Minimax's Hailuo AI has quietly transformed from a free beta darling to a premium, credit-based powerhouse. This shift matters because Hailuo 2.3 now directly competes with industry leaders like Runway Gen-3 and Luma Dream Machine, offering what many consider "cinema-grade" motion and physics simulation in AI-generated videos.
I've spent weeks testing the platform's various pricing tiers and analyzing the fine print that many users miss. Whether you're considering the subscription model or the developer API route, this guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay and what you'll get with Minimax Hailuo 2.3.
The Pricing Models: Subscription vs. API
Minimax offers two distinct ways to access Hailuo 2.3:
- Web Interface (Hailuo AI): Monthly subscription plans designed for creators, marketers, and non-technical users who prefer a straightforward interface.
- Developer Platform (Minimax API): Pay-per-video model ideal for developers, agencies, and power users who want programmatic access without monthly commitments.
Each approach has its own cost structure and benefits, which I'll break down in detail.
Web Interface Pricing Tiers (Hailuo AI)
Note: Prices listed reflect current rates but may change. Annual billing typically offers approximately 20% discounts.
Free Tier
The days of generous free access are largely over. The current "free tier" offers:
- A one-time sign-up bonus of approximately 500 credits
- Watermarked videos
- Slow queue position (often 100+ videos ahead of you)
- No commercial usage rights
Essentially, the free tier now serves as a brief trial rather than a sustainable option.
Standard Plan (~$9.99/month)
The entry-level paid tier includes:
- 1,000 credits per month
- Approximately 20-30 videos (depending on your settings)
- No watermarks
- Commercial usage rights
- Up to 5 concurrent generation tasks
This plan works best for hobbyists and casual experimenters who generate a handful of videos weekly.
Pro Plan (~$34.99 – $54.99/month)
Note: This tier's pricing has fluctuated significantly in recent updates.
The mid-tier option includes:
- 4,500 credits per month
- Approximately 100-150 videos
- Priority queue position
- Faster generation times
- Commercial usage rights
This tier hits the sweet spot for content creators posting daily to social media platforms who need reliable output without breaking the bank.
The "Unlimited" Plan (~$94.99/month) – CRITICAL WARNING
Here's where things get tricky. Despite the "unlimited" branding, recent updates reveal significant limitations:
- The "unlimited" generations may be restricted to older models (e.g., Hailuo-01)
- Access to Hailuo 2.3 may be limited to "Relaxed" speeds only
- Quality restrictions may apply to unlimited generations
Minimax has introduced even higher tiers like Ultra ($124.99) and Max ($199.99) which offer large credit volumes (12,000+) specifically for the newest Hailuo 2.3/02 models.
Always read the current terms before purchasing an "Unlimited" plan if you specifically need the latest 2.3 model.
Credit Consumption Economy
Understanding how credits translate to videos is crucial for budgeting:
Standard Mode (Hailuo 2.3)
- 6-second, 768p video: ~30-50 credits
- 10-second, 1080p video: ~50-80 credits
Fast Mode
- Same specifications but ~15-20 credits (roughly 50% cheaper)
- Slightly lower quality but often indistinguishable for social media
Most subscription credits expire monthly, while separately purchased "add-on" credits typically don't expire, providing flexibility for irregular usage patterns.
API Pricing (Pay-As-You-Go)
For developers and power users, the Minimax open platform offers a different cost structure:
Model Cost Breakdown (Estimates)
- Hailuo-2.3-Fast: ~$0.19 – $0.33 per video
- Hailuo-2.3 (Standard): ~$0.28 – $0.56 per video
- Hailuo-02 (Older): Significantly cheaper at ~$0.10 for low resolution
This approach can be more economical for users generating fewer than 20 videos monthly compared to the $9.99 subscription. It also provides greater flexibility for integrating video generation into custom workflows and applications.
Competitor Comparison Table
Feature
Minimax Hailuo 2.3
Runway Gen-3 Alpha
Luma Dream Machine
Kling AI
Entry Price
~$9.99 (1,000 credits)
$15 (625 credits)
$9.99 (3,200 credits*)
~$10 (660 credits)
Unlimited Plan
~$95 (Restricted models)
$95 (Relaxed mode)
$95 (Relaxed mode)
No true unlimited
Cost Per Clip
~$0.30 – $0.50
~$0.50+
~$0.20 – $0.40
~$0.50+ (Pro mode)
Speed
Very Fast (Fast Mode)
Moderate
Fast
Slow (High queue)
Strengths
Best motion/physics
Best texture/style
Best character consistency
Realistic movement
*While Luma offers more credits, their per-video credit cost is higher, making the actual value comparable to competitors.
Cost Optimization Strategies
After generating hundreds of videos across these platforms, I've developed several strategies to maximize value:
Draft in "Fast" Mode
Use Hailuo 2.3 Fast mode (50% cheaper) to test prompts and motion concepts before committing to high-resolution final versions. The quality difference is often negligible, especially for mobile viewing.
Resolution Matters
Stick to 768p for TikTok/Reels content. The 1080p option costs approximately 30% more credits but rarely delivers noticeable improvements on mobile devices where most short-form content is consumed.
Prompt Engineering
Don't waste credits "rerolling" bad results. Instead, refine your prompts to include specific lighting conditions, camera movements, and scene descriptions. This approach yields better results while conserving credits.
Consider Third-Party APIs
Platforms like Fal.ai or Replicate offer Hailuo access for casual users who want to pay approximately $0.25 per video without monthly commitments. These can be excellent options for intermittent usage.
Which Plan is Right for You?
The Hobbyist
If you're generating fewer than 30 videos monthly, the Standard Plan ($9.99) provides the best value. For even more occasional use, consider the API or third-party platforms that offer pay-per-generation pricing.
The Content Creator
The Pro Plan ($34.99) hits the sweet spot for daily content creators, offering sufficient volume and priority queue access. This tier makes sense for anyone producing regular video content for social media channels.
The Power User
Be cautious with the Unlimited Plan. Verify whether it covers the Hailuo 2.3 model at full quality before committing. For high-volume, high-quality work, the Ultra Plan or a dedicated API integration might actually be more cost-effective despite the higher price point.
FAQ: Minimax Hailuo 2.3 Pricing
Q: Do unused credits roll over to the next month? A: Subscription credits typically expire at the end of each billing cycle. However, separately purchased "add-on" credits usually don't expire, making them useful for handling usage spikes.
Q: Is there any way to still use Hailuo 2.3 for free? A: The free tier now offers only a limited one-time credit bonus (approximately 500 credits). Some third-party platforms occasionally offer free trials with limited generations.
Q: How does Hailuo 2.3's "Fast" mode compare to standard quality? A: Fast mode costs roughly 50% fewer credits while delivering 80-90% of the quality. For social media content, the difference is often imperceptible, making it an excellent value option.
Q: Can I switch between subscription tiers? A: Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your subscription at any time, though changes typically take effect at the start of your next billing cycle.
Q: Is the API option cheaper than subscriptions? A: For users generating fewer than 20 videos monthly, the API pay-as-you-go model is often more economical. However, subscriptions become more cost-effective at higher volumes.
Q: What happens if I run out of credits mid-month? A: You can purchase additional credit packs, which typically don't expire. These are priced similarly to the subscription rate but offer flexibility for handling unexpected usage spikes.
