Thomas Klein
OpenAI just launched Sora 2, the most anticipated update in the world of AI video generation. After a Sora 1 already impressive but limited in access and duration, this new version promises to fill the gaps and push the boundaries of what's possible. We had access to the update from its deployment and deliver our complete analysis.
What Concretely Changes in Sora 2
The improvements are substantial. Maximum duration increases from 60 seconds to 2 minutes per generation, a considerable leap for narrative content creation. Physics understanding has been reinforced: interactions between objects, water reflections and fabric movements are significantly more realistic. Sora 2 now integrates a native audio layer capable of generating sound effects synchronized with the image. Finally, generation time has been reduced by 40% thanks to a new optimized diffusion architecture.
Pricing Changes
OpenAI has revised its pricing grid. Sora 2 remains accessible via ChatGPT Plus (20 euros/month) with a quota of 50 videos in 720p and 15 seconds maximum. The Pro plan at 200 euros/month unlocks full access: videos up to 2 minutes, 1080p resolution, maximum priority and audio generation. A new intermediate tier at 60 euros/month makes its appearance, offering 45-second videos in 1080p without audio generation.
Our Test Results
After a week of intensive testing, the verdict is clear: Sora 2's visual quality is a notch above everything that exists. Human faces are more stable, hands are finally correctly rendered in the majority of cases, and consistency over 2 minutes remains remarkable. Generated audio is convincing for ambiances and sound effects, but still limited for dialogues. In terms of speed, a 30-second video in 1080p is generated in about 3 minutes.
Sora 2 vs Sora 1: Key Differences
Compared to Sora 1, the progress is clear. Duration is doubled, resolution gains in detail, and temporal consistency on long scenes is incomparably better. Sora 1 tended to distort faces after 20 seconds — this problem is largely corrected. The addition of audio is obviously the most visible novelty. However, the Pro plan price remains high at 200 euros/month, which limits access for independent creators.
Who is Sora 2 Worth It For?
If you are already a ChatGPT Pro subscriber, the update is automatic and free — no reason not to take advantage of it. For creators who hesitated because of Sora 1 limitations, 2-minute videos change the game for advertisements and short films. However, if your budget is limited, Kling AI (starting at 8 euros/month) or Runway (starting at 12 euros/month) remain solid alternatives with better value for money.
Conclusion
Sora 2 confirms OpenAI's position at the top of the AI video quality race. Long videos, native audio and improved physics make it the most advanced tool on the market in early 2026. The main barrier remains the price. Our verdict: it is the best AI video generator available today, but not necessarily the most accessible. For those who can afford it, it is a worthwhile investment.