How to read AI tool pricing
AI tools price in different units, which makes plans hard to compare. Here is how the common ones work.
Credits
A credit is the vendor's own currency. One image or one minute of video may cost several credits. Always check what a single job costs and whether unused credits expire at the end of the month, as several tools on this site state.
Tokens and words
Writing tools often count tokens or words. A token is a small piece of text, roughly part of a word. A monthly allowance of a million words is very different from one of 5,000.
Seats, inboxes and mailboxes
Business tools may charge per user, per inbox or per mailbox. Check what the unit is before you scale up.
Free plans, trials and money-back periods
A free plan has no end date. A free trial ends. A money-back period lets you pay first and ask for a refund within a window. Read which one is on offer, and whether a card is needed.
Monthly versus annual billing
Annual billing usually lowers the monthly rate but charges the whole year up front. If you are only testing a tool, start monthly.
Before you pay
- Open the vendor's pricing page, not a third-party list.
- Note the date. Prices change.
- Check cancellation and refund rules.