AI Trends

Sora tested: OpenAI's new AI video generator is unfortunately disappointing

Remy Gieling
Remy Gieling
February 1, 2026
2
min read
Sora tested: OpenAI's new AI video generator is unfortunately disappointing
Sora, OpenAI's AI video generator, offers interesting features but is slow, pricey, and has higher-performing competitors like LumaLabs.

At AI.nl, we extensively tested Sora, OpenAI's latest AI imager and video generator. The goal: see if this tool can beat the competition in terms of speed, price-quality, image quality and functionality. The competition is fierce, with names like LumaLabs and Kling already making a big impression. But does Sora live up to the expectations? Spoiler alert: no.

The test: VPN, high costs, and low quality

To use Sora at all, you already have to put in quite a bit of effort. The system is not officially available in the Netherlands, so a VPN connection to a server in the US is necessary. Additionally, you'll need a paid account: $20 per month for the basic version or $200 for a Pro account. We tested with the Pro account, but even that disappointed.

Here are the results of our test:

  • Speed: Sora is slow. Even simple videos at 480p (the standard resolution) take a long time. Do you want to go to 720p or 1080p? Count on rendering times of tens of seconds or longer.
  • Image quality: The quality is poor, with many image hallucinations (elements that are wrong). Think of people with three arms or floating objects.
  • Ease of use: The built-in video editor is handy and the prompt helper is a nice perk, but the end result doesn't make up for it enough.
  • Price-quality: Sora is pricey compared to alternatives like LumaLabs, which starts at $10 a month and offers better visuals, faster rendering, and more realistic results.

Comparing with the competition

If we compare Sora with the established names, the difference quickly becomes clear:

  • Luma Labs: Provides faster and more creative output, with higher image quality and realistic results. Ideal for users who want to get started with simple prompts.
  • Blade: A Chinese platform that also impresses with consistent performance and accessibility.

The only advantage of Sora is the integrated video editor, which makes the post-processing process easier. But if the basic output isn't usable, it's of little use.

Conclusion: ignore Sora for now

For a tool that was sold to us as a revolutionary, Sora seriously disappoints. With slow rendering, poor image quality, limited accessibility (VPN!) and a high price, it's hard to recommend this product. The competition is better on almost all fronts.

Our tip: Choose alternatives such as LumaLabs and save yourself the frustration and money. Although Sora has potential, it is currently the worst thing it will ever be. There is hope for the future, but now it's better to skip this experiment.

Remy Gieling
Job van den Berg

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