Hailuo AI vs Retold: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hailuo AI and Retold comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Hailuo AI wins this matchup. Our overall Animation pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Animation pick is Keynote. Pick Retold if you need animation.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Hailuo AI
Transform text and images into engaging videos with advanced AI.
Best for you if:
- • You want simplifies video creation from text and images
- • You want offers a wide range of creative styles and themes
Retold
Animate family stories with loved ones' voices
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want preserves the unique voice and personality of the storyteller
- • You want simple and accessible for non-technical users, especially older family members
| At a Glance | Hailuo AI | Retold |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.05/moH3-Max 480P | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | AI Video Generation | Animation |
Rating | 1.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Hailuo AI or Retold?
Choose Hailuo AI if
Transform text and images into engaging videos with advanced AI.
- You want simplifies video creation from text and images
- You want offers a wide range of creative styles and themes
- Your work is AI video generation-shaped, not animation-shaped
Choose Retold if
Animate family stories with loved ones' voices
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want preserves the unique voice and personality of the storyteller
- You want simple and accessible for non-technical users, especially older family members
- Your work is animation-shaped, not AI video generation-shaped
| Feature | Hailuo AI | Retold |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★1.7/5 247 reviews | ★4.8/5 2,638 reviews |
| Categories | AI Video GenerationVideo & Media | AnimationVideo & Media |
In-Depth Analysis
Hailuo AI
Transform text and images into engaging videos with advanced AI.
MiniMax publishes Hailuo / H3 API rates on platform.minimax.io.
Watch out
Consumer Hailuo credits are not on hailuoai.video. These $ are the Open Platform API.
Strengths
- +Simplifies video creation from text and images
- +Offers a wide range of creative styles and themes
- +Provides precise control over video frames
- +Includes a creator community and AI assistance
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details are not immediately clear
- -Detailed functionality of 'AI Agent' and 'CPP' is not fully elaborated on the landing page
Key features
Retold
Animate family stories with loved ones' voices
The pricing is generous and family-friendly: the Free tier lets you keep 5 stories with full features, and the Yearly plan at £3.33/month is a steal for unlimited stories.
Watch out
Voice and drawing storage limited to 5 stories on Free
Strengths
- +Preserves the unique voice and personality of the storyteller.
- +Simple and accessible for non-technical users, especially older family members.
- +Creates a lasting, shareable keepsake for future generations.
Weaknesses
- -Limited to iPhone initially, with Android access requiring manual invitation.
- -Animation style is intentionally simple and may not appeal to those seeking polished visuals.
Key features
Pricing: Hailuo AI vs Retold
| Plan | Hailuo AI | Retold |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0.08 H3 768P | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $0.13 H3 2K | £39.99/year Most families (Yearly) |
| Tier 3 | $0.05 H3-Max 480P | £5.99/mo Monthly |
| Tier 4 | $0.28 Hailuo 2.3 768P 6s | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hailuo AI pricing and Retold pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Retold has a free tier. Hailuo AI is paid only.
Go with: Retold
Want the highest-rated option?
Hailuo AI: 1.7/5 (247 reviews). Retold: 4.8/5 (2,638 reviews).
Go with: Retold
Value user reviews?
Hailuo AI: 247 reviews (1.7/5). Retold: 2,638 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Retold
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hailuo AI is paid. Retold is freemium. Retold lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Hailuo AI is a AI video generation tool. Retold is in animation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Retold is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 1.7/5.
Key Takeaways
Hailuo AI
- Our pick for this comparison
Retold
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 1.7/5
- Larger review base (2,638 reviews)
- Better fit for animation
The Bottom Line
Hailuo AI wins this matchup. Our overall Animation pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Animation pick is Keynote. Retold has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hailuo AI or Retold better?
Hailuo AI is rated in our evaluation. Hailuo AI is paid and Retold is freemium.
What are Hailuo AI and Retold used for?
Hailuo AI: Transform text and images into engaging videos with advanced AI.. Retold: Animate family stories with loved ones' voices.
What does Hailuo AI cost vs Retold?
Hailuo AI is a paid tool. Retold is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.