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

GLM-Image vs Recraft V4

Preferred for text to image: Recraft V4 · Newest: Recraft V4 · Widest inputs: GLM-Image. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. Z.ai (Zhipu)

    GLM-Image

    Released Jan 14, 2026

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,012
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GLM-Image

  2. Recraft

    Recraft V4

    Released Feb 17, 2026

    • Text to image
    • Arena1,115
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Recraft V4

  3. Add a model

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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 imageRecraft V4GLM-Image 1,012 (#76) · Recraft V4 1,115 (#50) — blind human votes
  • NewestRecraft V4GLM-Image Jan 14, 2026 · Recraft V4 Feb 17, 2026
  • Widest inputsGLM-ImageGLM-Image: Text prompts, Reference images · Recraft V4: Text prompts
  • Image editingGLM-ImageTakes a reference image as input: GLM-Image yes · Recraft V4 no
  • Self-hostingGLM-ImageDownloadable weights (MIT)
  • Most API hostsSame reachGLM-Image: 1 · Recraft V4: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

GLM-Image vs Recraft V4 specifications side by side
SpecificationGLM-ImageZ.ai (Zhipu)Recraft V4Recraft
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,012 ±9#76 of 82 · 4,854 votes1,115 ±3#50 of 82 · 149,367 votes (best)
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesNo
Access
WeightsOpenMITProprietary
API hosts11
ReleasedJan 14, 2026Feb 17, 2026
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, GLM-Image or Recraft V4?

For text to image, voters prefer Recraft V4 (GLM-Image 1,012 (#76) · Recraft V4 1,115 (#50)). 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 GLM-Image and Recraft V4?

GLM-Image is an image model from Z.ai (Zhipu) (Jan 14, 2026), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Recraft V4 is an image model from Recraft (Feb 17, 2026), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

GLM-Image Jan 14, 2026; Recraft V4 Feb 17, 2026.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: GLM-Image yes; Recraft V4 no.

Can I run any of these on my own hardware?

GLM-Image. Downloadable weights (MIT).

04 — Keep comparing

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