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Image model comparison · 2 models · Updated Nov 2, 2026

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs GPT Image 1

Preferred for text to image: GPT Image 1 · Preferred for image editing: FLUX.1 Kontext Max · Newest: FLUX.1 Kontext Max. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. Black Forest Labs

    FLUX.1 Kontext Max

    Released May 29, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,182
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove FLUX.1 Kontext Max

  2. OpenAI

    GPT Image 1

    Released Apr 24, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,139
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GPT Image 1

  3. Add a model

    Make it a three-way comparison.

01 — At a glance

Where they differ

Quality is the arena score from blind, side-by-side human votes. Price, length and resolution come from each lab’s own listings.

  • Preferred for text to imageGPT Image 1FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61) · GPT Image 1 1,115 (#49) — blind human votes
  • Preferred for image editingFLUX.1 Kontext MaxFLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,182 (#52) · GPT Image 1 1,139 (#57) — blind human votes
  • NewestFLUX.1 Kontext MaxFLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025 · GPT Image 1 Apr 24, 2025
  • Widest inputsSame inputsFLUX.1 Kontext Max: Text prompts, Reference images · GPT Image 1: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes · GPT Image 1 yes
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsGPT Image 1FLUX.1 Kontext Max: 1 · GPT Image 1: 4
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs GPT Image 1 specifications side by side
SpecificationFLUX.1 Kontext MaxBlack Forest LabsGPT Image 1OpenAI
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,075 ±3#61 of 82 · 65,501 votes1,115 ±3#49 of 82 · 268,430 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,182 ±3#52 of 61 · 390,855 votes (best)1,139 ±3#57 of 61 · 2,869,681 votes
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts14 (best)
ReleasedMay 29, 2025Apr 24, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, FLUX.1 Kontext Max or GPT Image 1?

For text to image, voters prefer GPT Image 1 (FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61) · GPT Image 1 1,115 (#49)). For image editing, voters prefer FLUX.1 Kontext Max (FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,182 (#52) · GPT Image 1 1,139 (#57)). Arena scores come from blind, side-by-side human votes on the same prompts; when the gap is inside both models’ error margins we call it a tie. Test your own prompts before you commit.

What is the difference between FLUX.1 Kontext Max and GPT Image 1?

FLUX.1 Kontext Max is an image model from Black Forest Labs (May 29, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. GPT Image 1 is an image model from OpenAI (Apr 24, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025; GPT Image 1 Apr 24, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes; GPT Image 1 yes.

Can I run any of these on my own hardware?

No open weights. Both are available only through APIs and apps.

04 — Keep comparing

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