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

GPT Image 1 vs FLUX.1 Kontext Max

Preferred for text to image: GPT Image 1 · Preferred for image editing: FLUX.1 Kontext Max · Newest: FLUX.1 Kontext Max. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. OpenAI

    GPT Image 1

    Released Apr 24, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,139
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GPT Image 1

  2. 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

  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 imageGPT Image 1GPT Image 1 1,115 (#49) · FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61) — blind human votes
  • Preferred for image editingFLUX.1 Kontext MaxGPT Image 1 1,139 (#57) · FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,182 (#52) — blind human votes
  • NewestFLUX.1 Kontext MaxGPT Image 1 Apr 24, 2025 · FLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025
  • Widest inputsSame inputsGPT Image 1: Text prompts, Reference images · FLUX.1 Kontext Max: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: GPT Image 1 yes · FLUX.1 Kontext Max yes
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsGPT Image 1GPT Image 1: 4 · FLUX.1 Kontext Max: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

GPT Image 1 vs FLUX.1 Kontext Max specifications side by side
SpecificationGPT Image 1OpenAIFLUX.1 Kontext MaxBlack Forest Labs
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,115 ±3#49 of 82 · 268,430 votes (best)1,075 ±3#61 of 82 · 65,501 votes
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,139 ±3#57 of 61 · 2,869,681 votes1,182 ±3#52 of 61 · 390,855 votes (best)
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts4 (best)1
ReleasedApr 24, 2025May 29, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

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

For text to image, voters prefer GPT Image 1 (GPT Image 1 1,115 (#49) · FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,075 (#61)). For image editing, voters prefer FLUX.1 Kontext Max (GPT Image 1 1,139 (#57) · FLUX.1 Kontext Max 1,182 (#52)). 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 GPT Image 1 and FLUX.1 Kontext Max?

GPT Image 1 is an image model from OpenAI (Apr 24, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. FLUX.1 Kontext Max is an image model from Black Forest Labs (May 29, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

GPT Image 1 Apr 24, 2025; FLUX.1 Kontext Max May 29, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

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