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

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs Qwen-Image

Preferred for text to image: FLUX.1 Kontext Max · Newest: Qwen-Image · 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. Alibaba (Qwen)

    Qwen-Image

    Released Aug 7, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Arena1,057
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Qwen-Image

  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 imageFLUX.1 Kontext MaxFLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61) · Qwen-Image 1,057 (#66) — blind human votes
  • NewestQwen-ImageFLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025 · Qwen-Image Aug 7, 2025
  • Widest inputsFLUX.1 Kontext MaxFLUX.1 Kontext Max: Text prompts, Reference images · Qwen-Image: Text prompts
  • Image editingFLUX.1 Kontext MaxTakes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes · Qwen-Image no
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsSame reachFLUX.1 Kontext Max: 1 · Qwen-Image: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.1 Kontext Max vs Qwen-Image specifications side by side
SpecificationFLUX.1 Kontext MaxBlack Forest LabsQwen-ImageAlibaba (Qwen)
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,075 ±3#61 of 82 · 65,501 votes (best)1,057 ±3#66 of 82 · 84,534 votes
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,182 ±3#52 of 61 · 390,855 votes—
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesNo
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts11
ReleasedMay 29, 2025Aug 7, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

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

For text to image, voters prefer FLUX.1 Kontext Max (FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61) · Qwen-Image 1,057 (#66)). 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?

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 is an image model from Alibaba (Qwen) (Aug 7, 2025), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025; Qwen-Image Aug 7, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

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