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

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs Qwen-Image Edit

Preferred for image editing: Qwen-Image Edit · Newest: Qwen-Image Edit · Self-hosting: No open weights. 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. Alibaba (Qwen)

    Qwen-Image Edit

    Released Aug 19, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,241
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Qwen-Image Edit

  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 image editingQwen-Image EditFLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,182 (#52) · Qwen-Image Edit 1,241 (#39) — blind human votes
  • NewestQwen-Image EditFLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025 · Qwen-Image Edit Aug 19, 2025
  • Widest inputsSame inputsFLUX.1 Kontext Max: Text prompts, Reference images · Qwen-Image Edit: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes · Qwen-Image Edit yes
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsSame reachFLUX.1 Kontext Max: 1 · Qwen-Image Edit: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs Qwen-Image Edit specifications side by side
SpecificationFLUX.1 Kontext MaxBlack Forest LabsQwen-Image EditAlibaba (Qwen)
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,075 ±3#61 of 82 · 65,501 votes—
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,182 ±3#52 of 61 · 390,855 votes1,241 ±3#39 of 61 · 2,021,753 votes (best)
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts11
ReleasedMay 29, 2025Aug 19, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, FLUX.1 Kontext Max or Qwen-Image Edit?

For image editing, voters prefer Qwen-Image Edit (FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,182 (#52) · Qwen-Image Edit 1,241 (#39)). 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 Qwen-Image Edit?

FLUX.1 Kontext Max is an image model from Black Forest Labs (May 29, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Qwen-Image Edit is an image model from Alibaba (Qwen) (Aug 19, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025; Qwen-Image Edit Aug 19, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes; Qwen-Image Edit 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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