compare guide
Seedream 5 Pro vs Seedream 5 Lite
Compare Seedream 5 Pro and Seedream 5 Lite by output tier, credit cost, fidelity, and best use cases.
TL;DR
Choose Lite for low-cost 2K-4K output and volume work; choose Pro for higher-fidelity images up to 2K.
Who this is for
- Creators deciding which Seedream tier to spend credits on.
- Teams separating draft generation from final production.
- Ecommerce users planning image credit budgets.
Best for / Not best for
Best for
- Model selection
- Credit planning
- Draft-versus-final workflows
- Output tier comparison
Not best for
- Video model selection
- Exact benchmark rankings
- CAD accuracy testing
- Models not currently public in Kansova
Parameters
| Parameter | Supported value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seedream 5 Lite output | 2K, 3K, or 4K | No 1K option; 2K and 3K cost 3 credits, 4K costs 6. |
| Seedream 5 Pro output | 1K or 2K | 4K requests are delivered and billed as 2K. |
| Input | Text or reference image | Both models support reference-guided workflows. |
| Processing | Asynchronous | Kansova polls task status until completion. |
Pricing
Kansova bills generations in credits. Basic is $9.90/month for 300 credits; Pro is $19/month for 750 credits; Studio is $39/month for 1,700 credits.
| Generation | Kansova credits | Cost methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Seedream 5 Lite, 2K or 3K | 3 credits | About $0.028 provider cost |
| Seedream 5 Lite, 4K | 6 credits | 4K bills at twice the base credit cost |
| Seedream 5 Pro, 1K | 4 credits | About $0.036 provider cost |
| Seedream 5 Pro, 2K | 6 credits | About $0.072 provider cost |
Comparison
| Dimension | Seedream 5 Pro | Seedream 5 Lite | Nano Banana Pro | GPT Image 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary strength | Polished stills | Low-cost drafts | Premium edits | Detailed prompts |
| Kansova access | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Max output | 2K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Kansova cost | 4-6 credits | 3-6 credits | 8-16 credits | 2-4 credits |
| Best workflow | Campaign images | High-volume drafts | Premium edits | Directed concepts |
Prompt examples
- 01
Specialty cafe interior with terrazzo counter and morning light through skylights, editorial architecture photography. - 02
A skincare set arranged on travertine stone, soft window light, premium ecommerce campaign style, 2K. - 03
Modern reading nook with walnut shelving and linen armchair, warm afternoon glow, realistic interior visualization. - 04
Fashion editorial of a model in an oversized camel coat against a concrete wall, muted tones, magazine quality. - 05
Flat-lay of artisan bakery items on linen, crumbs and texture in fine detail, warm rustic branding shot.
Known limitations
- Output is capped at 2K; 4K requests are delivered and billed as 2K.
- Small text and logos can still be distorted.
- Exact product dimensions are not guaranteed.
- Provider availability can change output options without notice.
Alternatives
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Pro and Lite?
Pro tops out at 2K and costs 4 credits at 1K and 6 at 2K. Lite reaches 4K and costs 3 credits at 2K or 3K and 6 at 4K. Pro is the higher-fidelity option per image.
Which should I use for final deliverables?
Use Seedream 5 Pro when you want the highest fidelity at up to 2K; use Seedream 5 Lite when you need 4K output or the lowest cost per image.
Can I mix both in one workflow?
Yes. A common pattern is drafting with Lite and rendering finals with Pro.
Last updated
2026-08-05
Sources and methodology
Capabilities were checked against the provider API material supplied to Kansova and the live Kansova controls on 2026-07-06. Credit figures are taken from the production pricing function; provider rates are reference figures and may change independently.
- EvoLink API documentation index
Provider documentation used to verify image modes and output tiers.
- Kansova product facts
Canonical list of supported workflows and current limitations.
- Kansova pricing
Current subscription and monthly credit allowances.