Head-to-head comparison

FLUX.2 Klein 9B vs. HiDream-O1-Image

Compare shared capability tests, arena scores with documented retrieval dates, task-specific image pricing, and verified specifications. Research benchmarks, preference arenas, and our n = 1 samples remain separate.

shared result series: 14
shared sample prompts: 4
latest arena retrieval: 2026-08-26

First image modelSecond image model

Specifications and cost

General specifications and task-specific pricing

A model can have one price for generating new images and another for editing. Prices therefore remain tied to the corresponding arena configuration.

Specifications and pricing for FLUX.2 Klein 9B and HiDream-O1-Image
Attribute	FLUX.2 Klein 9B	HiDream-O1-Image
Provider	Black Forest Labs	HiDream
Released	January 2026	May 2026
Access	API, local	API, local
Lifecycle	No separate lifecycle notice	No separate lifecycle notice
Weights	Open weights	Open weights
Parameters	9 billion	8 billion
Maximum output	4 Megapixel	2,048 × 2,048 pixels
Arena configuration	9B	No separate configuration named
Text-to-image price	$15 per 1,000 images	No comparable API price
Editing price	$17 per 1,000 images	$10 per 1,000 images
Technical source	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15	Model sourceVerified 2026-08-15

FLUX.2 Klein 9BHiDream-O1-Image

Image Editing ArenaUSD per 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels

FLUX.2 Klein 9B$17

HiDream-O1-Image$10

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Prompt adherence and specialist tests

Shared capability benchmarks

Every matchup includes the same four Gradually sample tasks. For each task, one archived first output from every model is ranked in three differently ordered, model-blind passes. The published 0-100 value normalizes the mean rank. It must still be read as an n = 1 sample per model. No exact shared result from the integrated research benchmarks is available for this pair.

FLUX.2 Klein 9BHiDream-O1-Image

Gradually sample test: Typography and layoutMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

FLUX.2 Klein 9B9.9 / 100

HiDream-O1-Image6.2 / 100

Gradually sample test: Product photographyMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

FLUX.2 Klein 9B75.3 / 100

HiDream-O1-Image13.6 / 100

Gradually sample test: Character and detailMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

FLUX.2 Klein 9B43.2 / 100

HiDream-O1-Image27.1 / 100

Gradually sample test: InfographicMean of three blind ranks across all 28 first outputs, n = 1 each

FLUX.2 Klein 9B12.3 / 100

HiDream-O1-Image9.9 / 100

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Capability benchmark scores for FLUX.2 Klein 9B and HiDream-O1-Image
Benchmark	FLUX.2 Klein 9B	HiDream-O1-Image
Gradually sample test: Typography and layout	Higher blind-rank score9.9 / 100 Mean rank: 25.33 (25 / 26 / 25) Five rubric scores Headline: 1.67 / 2 Subline: 0.67 / 2 Text control: 1 / 2 Visual brief: 1.33 / 2 Layout: 1 / 2	6.2 / 100 Mean rank: 26.33 (27 / 25 / 27) Five rubric scores Headline: 1.67 / 2 Subline: 1.67 / 2 Text control: 0.67 / 2 Visual brief: 1.33 / 2 Layout: 1 / 2
Gradually sample test: Product photography	Higher blind-rank score75.3 / 100 Mean rank: 7.67 (10 / 6 / 7) Five rubric scores Subject: 1.33 / 2 Time: 1.33 / 2 Watch details: 1.33 / 2 Photography: 1.33 / 2 Exclusions: 1.33 / 2	13.6 / 100 Mean rank: 24.33 (25 / 24 / 24) Five rubric scores Subject: 1.33 / 2 Time: 1.33 / 2 Watch details: 1.33 / 2 Photography: 1.33 / 2 Exclusions: 0.67 / 2
Gradually sample test: Character and detail	Higher blind-rank score43.2 / 100 Mean rank: 16.33 (4 / 25 / 20) Five rubric scores Scene: 1.33 / 2 Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2 Anatomy: 1 / 2 Props: 0.33 / 2 Environment: 1 / 2	27.1 / 100 Mean rank: 20.67 (25 / 22 / 15) Five rubric scores Scene: 1.33 / 2 Wardrobe: 1.33 / 2 Anatomy: 1 / 2 Props: 0.67 / 2 Environment: 1.33 / 2
Gradually sample test: Infographic	Higher blind-rank score12.3 / 100 Mean rank: 24.67 (25 / 24 / 25) Five rubric scores Title: 1.67 / 2 Sequence: 1.33 / 2 Labels: 0.33 / 2 Diagram: 0.33 / 2 Clarity: 0.67 / 2	9.9 / 100 Mean rank: 25.33 (24 / 26 / 26) Five rubric scores Title: 1.67 / 2 Sequence: 1.67 / 2 Labels: 0.33 / 2 Diagram: 1 / 2 Clarity: 0.33 / 2
Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Independent preference tests

Shared arena benchmarks

Artificial Analysis and Arena derive scores from blind comparisons. Raters see outputs for the same prompt and choose the image they prefer. Separate series cover text rendering, photorealism, portraits, art, commercial design, and image editing. Confidence intervals indicate how certain a measured lead is.

