The best model is the one that fits the shot — not the most expensive one on the list. With 60+ engines in one place, the skill is matching the model to the job. Here’s how to choose fast.

Image or video?

Start by deciding what you’re making. Image models are for stills — key art, character sheets, thumbnails, and the first frame you’ll later animate. Video models turn a prompt or a still into motion. A reliable workflow is to nail a strong still first, then bring it into a video model (see our guide on turning images into anime video).

Fast to explore, flagship to finish

Treat models like lenses. Use a fast, cheap model to explore composition and framing — re-roll freely until the shot is right. Then switch to a flagship model for the final, high-fidelity render. Drafting on a flagship model is the easiest way to waste your wallet.

Mind the IP policy

Models disagree on named or copyrighted characters: some refuse them outright, others don’t care. Rather than burn a render on a refusal, check the policy badge we show on each model and in the model picker before you prompt.

Cost is on the card

Every model shows its price up front, in real dollars, before you submit. The move is simple: pick the cheapest model that clears your quality bar for that specific shot. Cheap for thumbnails, flagship for the hero frame.

Not sure where to start?

Browse our model roundups for opinionated picks by use case, or just open a lab and try a fast model free.