Leonardo AI has grown from a startup to one of the leading AI creative platforms, with over 55 million users and 4.5 billion images generated. Acquired by Canva in 2024, it's now backed by serious resources. We tested it extensively to see if the hype is justified.
Leonardo AI is a powerhouse for AI image and video generation with comprehensive features, multiple models, and excellent quality. The token system and pricing can add up quickly for heavy users, but it remains one of the best options for serious creators. Rating: 4.2/5
What is Leonardo AI?
Leonardo AI is a comprehensive AI creative platform for generating and editing images, creating videos, and building custom AI models. Launched in 2022 and acquired by Canva in July 2024 for an estimated $320 million, it's become a go-to tool for designers, game developers, marketers, and artists.
With multiple state-of-the-art models and a canvas editor for detailed manipulation, Leonardo AI positions itself as a professional-grade creative suite rather than just an image generator.
Leonardo AI Features
Image Generation
Multiple AI Models
Access Lucid Origin, Flux, GPT-1, and more—each optimized for different styles and use cases.
Realtime Generation
Watch your image come to life as you type, with near-instantaneous updates.
PhotoReal Mode
Generate stunning photorealistic images with natural lighting and detail.
Custom Models
Train your own AI models for consistent characters and unique styles.
Canvas Editor
Leonardo's Canvas Editor goes beyond basic generation:
- Selection tools for precise editing
- Inpainting and outpainting
- Erasing and masking
- Detailed image manipulation
Video Generation
- Image2Motion: Transform static images into dynamic video content
- Veo 3 Integration: Access cutting-edge video generation models
- Professional-grade output for content creators
Advanced Features
- Up to 50 personal AI models (Maestro plan)
- Batch generation for efficiency
- Advanced upscaling options
- Commercial license on all plans including free
Leonardo AI Pricing
Leonardo uses a token-based system:
| Plan | Price | Tokens | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 150 daily | Basic access, commercial license |
| Artisan | $10/month | 8,500/month | Unlimited relax mode, 20 personal models |
| Artisan Unlimited | $30/month | 25,000 fast + unlimited relax | Queue up to 10 generations |
| Maestro Unlimited | $60/month | 60,000 fast + unlimited relax | 50 personal models, queue up to 20 |
Each image costs 5-8 tokens depending on settings. High-quality images and advanced features consume more tokens. Free users get 150 tokens daily, which equals roughly 18-30 images.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
Comprehensive Feature Set
Image generation, video, canvas editing, custom models—it's a complete creative suite.
Excellent Quality
Consistently produces high-quality outputs across different styles and use cases.
Realtime Generation
See changes instantly as you modify prompts—great for iterative creativity.
Commercial License
Use your creations commercially even on the free plan.
What Needs Improvement
Complex Token System
Understanding token costs takes time; easy to burn through credits unexpectedly.
Character Consistency Issues
Maintaining consistent characters across images can be challenging.
Subscription Cancellation
Some users report the cancellation process is more complex than expected.
Expensive for Heavy Use
Power users may find monthly costs adding up with the token system.
Leonardo AI vs Kosoku AI
How does Leonardo AI compare to Kosoku AI?
| Feature | Leonardo AI | Kosoku AI |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Excellent | High quality |
| Speed | Fast with Realtime mode | Blazing fast |
| Pricing | Token system (complex) | Simple pricing |
| Free Tier | 150 daily tokens | ✓ Free tier |
| Video Generation | ✓ Yes | Images only |
| Custom Models | ✓ Up to 50 | Style presets |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Easy to use |
| Canvas Editor | ✓ Comprehensive | Focused on generation |
Why Consider Kosoku AI?
Leonardo AI is powerful but complex. If you want fast, high-quality image generation without worrying about token budgets and learning curves, Kosoku AI delivers excellent results with a simpler experience. For pure image generation, Kosoku AI's speed and simplicity often wins.
Key Differences
- Complexity: Kosoku AI is straightforward; Leonardo AI has a learning curve
- Pricing Clarity: No token calculations with Kosoku AI
- Focus: Leonardo AI is a creative suite; Kosoku AI excels at fast generation
- Speed: Both are fast, but Kosoku AI's simplicity means less time in menus
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
Leonardo AI Rating: 4.2/5
Leonardo AI deserves its reputation as one of the leading AI creative platforms. The combination of image generation, video creation, canvas editing, and custom models makes it genuinely comprehensive. Quality is consistently excellent.
The main drawback is complexity. The token system requires careful management, and the learning curve means you won't master everything on day one. For professionals who need the full suite, it's worth the investment.
Our recommendation: Leonardo AI is ideal for serious creators who need comprehensive features and don't mind the learning curve. But if you want fast, high-quality image generation without complexity—just enter a prompt and get results—Kosoku AI offers a more streamlined experience for pure image creation.