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

FLUX.2 [klein] 9B vs Seedream 4.5

Preferred for text to image: Seedream 4.5 · Preferred for image editing: Seedream 4.5 · Newest: FLUX.2 [klein] 9B. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. Black Forest Labs

    FLUX.2 [klein] 9B

    Released Jan 15, 2026

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,224
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove FLUX.2 [klein] 9B

  2. ByteDance Seed

    Seedream 4.5

    Released Dec 3, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,303
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Seedream 4.5

  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 imageSeedream 4.5FLUX.2 [klein] 9B 1,070 (#62) · Seedream 4.5 1,149 (#35) — blind human votes
  • Preferred for image editingSeedream 4.5FLUX.2 [klein] 9B 1,224 (#44) · Seedream 4.5 1,303 (#27) — blind human votes
  • NewestFLUX.2 [klein] 9BFLUX.2 [klein] 9B Jan 15, 2026 · Seedream 4.5 Dec 3, 2025
  • Widest inputsSame inputsFLUX.2 [klein] 9B: Text prompts, Reference images · Seedream 4.5: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: FLUX.2 [klein] 9B yes · Seedream 4.5 yes
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsSame reachFLUX.2 [klein] 9B: 1 · Seedream 4.5: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

FLUX.2 [klein] 9B vs Seedream 4.5 specifications side by side
SpecificationFLUX.2 [klein] 9BBlack Forest LabsSeedream 4.5ByteDance Seed
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,070 ±3#62 of 82 · 150,695 votes1,149 ±3#35 of 82 · 318,120 votes (best)
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,224 ±3#44 of 61 · 540,682 votes1,303 ±2#27 of 61 · 1,361,328 votes (best)
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts11
ReleasedJan 15, 2026Dec 3, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, FLUX.2 [klein] 9B or Seedream 4.5?

For text to image, voters prefer Seedream 4.5 (FLUX.2 [klein] 9B 1,070 (#62) · Seedream 4.5 1,149 (#35)). For image editing, voters prefer Seedream 4.5 (FLUX.2 [klein] 9B 1,224 (#44) · Seedream 4.5 1,303 (#27)). 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.2 [klein] 9B and Seedream 4.5?

FLUX.2 [klein] 9B is an image model from Black Forest Labs (Jan 15, 2026), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Seedream 4.5 is an image model from ByteDance Seed (Dec 3, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

FLUX.2 [klein] 9B Jan 15, 2026; Seedream 4.5 Dec 3, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: FLUX.2 [klein] 9B yes; Seedream 4.5 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

Related comparisons