Comparing AI tools on price is harder than it should be, because most hide the real number behind "credits." Here's how to see through it.
Why credits are confusing
A credit isn't an outcome. One image might be 4 credits, an upscale another 2, an edit a few more. Two plans with the same price can deliver wildly different amounts of actual work — and you won't know until you run out.
The hidden costs of credits
- Iteration tax. Three tries for one good post burns 3× the credits.
- Feature surcharges. Editing, upscaling and HD often cost extra credits.
- Top-up pressure. Run dry mid-campaign and you're buying more on the spot.
Posts-based pricing, compared
Pricing in posts per month ties the price to the thing you actually want: a finished, publishable post. You can compare two tools directly and budget with confidence.
How Artso does it
Artso prices in posts, counts a post only when it succeeds, and doesn't punish iteration. No credit maths, no surprise top-ups.
How to compare any two tools
Convert everything to "real finished posts per month at this price." Whichever number is honest and clear usually wins.
