PROS
+ Lowest API pricing in the market ($0.017/sec)
+ Fast generation speed
+ No watermark on free tier
+ Good for volume production
+ Batch processing supported
+ Available via fal.ai API
Our verdictNO. /01
Hailuo is our go-to for volume testing and exploration where per-unit cost matters more than per-unit quality. At $0.017/second via fal.ai, we can generate hundreds of test clips for the cost of a single Runway generation. We use it heavily in the spec work pipeline where we are generating unsolicited samples for prospects. If the spec work converts, we reshoot the hero asset in Runway or Kling. Hailuo is not suitable for client deliverables at its default settings, but it is the most cost-effective tool for creative exploration and A/B testing visual directions.
RatingsNO. /02
Quality
7
Speed
9
Value
9.5
Ease of Use
7.5
Camera Control
7
Consistency
6
FeaturesNO. /03
Max Resolution
1080p
Max Video Length
6s
Text to Video
✓
Image to Video
✓
Native Audio
✗
API Available
✓
Open Source
✗
Commercial License
✓
PricingNO. /04
Free Tier
Limited daily credits
Starting Price
$9.99/month
Pro Tier
$29.99/month
API Cost/Second
$0.017
Pricing Model
pay-per-use
Cheapest API pricing at $0.017/sec for 512p. Higher tiers available. API via fal.ai.
Pros and consNO. /05
CONS
— 6-second maximum clip length
— No native audio
— No lip sync capability
— Weak character consistency
— Quality a step below Runway and Kling
— Limited camera control precision
How we use Hailuo at ApostleNO. /06
Spec work generation pipeline, creative exploration, A/B testing visual directions, volume social content for cost-sensitive projects.
Related comparisonsNO. /07
Runway Gen-4 vs Hailuo (MiniMax)
COMPARE → Kling 2.6 vs Hailuo (MiniMax)
COMPARE → Veo 3.1 vs Hailuo (MiniMax)
COMPARE → Pika 2.2 vs Hailuo (MiniMax)
COMPARE → Hailuo (MiniMax) vs Luma Dream Machine
COMPARE → Hailuo (MiniMax) vs LTX Video (Lightricks)
COMPARE → Hailuo (MiniMax) vs Higgsfield
COMPARE → Hailuo (MiniMax) vs Sora
COMPARE → More on HailuoNO. /09
FAQNO. /10
01Is Hailuo free?+
Yes, Hailuo offers a free tier: Limited daily credits.
02Does Hailuo have an API?+
Yes, Hailuo offers API access. API pricing starts at $0.017/second.
03What is the maximum video length for Hailuo?+
Hailuo supports videos up to 6 seconds per generation.
From our blogNO. /11
Best AI Video Generators in 2026: Tested by a Production Studio
Honest reviews of every major AI video generator, rated by a studio that uses them daily.
READ →The True Cost of AI Video in 2026: Every Tool Compared
Every pricing model across 17 AI video tools mapped so you can actually budget for production.
READ →Runway vs Kling vs Veo: How We Choose for Every Project
The decision framework we use to pick between the three tools we reach for most in production.
READ →Want this done for you?
WE USE THESE TOOLS IN PRODUCTION EVERY DAY. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT.