kitio.aiLuma AI vs AI Video API
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Luma AI has the lower starting price: about $30 a month, against $40 for AI Video API.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Ray3.2 video model
- Keyframe control
- HDR output
- Creative agents
- Luma API
- Text to video API
- Image to video
- Webhook callbacks
- Video and GIF output
- Python, Node.js and PHP support
| Feature | Luma AI | AI Video API |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Ray video model and creative agents for video and image work | Developer API for Runway-powered text and image to video |
| Category | Video | Video |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $30/mo | $39.90/mo |
| Free plan | No, trial available | Yes |
| Made by | Luma AI | AI Video API |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Luma AI has the lower starting price: about $30 a month, against $40 for AI Video API.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Plus
$30/mo
- 10,000 credits / month
- Luma and third-party models
- Commercial use
- Guest collaborator editing
Pro
$90/mo
- 40,000 credits / month
- 4x usage with Luma Agents
Ultra
$300/mo
- 150,000 credits / month
- 15x usage with Luma Agents
Team
Contact sales
- Team management and sharing
- Shared team credits
- Usage analytics and SSO
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Enterprise commitments
- Custom fine-tuning
- Dedicated training
3 plans
Starter
Free
- 5 free videos
- Runway engine only
Ultra
$39.90/mo
- Up to 250 videos per month
- $0.20 per extra video
Mega
$99.90/mo
- Up to 750 videos per month
- $0.15 per extra video
- 24/7 business support
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Luma AI
- Smooth, realistic camera motion
- HDR and EXR export options
- Several models in one credit pool
- No permanent free plan
- Pricing has changed often
AI Video API
- Simple REST integration
- Free tier with 5 videos
- Webhook status updates
- Third-party access to Runway models
- Other engines still coming soon
- Overage billed per video
Which one should you choose?
Choose Luma AI if you want:
- Smooth, realistic camera motion
- HDR and EXR export options
- Several models in one credit pool
Watch out: no permanent free plan.
Choose AI Video API if you want:
- Simple REST integration
- Free tier with 5 videos
- Webhook status updates
Watch out: third-party access to runway models.
Luma AI vs AI Video API FAQ
What is the difference between Luma AI and AI Video API?
Luma AI: Ray video model and creative agents for video and image work. AI Video API: Developer API for Runway-powered text and image to video. Both are video tools.
Is Luma AI or AI Video API cheaper?
Luma AI has the lower starting price: about $30 a month, against $40 for AI Video API.
Do Luma AI and AI Video API have free plans?
Luma AI: No, trial available. AI Video API: Yes.
Who makes Luma AI?
Luma AI is made by Luma AI, based in United States.
Who makes AI Video API?
AI Video API is made by AI Video API.
Which should I choose, Luma AI or AI Video API?
Choose Luma AI if you value smooth, realistic camera motion and hdr and exr export options. Choose AI Video API if you value simple rest integration and free tier with 5 videos.