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

FLUX.1 Kontext Pro vs Imagen 4 Ultra

Preferred for text to image: Imagen 4 Ultra · Newest: FLUX.1 Kontext Pro · Widest inputs: FLUX.1 Kontext Pro. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

Black Forest Labs
FLUX.1 Kontext Pro
Released May 29, 2025
- Text to image
- Image editing
- Arena1,177
- From—
- Max size—
Full specs Remove FLUX.1 Kontext Pro
Google
Imagen 4 Ultra
Released May 24, 2025
- Text to image
- Arena1,146
- From$0.06/image
- Max size—
Full specs Remove Imagen 4 Ultra
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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 4 UltraFLUX.1 Kontext Pro 1,059 (#64) · Imagen 4 Ultra 1,146 (#37) — blind human votes
NewestFLUX.1 Kontext ProFLUX.1 Kontext Pro May 29, 2025 · Imagen 4 Ultra May 24, 2025
Widest inputsFLUX.1 Kontext ProFLUX.1 Kontext Pro: Text prompts, Reference images · Imagen 4 Ultra: Text prompts
Image editingFLUX.1 Kontext ProTakes a reference image as input: FLUX.1 Kontext Pro yes · Imagen 4 Ultra no
Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
Most API hostsSame reachFLUX.1 Kontext Pro: 1 · Imagen 4 Ultra: 1

02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.1 Kontext Pro vs Imagen 4 Ultra specifications side by side
Specification	FLUX.1 Kontext ProBlack Forest Labs	Imagen 4 UltraGoogle
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better	1,059 ±3#64 of 82 · 332,362 votes	1,146 ±4#37 of 82 · 388,723 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better	1,177 ±3#54 of 61 · 6,404,497 votes	—
Price
Starting price	—	$0.06/image standard
How it is billed	—	Per image
Output
Produces	Images	Images
Inputs
Text prompts	Yes	Yes
Reference images (editing)	Yes	No
Access
Weights	Proprietary	Proprietary
API hosts	1	1
Released	May 29, 2025	May 24, 2025

03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

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

For text to image, voters prefer Imagen 4 Ultra (FLUX.1 Kontext Pro 1,059 (#64) · Imagen 4 Ultra 1,146 (#37)). 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 Ultra costs from $0.06/image (standard). FLUX.1 Kontext Pro 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 Pro and Imagen 4 Ultra?

FLUX.1 Kontext Pro is an image model from Black Forest Labs (May 29, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Imagen 4 Ultra is an image model from Google (May 24, 2025), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.1 Kontext Pro May 29, 2025; Imagen 4 Ultra May 24, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

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

Can I run any of these on my own hardware?

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