NeuroAgent

Best APIs for AI Image Generation

Comparison of best AI image generation APIs with Python support. Omniinfer and Runware: fast generation at $0.0015 per image. Segmind alternatives with improved speed.

Question

What are convenient APIs for AI image generation with Python support and pricing around $0.0015 per GPU second?

I was using Segmind with the RealisticVision model, which provided good quality at a relatively low cost - $0.0015 per GPU second. However, recently the generation speed has significantly decreased: creating one image now takes 2 minutes or more, while my required standard is up to 10 seconds per image.

The service support didn’t resolve this issue, so I’m looking for alternative services with:

  • A convenient API for Python
  • Similar pricing policy ($0.0015 per GPU second)
  • Fast image generation (under 10 seconds)
  • Quality results

Which AI image generation services meet these requirements?

NeuroAgent

Omniinfer is the most suitable alternative API for your task, offering fast image generation at $0.0015 per standard image with Python support, which meets your price and speed requirements.


Contents

Omniinfer: Best Option

Omniinfer is the most promising solution for your needs:

  • Generation speed: Only 2 seconds per image, significantly below your 10-second threshold
  • Price: $0.0015 per standard image, which fits within your current budget
  • Models: Over 10,000 models available to choose from
  • Pricing model: Pay-per-request with no subscription fee
  • Additional features: Support for txt2image, img2img, automatic1111, sdxl v0.9 and sdxl v1.0
  • Discounts: Up to 15% discount for high-volume users

As noted in the Omniinfer documentation, the minimum price is $0.0015 per image, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. The service also allows you to add your own models, providing additional flexibility.

Runware: High-Performance Alternative

Runware offers impressive performance metrics:

  • Speed: Image generation in less than a second thanks to the Sonic Inference Engine®
  • Performance: 20x faster than traditional cloud GPUs
  • Model loading: LoRA cold starts in 0.1 seconds, checkpoint loading in 0.5 seconds
  • Hardware: Uses custom hardware for optimization

According to their pricing information, Runware positions itself as the lowest-cost API for developers, offering fast and flexible access to image generation, video, and custom AI tools.

Other Available Options

Dezgo

  • Offers various models for image generation
  • Pay-per-use pricing
  • Good balance of price and quality

ClipDrop

  • Developed by Stability AI
  • Support for various generation modes
  • Moderate prices for developers

MonsterAPI

  • Provides access to various AI models
  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Python API support

Getimg.ai

  • Fast and affordable API for image generation
  • Pay only for generated content
  • No subscription fees or idle GPU costs

Price and Performance Comparison

Service Price per image Generation speed Number of models Python support
Omniinfer $0.0015 2 seconds 10,000+ Yes
Runware Not specified <1 second Numerous Yes
OpenAI $0.01-$0.19 10-20 seconds Limited Yes
Segmind $0.0015/sec 2+ minutes Various Yes

As the comparison shows, Omniinfer and Runware significantly outperform your current Segmind service in generation speed at comparable or better prices.

Python Integration

Omniinfer Python Example

python
import requests
import os

# Set up API key
API_KEY = "your_api_key_here"
BASE_URL = "https://api.omniinfer.io/v1"

# Generate image
def generate_image(prompt, model="sdxl-v1-0"):
    headers = {
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {API_KEY}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json"
    }
    
    data = {
        "model": model,
        "prompt": prompt,
        "width": 512,
        "height": 512,
        "steps": 20
    }
    
    response = requests.post(f"{BASE_URL}/images/generations", headers=headers, json=data)
    return response.json()

# Example usage
result = generate_image("A beautiful landscape with mountains and lakes")
print(result)

Runware Python Example

python
import requests

# Set up API key
API_KEY = "your_api_key_here"
BASE_URL = "https://api.runware.ai/v1"

# Generate image
def generate_image(prompt):
    headers = {
        "Authorization": f"Bearer {API_KEY}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json"
    }
    
    data = {
        "prompt": prompt,
        "engine": "sonic",
        "format": "png",
        "width": 512,
        "height": 512
    }
    
    response = requests.post(f"{BASE_URL}/generate", headers=headers, json=data)
    return response.json()

# Example usage
result = generate_image("Futuristic city at sunset")
print(result)

Both APIs provide simple and intuitive Python interfaces, making integration straightforward even for beginner developers.

Conclusion

Based on the research conducted, Omniinfer is the most suitable solution for your requirements:

  • Price: $0.0015 per image fits within your budget
  • Speed: Only 2 seconds per generation, significantly below your 10-second threshold
  • Quality: Over 10,000 models to choose from
  • Convenience: Easy Python integration
  • Flexibility: Support for various generation modes and ability to add custom models

Recommended actions:

  1. Start with Omniinfer’s free trial period (10,000 models available for free)
  2. Integrate the Python API into your application
  3. Test different models to achieve optimal quality
  4. For high-volume requests, use the available discounts of up to 15%

If you need even greater speed, consider Runware, which generates images in less than a second, although exact pricing information may require further clarification.

Sources

  1. Omniinfer Documentation - Pricing
  2. AI Image Generation API Competition - Medium
  3. Omniinfer Tool Overview
  4. Runware Pricing Page
  5. Getimg.ai API Information
  6. MagicHour API Pricing