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Compare AI image models, model by model

28 image generation models and 378 head-to-head matchups. Every matchup includes four shared sample rankings, plus exact results from research benchmarks and separate preference arenas where available.

image models
28
head-to-head matchups
378
benchmark results
635
separate benchmark tasks
78

Current leaderboard

AI image model leaderboard

This equal-weight sample ranking averages four fixed tasks covering typography, product photography, character detail, and infographic design. All 28 comparison models contribute one archived first output per task. It remains a documented n = 1 sample per model and task.

1.MAI-Image-2.5 Flash76.6 / 100, Rank 1
2.GPT Image 271.0 / 100
3.MAI-Image-2.567.6 / 100
3.Seedream 5.0 Pro67.6 / 100
5.HiDream-O1-Image-1.564.5 / 100
6.Krea 2 Large63.6 / 100
7.FLUX.2 Max63.0 / 100
8.HunyuanImage 3.0 Instruct60.5 / 100
9.Nano Banana Pro59.9 / 100
10.Nano Banana 2 Lite59.6 / 100
11.Luma UNI 1 Max59.6 / 100
12.Recraft V4.1 Utility57.4 / 100
13.Krea 2 Medium Turbo54.9 / 100
14.Reve 2.154.3 / 100
15.Qwen Image 2.0 Pro53.7 / 100
16.Ideogram 4.051.9 / 100
17.GPT Image 1.551.2 / 100
18.FLUX.2 Flex47.2 / 100
18.FLUX.2 Pro47.2 / 100
20.Nano Banana 246.0 / 100
21.Wan 2.6 Text to Image39.2 / 100
22.Firefly Image Model 538.9 / 100
23.Grok Imagine Image Quality37.7 / 100
24.FLUX.2 Klein 9B35.2 / 100
25.Seedream 4.029.9 / 100
26.Midjourney V8.125.3 / 100
27.HiDream-O1-Image14.2 / 100
28.Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large2.5 / 100

Model selection

28 important models and configurations

Quality tiers such as Max, Pro, and High remain separate when an arena reports distinct scores and prices. This avoids misleading comparisons between different runtime tiers.

For the full technical profile of every model, browse the AI model directory.

Scope

Image model or AI image generator?

An image model is the underlying generation system, such as GPT Image 2, Nano Banana 2, or FLUX.2 Max. A generator is the app around one or more models, including its interface, subscription, editing workflow, storage, and usage rights.

Use this page to compare model performance. Use the generator guide to choose a complete product.

Frequently asked questions about the image model comparison

How arena coverage, sample images, variants, and data freshness work.

Changelog

The latest updates and improvements to our image model comparison
v1.3August 28, 2026

Complete image model leaderboard

  • Added an equal-weight leaderboard for all 28 comparison models
  • Combined only the four shared Gradually sample tasks
  • Kept the n = 1 sample ranking separate from research benchmarks and preference arenas
v1.2August 18, 2026

Complete matchup coverage and research benchmarks

  • Added four shared Gradually rankings from three model-blind orderings of all 28 first outputs
  • Integrated exact model results from GenExam, Qwen Image Bench, and WISE Verified
  • Kept n = 1 sample rankings, academic benchmarks, and preference arenas visibly separate
v1.1August 18, 2026

FAQ, changelog, and internal links

  • Added an FAQ that quantifies shared arena coverage and explains data gaps
  • Added this changelog so material updates remain visible
  • Added the hub and all matchup pages to navigation, the sitemap, and related comparisons
v1.0August 17, 2026

Initial release

  • Published 28 current image models and 378 head-to-head matchups
  • Kept text-to-image generation and image editing in separate benchmark series
  • Combined pricing, specifications, sources, and documented sample images