10 shared result series

FLUX.2 Klein 9BHiDream-O1-Image

Text to Image ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,144 Elo

HiDream-O1-Image1,175 Elo

Image Editing ArenaBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,166 Elo

HiDream-O1-Image1,190 Elo

LMArena Text to Image: 3D modelingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,078.396

HiDream-O1-Image1,122.629

LMArena Text to Image: ArtBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,078.844

HiDream-O1-Image1,122.865

LMArena Text to Image: CartoonBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,063.975

HiDream-O1-Image1,122.842

LMArena Text to Image: Commercial designBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,069.649

HiDream-O1-Image1,128.773

LMArena Text to Image: OverallBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,069.517

HiDream-O1-Image1,118.314

LMArena Text to Image: PhotorealismBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,090.118

HiDream-O1-Image1,111.024

LMArena Text to Image: PortraitsBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,092.062

HiDream-O1-Image1,107.311

LMArena Text to Image: Text renderingBlind preference from the same prompt, higher is better

FLUX.2 Klein 9B1,057.362

HiDream-O1-Image1,135.627

Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Arena benchmark scores for FLUX.2 Klein 9B and HiDream-O1-Image
Benchmark	FLUX.2 Klein 9B	HiDream-O1-Image	Source
Text to Image Arena	1,144 Elo Rank 67, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 9,077 ratings	Higher score1,175 Elo Rank 56, 95% confidence interval: ±9, 10,890 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
Image Editing Arena	1,166 Elo Rank 34, 95% confidence interval: ±7, 11,256 ratings	Higher score1,190 Elo Rank 25, 95% confidence interval: ±8, 6,609 ratings	Artificial AnalysisRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: 3D modeling	1,078.396 Rank 54, 95% confidence interval: ±6.95, 13,814 ratings	Higher score1,122.629 Rank 41, 95% confidence interval: ±10.3, 3,159 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Art	1,078.844 Rank 53, 95% confidence interval: ±6.28, 19,055 ratings	Higher score1,122.865 Rank 41, 95% confidence interval: ±8.57, 4,910 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Cartoon	1,063.975 Rank 55, 95% confidence interval: ±5.01, 53,034 ratings	Higher score1,122.842 Rank 38, 95% confidence interval: ±6.4, 13,113 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Commercial design	1,069.649 Rank 56, 95% confidence interval: ±4.59, 55,183 ratings	Higher score1,128.773 Rank 39, 95% confidence interval: ±6.2, 12,596 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Overall	1,069.517 Rank 55, 95% confidence interval: ±3.25, 142,762 ratings	Higher score1,118.314 Rank 40, 95% confidence interval: ±4.3, 34,179 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Photorealism	1,090.118 Rank 54, 95% confidence interval: ±4.7, 60,335 ratings	Higher score1,111.024 Rank 50, 95% confidence interval: ±6.31, 13,889 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Portraits	1,092.062 Rank 55, 95% confidence interval: ±5.73, 32,758 ratings	Higher score1,107.311 Rank 50, 95% confidence interval: ±7.76, 7,047 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
LMArena Text to Image: Text rendering	1,057.362 Rank 56, 95% confidence interval: ±4.77, 51,643 ratings	Higher score1,135.627 Rank 37, 95% confidence interval: ±6.45, 11,302 ratings	LMArenaRetrieved 2026-08-26
Key to the marks:better valuebetter, but not conclusivetie

Visual comparison

Sample images

Our images complement preference data, but do not replace it. The prompt, request count, and selection rule match. Provider resolution, quality tier, randomness, and prompt processing remain visible limitations, so this is not a fully controlled laboratory test.

Largely standardized comparison protocol. Both models receive the same archived prompt, exactly one request, and the first result counts. Files are normalized to 1,024 × 1,024 pixels without cropping. Provider resolution, randomness, quality tier, and prompt processing can still differ. These images are a practical visual test, not a reconstruction of the arena configuration.

