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

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs Imagen 4

Preferred for text to image: Imagen 4 · Newest: FLUX.1 Kontext Max · Widest inputs: 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. Google

    Imagen 4

    Released May 22, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Arena1,128
    • From$0.04/image
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Imagen 4

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    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 imageImagen 4FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61) · Imagen 4 1,128 (#43) — blind human votes
  • NewestFLUX.1 Kontext MaxFLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025 · Imagen 4 May 22, 2025
  • Widest inputsFLUX.1 Kontext MaxFLUX.1 Kontext Max: Text prompts, Reference images · Imagen 4: Text prompts
  • Image editingFLUX.1 Kontext MaxTakes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes · Imagen 4 no
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsSame reachFLUX.1 Kontext Max: 1 · Imagen 4: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs Imagen 4 specifications side by side
SpecificationFLUX.1 Kontext MaxBlack Forest LabsImagen 4Google
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,075 ±3#61 of 82 · 65,501 votes1,128 ±3#43 of 82 · 539,657 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,182 ±3#52 of 61 · 390,855 votes—
Price
Starting price—$0.04/image standard
How it is billed—Per image
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesNo
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts11
ReleasedMay 29, 2025May 22, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, FLUX.1 Kontext Max or Imagen 4?

For text to image, voters prefer Imagen 4 (FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61) · Imagen 4 1,128 (#43)). 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.

Which is cheaper?

Imagen 4 costs from $0.04/image (standard). FLUX.1 Kontext Max has no published per-image price. Prices are list rates and change often; check the lab before budgeting.

What is the difference between FLUX.1 Kontext Max and Imagen 4?

FLUX.1 Kontext Max is an image model from Black Forest Labs (May 29, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Imagen 4 is an image model from Google (May 22, 2025), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025; Imagen 4 May 22, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes; Imagen 4 no.

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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