Midways feature status: Image generation, qualified video generation, Ask Midways and the manual editor are launching with V1; advanced assisted editing is in development. Midways plans are not announced. Competitor prices, model access and commercial terms in this dated editorial comparison require revalidation.
This page exists to help you understand how AI image pricing and token-based credit models actually work in practice — real, dated numbers from both companies, not a ranking or a claim that either product is cheaper or better.
Short answer: Leonardo AI is an image-generation platform billed in tokens rather than a flat per-image price, with premium third-party models (including video generation) gated behind token cost. Midways is a timeline-first editor with AI creation built in. If your priority is a wide range of image models and fine-grained token control, Leonardo is built for that; if you want to assemble generated media into a finished, edited project, Midways is.
What is Leonardo AI?
Leonardo AI is an AI image (and, via partner models, video) generation platform. Per its own site (reviewed September 2026), it charges in tokens rather than dollars per image, which Leonardo itself notes makes ordinary image generation cheap while premium features (fast generation, video, certain third-party models) draw down tokens faster. Solo plans are reported at Free, then roughly $10/$24/$48 per month billed annually (or $12/$30/$60 billed monthly) for its Essential, Premium and Ultimate tiers, with team plans starting around $72/month for three seats.
What is Midways?
Midways is developing an assisted video editing workspace: a real multi-track timeline with AI image and video creation built in. Manual editing doesn't spend AI credits; credits are for AI compute.
How they differ
| Dimension | Leonardo AI | Midways |
|---|---|---|
| Core emphasis | Multi-model image generation platform | Timeline-first editor |
| Manual timeline control | Not its focus | Launching with V1 |
| Agentic "propose then review" | Not its model | In development |
| Breadth of image models | Wide (multiple third-party models) | Focused image creation |
| Video generation | Via partner/premium models, token-gated | Launching with V1 |
| Team plans | Available from ~$72/month (3 seats) | Not the product's current model |
| Pricing model | Token-based subscription | Terms pending approval |
Creation
Leonardo's strength, per its own materials, is breadth of image models under a token system that keeps ordinary generations cheap. Midways offers image and video creation aimed at feeding a project you then edit on a timeline.
Editing and manual control
Midways centers a multi-track timeline for assembling and finishing a project. Leonardo's product is oriented around image (and gated video) generation rather than a general editing timeline.
Agentic workflow
Leonardo is a generation platform, not an agent that edits a whole project. Midways' agentic model — describe intent, Midways proposes, you review — is Building, not yet fully operational.
Pricing and credits
Midways plans, credit allowances and purchase terms are pending approval. Competitor prices and commercial terms on this page require revalidation before a purchase decision.
Who might each suit?
- Leonardo AI — creators who want a wide range of image generation models
under fine-grained token control.
- Midways — creators who want AI creation plus a real editing timeline in
one place.
Current Midways readiness
Midways status: image generation, qualified text-to-video, Ask Midways and manual editing are launching with V1; advanced assisted editing and reference creation remain in development or future concepts. Customer access is not yet announced.