H3 Max vs Wan 3.0
Two API-first video models with different speed, resolution, and audio trade-offs. List prices per public listings, October 2026.
Why put these models side by side
Both ship on API marketplaces in 2026 with 480p entry pricing at $0.05/s, but they optimise for different deliverables: H3 Max for quick silent motion studies, Wan 3.0 for longer, audio-capable takes up to 1080p. This page uses list prices only — your invoice follows the provider you choose.
Spec comparison
| H3 Max | Wan 3.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | MiniMax + fal post-train | Alibaba (released August 2026) |
| Resolutions | 480p, 768p | 480p, 720p, 1080p |
| Duration | 5–15 s (whole seconds) | 2–30 s |
| Frame rate | 24 fps | Per provider docs |
| Audio on OpenRouter | Silent | Audio track |
| Max resolution | 768p | 1080p |
List price per second
| Tier | H3 Max | Wan 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| 480p | $0.05/s | $0.05/s |
| Mid tier | 768p $0.08/s | 720p $0.10/s |
| Top tier | — | 1080p $0.20/s |
Worked cost examples (list API)
Multiply rate × duration. H3 Max examples:
| Clip | H3 Max cost | Wan 3.0 (closest tier) |
|---|---|---|
| 480p · 5 s | $0.25 | $0.25 (480p) |
| 480p · 15 s | $0.75 | $0.75 (480p) |
| 768p · 10 s | $0.80 | $1 (720p · 10 s) |
| 1080p · 10 s | Not available | $2 |
Duration limits
H3 Max caps at 15 s per clip; Wan allows roughly 2–30 s depending on provider settings. If you need a single 20 s continuous shot with dialogue, Wan is the only option on this chart — expect higher 720p/1080p rates and longer wall-clock time.
Speed
fal positions H3 Max for very fast turnaround on its own infrastructure (~3 s for a 5 s clip in marketing). Through our OpenRouter + AI Gateway path, a 480p 5 s H3 Max clip took about 16 s end to end in our October 2026 test. Wan 3.0 on OpenRouter typically needs several minutes — acceptable when you need longer takes or 1080p with audio.
When to pick which
Choose H3 Max for rapid silent drafts at 480p or 768p, social-friendly aspect ratios, and durations up to 15 s. Framedash is built around this workflow with a live stopwatch so you see queue time.
Choose Wan 3.0 when native audio, 1080p, or clips longer than 15 s matter more than turnaround. Budget for higher per-second cost at 720p and 1080p.
Hybrid pipeline: storyboard motion with H3 Max, then rebuild hero shots on Wan or another audio-capable model once timing is locked.
Resolution and aspect
H3 Max stops at 768p but supports six aspect ratios (21:9 through 9:16) at 24 fps. Wan 3.0 reaches 1080p with 480p/720p/1080p tiers and longer maximum duration (30 s). If your deliverable is vertical 9:16 at 1080p with dialogue, Wan is the closer fit on paper — budget extra queue time and $0.20/s at 1080p.
Framedash coverage
This site generates H3 Max only. Wan comparisons here are for planning — use OpenRouter or Alibaba APIs directly for Wan 3.0 jobs. Framedash still gives you three free 480p · 5 s H3 Max clips when generation is live so you can benchmark speed against your own Wan tests. List debits and packs are on pricing.
What people ask before they generate
Which model is cheaper at 480p?
Both list at $0.05 per second of 480p output on public API price sheets (October 2026). Total cost still depends on duration and resolution tier you choose.
Does Wan 3.0 include audio on OpenRouter?
Wan 3.0 is marketed with an audio track on API routes that support it. H3 Max on OpenRouter returns silent video — add sound in post.
Which is faster for short clips?
In our October 2026 test, a 480p 5 s H3 Max clip took about 16 s end to end through our gateway. Wan 3.0 on OpenRouter often needs several minutes for comparable jobs.
When should I pick Wan 3.0?
Pick Wan when you need 720p/1080p, longer clips (up to 30 s), or native audio and can accept slower renders and higher per-second rates at upper tiers.
When should I pick H3 Max?
Pick H3 Max for fast iteration on 480p or 768p silent clips between 5 and 15 seconds — ideal for storyboards and social cuts.
Can Framedash render Wan 3.0?
No. Framedash runs MiniMax H3 Max only. Use Alibaba or OpenRouter directly for Wan 3.0.