Leonardo AI costs $0 to start with 150 free tokens per day for image generation only. There is no video generation at all. Paid plans start at $12/month. Here is a full pricing breakdown plus a free alternative that includes both videos and image with audio.
Leonardo AI Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
Plan
Price
Tokens
Images
Video
ControlNet
Free
$0
150/day
Yes
No
Limited
Apprentice
$12/mo
8,500/mo
Yes
No
Yes
Artisan
$30/mo
25,000/mo
Yes
No
Yes
Maestro
$60/mo
60,000/mo
Yes
No
Yes
What You Should Know
Images only: Leonardo has zero video generation capability. If you need video, you need a different tool.
Token costs vary: Different models consume different amounts of tokens. Premium models cost 2-4x more tokens per image.
ControlNet is Leonardo's strength: If you need precise control over composition, pose, and style, Leonardo excels.
Community models: Leonardo has a marketplace of fine-tuned community models. This is unique.
Leonardo AI vs ZSky AI
Feature
ZSky AI (Free)
Leonardo AI (Free)
Free tier
Unlimited (ad-supported)
150 tokens/day
Images
Yes
Yes (variable tokens)
Video
1080p with audio
None
Speed
2 seconds (image)
Variable
Watermark
None
Varies
ControlNet
No
Yes (strength)
Cheapest paid
$19/month
$12/month
Leonardo AI is the better choice if you need ControlNet, IP-Adapter, or community fine-tuned models for precise image control. ZSky AI is better for general-purpose video and image generation with its more generous free tier and video+audio capability.
Editorial note: This article is drafted with AI assistance using ZSky's own tooling and reviewed by the ZSky editorial team for accuracy and brand voice. Feedback welcome at [email protected].
How to Save Money on AI Video and Image Generation
Most paid AI tools price their plans around credits or tokens — bundles of compute that get consumed each time you generate an image or video. The catch: prices vary wildly between platforms, and what costs $20 a month on one platform can cost $50 on another for the same output volume. The biggest savings come from understanding three things: how the platform meters usage, whether the free tier is a real workflow or just a teaser, and whether you actually need the premium features the higher tiers charge for.
Track your monthly usage before upgrading
Before paying for any AI tool, run the free tier for at least two weeks and track exactly how many generations you actually do. Most users overestimate their needs by 3-5x. The "Pro" tier sized for "professional workflows" is usually overkill for hobbyists, side-hustle creators, and even most full-time freelancers. If you only generate 20-30 images a week, the entry-level paid tier is almost always enough.
Use a free unlimited generator for the bulk of your work
ZSky AI offers unlimited video and image generation on the free tier, ad-supported, with no credit card required. For volume creators — Etsy sellers, content marketers, social media managers — running the bulk of generations on a free unlimited platform like ZSky and reserving paid platforms for specific specialty features (lip-sync, ControlNet, brand-safe stock) cuts most monthly AI bills by 60-80% without sacrificing output volume.
Watch for hidden upgrade triggers
Many platforms add subtle friction that pushes users to upgrade: aggressive watermarks on free output, public-gallery sharing of every generation (your client work becomes visible to others), or daily-cap resets that lock you out at peak working hours. Read the free-tier fine print on every platform before committing — the "free" label often hides constraints that force a paid upgrade within the first week of serious use.
Try ZSky AI Free — Unlimited, No Card
Unlimited video and image generation on the free tier. Ad-supported, no credit card. Use it as your primary platform and save the paid tools for specialty needs.
Leonardo AI offers 150 free tokens per day for image generation only. No video generation. Some models cost more tokens than others, so the number of free images varies.
Does Leonardo AI have video?
No. Leonardo AI is an image-only platform. It does not generate video at all. For free AI video generation, ZSky AI offers 1080p video with audio.
How many images can I make with Leonardo free?
About 5-15 images per day with 150 tokens, depending on the model used. Premium models consume more tokens per image.
Is Leonardo AI or ZSky AI better?
Leonardo is better for ControlNet, IP-Adapter, and community models. ZSky is better for general use: unlimited free generation, faster response, and includes video with audio that Leonardo does not offer.
How much does Leonardo paid cost?
Leonardo paid plans start at $12/month for 8,500 tokens. ZSky AI starts at $19/month for ad-free instant generation covering both videos and image.
Leonardo AI Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
Leonardo AI is the better choice if you need ControlNet, IP-Adapter, or community fine-tuned models for precise image control. ZSky AI is better for general-purpose video and image generation with its more generous free tier and video+audio capability.
What You Should Know
Leonardo AI is the better choice if you need ControlNet, IP-Adapter, or community fine-tuned models for precise image control. ZSky AI is better for general-purpose video and image generation with its more generous free tier and video+audio capability.
Leonardo AI vs ZSky AI
Leonardo AI is the better choice if you need ControlNet, IP-Adapter, or community fine-tuned models for precise image control. ZSky AI is better for general-purpose video and image generation with its more generous free tier and video+audio capability.