> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.magichour.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pricing Overview

> Choose the right pricing model for your needs - subscription or usage-based billing.

## Which Pricing Model is Right for You?

Magic Hour offers two flexible pricing approaches to fit different usage patterns and business needs. Choose the model that best matches how you plan to use our API.

### **Quick Decision Guide**

**Choose Subscription if you:**

* Have predictable, steady usage patterns
* Want cost certainty and budget planning
* Prefer paying upfront for credits
* Need immediate access to all your credits
* Want to build up credit reserves over time

**Choose Usage-Based if you:**

* Have variable or unpredictable usage
* Want to pay only for what you actually use
* Prefer monthly billing after usage
* Need volume discounts for high usage
* Want to avoid upfront costs

## Side-by-Side Comparison

| Feature                 | Subscription         | Usage-Based              |
| :---------------------- | :------------------- | :----------------------- |
| **Payment timing**      | Pay upfront          | Pay after usage          |
| **Cost predictability** | Fixed monthly cost   | Variable monthly cost    |
| **Credit expiration**   | Never expire         | Credits consumed as used |
| **Volume discounts**    | No                   | Yes (up to 50% off)      |
| **Billing frequency**   | Monthly or yearly    | Monthly only             |
| **Best for**            | Predictable usage    | Variable usage           |
| **Minimum commitment**  | Monthly subscription | No minimum               |

## Pricing Models Explained

### **Subscription Pricing**

Pay upfront for credits that never expire. Perfect for steady, predictable usage.

**Key Benefits:**

* **Predictable costs** - Know exactly what you'll pay
* **Credits upfront** - Get all credits immediately
* **Yearly savings** - Get 33% off with annual billing
* **No usage tracking** - Use credits at your own pace

**Plans Available:**

* **Creator**: \$15/mo or \$10/mo (yearly) - 10,000 credits, 1024px resolution
* **Pro**: \$45/mo or \$30/mo (yearly) - 30,000 credits, 1472px resolution
* **Business**: \$99/mo or \$66/mo (yearly) - 70,000 credits, 4K resolution

<Card title="Subscription Details" icon="credit-card" href="/billing/subscription-pricing" horizontal>
  View subscription plans and features
</Card>

### **Usage-Based Pricing**

Pay only for what you use, with automatic volume discounts as you scale.

**Key Benefits:**

* **Pay as you go** - No upfront costs or commitments
* **Volume discounts** - Up to 50% off at high volumes
* **Automatic billing** - Monthly charges based on usage
* **Perfect for growth** - Scales with your business

**Tier Examples:**

* **Starter**: \$0.90 per 1000 credits (576px resolution)
* **Creator**: \$1.20 per 1000 credits (1024px resolution)
* **Pro**: \$1.95 per 1000 credits (1472px resolution)
* **Business**: \$2.50 per 1000 credits (4K resolution)

<Card title="Usage-Based Details" icon="chart-line" href="/billing/usage-based-pricing" horizontal>
  View usage-based pricing and discounts
</Card>

## Resolution Limits

Each subscription tier has different maximum resolution limits for image and video generation. Understanding these limits helps you choose the right plan for your needs.

<Card title="Resolution Limits by Subscription" icon="expand" href="/billing/resolution-limits" horizontal>
  View detailed resolution limits for each subscription tier
</Card>

## Getting Started

### **Step 1: Estimate Your Usage**

* Review your expected monthly API calls
* Consider seasonal variations in usage
* Factor in growth projections

### **Step 2: Compare Costs**

* **Low usage (\< 10,000 credits/month)**: Consider Free tier or Creator subscription
* **Medium usage (10,000-50,000 credits/month)**: Compare Creator/Pro subscription vs usage-based
* **High usage (> 50,000 credits/month)**: Usage-based often provides better value with volume discounts

### **Step 3: Choose Your Model**

* **Steady usage**: Subscription for predictable costs
* **Variable usage**: Usage-based for flexibility
* **Uncertain usage**: Start with usage-based, switch to subscription later

<Info>
  **Not sure?** Start with our Free tier (400 credits + 100/day) to test the API, then choose the
  model that fits your actual usage patterns.
</Info>