GPT Image 1.5 Pricing & Cost
GPT Image 1.5 is the predecessor to GPT Image 2. Still available on AetherWave for users who prefer its specific output aesthetic or need the explicit quality knob (medium vs high). Generally superseded by GPT Image 2 unless you have a specific reason.
This page breaks down the credit cost for GPT Image 1.5 when called via the AetherWave MCP server from Claude Code, Cursor, Continue, or any MCP-aware agent. Credits map to USD at a fixed rate, so the cost is predictable.
Full cost breakdown
Tiered pricing by quality setting. 6 credits at medium, 31 at high. Single output. The predecessor to GPT Image 2 with broader quality knob exposure.
Cost scenarios in USD
Here is what common workflows cost in USD at GPT Image 1.5's rate:
| Workflow | Credits | USD |
|---|---|---|
| 1 generation | 6 cr | $0.03 |
| 10 generations | 60 cr | $0.30 |
| 100 generations | 600 cr | $3.00 |
| Studio sub fits | 283 generations/mo (1,700 cr) | - |
How GPT Image 1.5 compares
vs gpt-image-2-t2i at 9 cr: GPT Image 1.5 medium at 6 cr is cheaper for draft work; high at 31 cr is pricier than GPT Image 2 for final quality. Default to GPT Image 2 unless you have a reason for 1.5.
6 cr medium quality, 31 cr high quality
Best for: OpenAI image generation with explicit quality control
gpt-image-2-t2i at 9 cr
See the comparison above for when each one wins.
Run aetherwave_list_image_models from Claude Code to see the full live pricing across all models in one call. The MCP rubrics in each tool's description also route the agent automatically when a budget hint is in the prompt.
Where credits come from
You can fund your AetherWave account three ways:
- Free: Starter credits on signup plus up to 80 credits from one-time community quests (Discord, social shares, follow channels)
- Studio subscription: $9.99/mo for 1,700 credits monthly. Cancel any time.
- One-time bundles: starting at $4.99 for 500 credits, up to $79.99 for 9,000 credits. Bundle credits never expire.
Quick install
To run GPT Image 1.5 from Claude Code, install the AetherWave MCP server with one command:
Get your free API key at your Profile page (Developer tab). The MCP exposes 31 tools total; aetherwave_generate_image is the one that gives the agent access to GPT Image 1.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does GPT Image 1.5 cost per generation?
Tiered pricing by quality setting. 6 credits at medium, 31 at high. Single output. The predecessor to GPT Image 2 with broader quality knob exposure.
How do AetherWave credits convert to USD?
Credits map to USD at a fixed rate, so GPT Image 1.5's 6 cr medium quality, 31 cr high quality translates to the per-generation figures in the scenario table above. Credits come from a Studio subscription, one-time bundles, or starter credits + community quests on the free tier.
Is GPT Image 1.5 worth the cost vs cheaper alternatives?
vs gpt-image-2-t2i at 9 cr: GPT Image 1.5 medium at 6 cr is cheaper for draft work; high at 31 cr is pricier than GPT Image 2 for final quality. Default to GPT Image 2 unless you have a reason for 1.5. The right call depends on what matters most for your workflow: variation count, deterministic output, latency, or absolute quality ceiling.
Start running GPT Image 1.5
Free API key plus starter credits. One MCP install. First GPT Image 1.5 generation in under five minutes.
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