Character and detail

Anatomy, clothing, and spatial consistency

Prompt and settings

Create a square cinematic full-body portrait of a fictional bicycle courier waiting under a transparent umbrella at a rainy tram stop in Hamburg at blue hour. She wears a mustard raincoat, navy trousers, red sneakers, a silver helmet, and carries a teal messenger bag. Keep both hands visible, render the bicycle correctly, use realistic wet-street reflections, and include no readable brand names.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1587849924, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:52 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1735022440, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:53 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: 985a75b38642a9f0e5e0c0e0c67f1b7f67780d42bd2168fa24e9a7a7a94b0da6

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: 84eceab680e59de6b9d4e68b3c21f6515ce093ff7d110992049e847570dd565f

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 5d005ee24926d68b7d2299b8ecbe4e14919f652761f6de2568a043f2a6258da0

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 9ac2cbe23ee6a63b0daacd665a40c3471c52c52fd6ad23e46d3027bb95f8c880

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 5d005ee24926d68b7d2299b8ecbe4e14919f652761f6de2568a043f2a6258da0

Infographic

Numbers, labels, and visual organization

Prompt and settings

Create a square German infographic titled SO FUNKTIONIERT PHOTOSYNTHESE. Show exactly four numbered steps in this order: 1 LICHT, 2 WASSER, 3 CO₂, 4 ZUCKER + SAUERSTOFF. Use a clean editorial science style with one plant cross-section, simple arrows, high contrast, legible labels, and no other text.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1082231541, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:52 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1456348218, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:53 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: ed65cb4e6a51e2336f8b149ad4cbb16e020f07d527ad94362e719d2dcf91d94f

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: 1d2eb263ca5a25794a88df7bb04f5c13e10ed9a289371d1dcc7ed6d6e0a297e2

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 8b8014fc63f520d73ff57d3d8df5eae880097383167d44918b963f2830d09940

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 258eece8b53e4df0c990b78dee2e02ec57569b1c823c3feff2ab54671240d66f

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 8b8014fc63f520d73ff57d3d8df5eae880097383167d44918b963f2830d09940

Product photography

Materials, reflections, and fine details

Prompt and settings

Create a square premium product photograph of a brushed titanium wristwatch standing upright on dark green marble. The watch has a cream dial, thin black hands set to 10:10, twelve distinct hour markers, a realistic crown, and a dark brown leather strap. Soft window light from the left, controlled reflections, shallow depth of field, no text, no logo, no extra objects.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1388538280, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:39 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=124666889, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 1:53 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: c67fd71e91304458a2feef5c91efa8677260fab0c0099a29a2c52cb579f5b2f3

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: e7208f19ccfb9b810b9648cb1861797b7155ad91933d1660059236cef413ebe0

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 21e2c14d1b6315c30134e1390f531349608855d4ef1a87527e6d0ba57b2974ca

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 5a9cd3c59556412e4de93a3ef5c4121ec12b6cc02730cad527619c2d8a889783

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 21e2c14d1b6315c30134e1390f531349608855d4ef1a87527e6d0ba57b2974ca

Typography and layout

Legible text, hierarchy, and composition

Prompt and settings

Create a square editorial poster for an imaginary night train called MONDFALTER. Show the exact German headline MONDFALTER and the exact subline BERLIN NACH LISSABON. Use a restrained midnight-blue and warm-cream palette, one stylized moth, strong Swiss-grid typography, generous negative space, and no additional words or logos.

FLUX.2 Klein 9B. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=1340991019, estimated cost $0.006291, model ID fal-ai/flux-2/klein/9b, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:41 PM. Source
HiDream-O1-Image. Provider fal.ai, requested 1024x1024, n=1, seed=2131088503, estimated cost $0.010486, model ID fal-ai/hidream-o1-image, generated Aug 14, 2026, 2:41 PM. Source

Protocol gradually-image-comparison-v1, selection rule: first result.

Prompt SHA 256: 2e012c3d14ee5dd02203a94f394ca80a5038cdebd6032b25a8b8a221f2255419

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, image SHA 256: c5f23870e70f2245d24a3689f2579ceb770e5edf8c3c89b7d6ed7ae138f262f6

FLUX.2 Klein 9B, request SHA 256: 530872e813e988ba95025956a3743c6111120af963d90b8970a8bf3eced5547b

HiDream-O1-Image, image SHA 256: 418a9b974b87b751ad2e4e98cdf6b8d7e2f8f352aed63d25be84c02377f310d1

HiDream-O1-Image, request SHA 256: 530872e813e988ba95025956a3743c6111120af963d90b8970a8bf3eced5547b

How to read this comparison

An Elo score is not a verdict on creativity

A higher arena score means this specific configuration was preferred more often in blind comparisons.

Typography, character consistency, local execution, licensing, and price may matter more to your workload than overall visual appeal.

Prices cover 1,000 images at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels using settings documented by Artificial Analysis. Subscriptions and special rates are excluded.

More matchups

Compare FLUX.2 Klein 9B and HiDream-O1-Image with other important image models using the same benchmark and sample methodology.

View the complete image model comparison

FLUX.2 Klein 9B vs. HiDream-O1-Image

Change image model selection

General specifications and task-specific pricing

Shared capability benchmarks

Shared arena benchmarks

Sample images

Character and detail

Infographic

Product photography

Typography and layout

An Elo score is not a verdict on creativity

Related image model comparisons