Four models sit in the Hailuo picker: Hailuo 03, Hailuo 2.3, Hailuo 2.3 Fast, and Hailuo 02. Hailuo 03 is the default and the right answer most of the time — but not every time, and the exceptions are worth knowing if you generate a lot.
The comparison at a glance
| Hailuo 03 | Hailuo 2.3 | Hailuo 2.3 Fast | Hailuo 02 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Current default | Previous flagship | Speed variant of 2.3 | Earlier generation |
| Released | July 2026 | February 2026 | 2026 | Earlier |
| Max clip length | 30 seconds | 4–15 seconds | 4–15 seconds | 4–15 seconds |
| References | Up to 50, any mix | Up to 12 (9 images, 3 clips, 3 audio) | Same as 2.3 | Not stated |
| Fixing a detail | Frame-local redraw | Full regeneration | Full regeneration | Full regeneration |
| Native audio | Stereo, with dialogue | Stereo, with dialogue | Same as 2.3 | Not stated |
| Max resolution | 4K | 4K | Same as 2.3 | Not stated |
Hailuo 03
The current flagship, and the default in the prompt box. It arrived in July 2026 and replaced 2.3 at no extra cost — same plans, same prices, same allowances.
Three things distinguish it: 30-second clips instead of 15, 50 references in any mix instead of a rigid 12, and frame-local redraw, which lets you circle a bad detail and regenerate only that region while the rest of the clip stays exactly as approved.
Use it for: finished work, anything longer than 15 seconds, anything that needs a lot of reference material, and any clip you expect to iterate on rather than reroll.
Hailuo 2.3
The previous flagship, released in February 2026, and still a strong model — at release it topped the independent Artificial Analysis arena for both text-to-video and image-to-video.
It does 4–15 second clips at up to 4K, in 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4, 21:9, and 1:1, with native stereo audio including music, effects, and dialogue. Its reference system is the older structured one: nine images, three video clips, three audio tracks.
Use it for: workflows already tuned to it, and short clips where 15 seconds is plenty and you do not need the extra reference headroom.
Hailuo 2.3 Fast
The speed-optimised variant of 2.3, built for quicker turnarounds.
Its value is in the draft loop rather than the final render. Prompt iteration is a numbers game — you are trying compositions, camera moves, and phrasings until one clicks — and the cost of that loop is measured in waiting, not in fidelity. A faster model at draft resolution gets you through more attempts per hour.
Use it for: exploring prompt variations, testing whether a composition reads, and any pass where you will not keep the output.
Hailuo 02
The earlier generation, kept selectable so older workflows do not break. It is also the model behind the free plan's 512p output.
Use it for: reproducing something you made on it before, or evaluating the platform on the free tier. For new work, there is no reason to choose it over the newer models.
How to choose
- Making something you will publish? Hailuo 03.
- Longer than 15 seconds? Hailuo 03 — it is the only one that goes to 30.
- Lots of reference material — a character sheet, a brand kit, an audio track? Hailuo 03, for the 50-reference ceiling and the freedom to mix types.
- Expecting to fix small details rather than reroll? Hailuo 03, for frame-local redraw.
- Burning through prompt variations? Hailuo 2.3 Fast at 768p.
- On a workflow already dialled in on 2.3? Stay on 2.3 until you have a reason to move.
- Just evaluating on the free plan? Whatever the free tier gives you is enough to judge the tool.
What does not change between models
Whichever you pick, the prompt discipline is identical: one action per shot, a named camera move, an explicit light source, audio direction, and references instead of adjectives when something must stay consistent. A prompt that works on 03 will generally work on 2.3, just shorter.
Credits, formats, and licensing are also shared. All paid plans carry a commercial licence and the media gallery regardless of which model produced the clip, and everything is removed from your library after 30 days.
FAQ
Which Hailuo model is the best?
Hailuo 03 for almost everything — it is the default, has the longest clips, the highest reference ceiling, and frame-local redraw.
Is Hailuo 03 more expensive than 2.3?
No. It replaced 2.3 as the default at no extra cost, on the same plans and allowances.
What is the difference between 2.3 and 2.3 Fast?
2.3 Fast is the speed-optimised variant of the same model, intended for quicker turnarounds. Use it while iterating.
Can I still choose the older models?
Yes. All four remain in the model picker.
Which model does the free plan use?
The free plan's 512p video output runs on Hailuo 02.
Do different models need different prompts?
No. The same structure works across all four. Hailuo 03 simply has room for denser multi-shot prompts and far more references.
