | ~$2.40 |
| Grok Imagine 1.5 · 720p API $0.14/sec × 5 sec, before any image-input charge. | $0.70 | $1.40 | $2.10 | $2.80 |
| Runway Pro · Gen-4.5 Effective subscription math: $35 ÷ 2,250 credits × 60 credits per 5 sec, assuming full use of included credits. | ~$0.93 | ~$1.87 | ~$2.80 | ~$3.73 |
| Runway Standard · Gen-4.5 Effective subscription math: $15 ÷ 625 credits × 60 credits per 5 sec, assuming full use of included credits. | ~$1.44 | ~$2.88 | ~$4.32 | ~$5.76 |
What is cheapest here?
On transparent 720p pricing alone, the original Grok Imagine API is cheapest at $0.35 per 5-second generation and stays cheapest under the same retry multiplier. Runway Max can reach about $0.60 per 5-second Gen-4.5 generation if you fully use its included credits. Grok Imagine 1.5 at 720p is $0.70 per 5 seconds. These are cost comparisons—not claims that the models deliver equal quality, controls or usable-output rates.
Why OpenArt and Pollo are not ranked numerically
Both platforms can be attractive multi-model options, but a fair retry ranking needs a stable per-generation cost for the exact model/settings. OpenArt publishes plan credits and estimated video counts, while its own guidance notes that per-feature credit cost is not published up front. Pollo says credit use varies by model, duration, outputs and resolution. We therefore avoid inventing a precise cost-per-usable-video number.
Important assumptions
Runway dollar figures are effective subscription equivalents, not cash charges per render. They assume every included credit is used on Gen-4.5; unused monthly credits make the real effective cost higher. Grok API figures are direct output charges; image/video input fees can add cost. Retry multipliers are scenarios, not measured quality scores.