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

GPT Image 2 vs Seedream 5.0 Pro

Preferred for text to image: GPT Image 2 · Preferred for image editing: GPT Image 2 · Lowest entry price: GPT Image 2. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. OpenAI

    GPT Image 2

    Released Apr 21, 2026

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,460
    • From$0.006/image
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove GPT Image 2

  2. ByteDance Seed

    Seedream 5.0 Pro

    Released Jul 11, 2026

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,390
    • From$0.045/image
    • Max size2K
    Full specs Remove Seedream 5.0 Pro

  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 2GPT Image 2 1,381 (#3) · Seedream 5.0 Pro 1,250 (#14) — blind human votes
  • Preferred for image editingGPT Image 2GPT Image 2 1,460 (#4) · Seedream 5.0 Pro 1,390 (#13) — blind human votes
  • Lowest entry priceGPT Image 2GPT Image 2 from $0.006/image (1024×1024, low) · Seedream 5.0 Pro from $0.045/image (1K)
  • NewestSeedream 5.0 ProGPT Image 2 Apr 21, 2026 · Seedream 5.0 Pro Jul 11, 2026
  • Widest inputsSame inputsGPT Image 2: Text prompts, Reference images · Seedream 5.0 Pro: Text prompts, Reference images
  • Image editingBoth edit imagesTakes a reference image as input: GPT Image 2 yes · Seedream 5.0 Pro yes
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsGPT Image 2GPT Image 2: 9 · Seedream 5.0 Pro: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

GPT Image 2 vs Seedream 5.0 Pro specifications side by side
SpecificationGPT Image 2OpenAISeedream 5.0 ProByteDance Seed
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,381 ±4#3 of 82 · 103,385 votes (best)1,250 ±4#14 of 82 · 105,824 votes
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,460 ±3#4 of 61 · 336,785 votes (best)1,390 ±3#13 of 61 · 317,111 votes
Price
Starting price$0.006/image 1024×1024, low (best)$0.045/image 1K
Top price$0.211/image 1024×1024, high$0.09/image 2K
How it is billedBilled per token; measured cost of one square image at each quality setting.Per image
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Resolutions—1K · 2K
Highest resolution—2K
Largest image—2K (about 4 MP)
Images per requestUp to 10 (best)Up to 1
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesYes
Max reference images16 (best)14
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API model IDgpt-image-2—
API hosts9 (best)1
ReleasedApr 21, 2026Jul 11, 2026
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, GPT Image 2 or Seedream 5.0 Pro?

For text to image, voters prefer GPT Image 2 (GPT Image 2 1,381 (#3) · Seedream 5.0 Pro 1,250 (#14)). For image editing, voters prefer GPT Image 2 (GPT Image 2 1,460 (#4) · Seedream 5.0 Pro 1,390 (#13)). 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?

GPT Image 2 costs from $0.006/image (1024×1024, low), up to $0.211/image (1024×1024, high); Seedream 5.0 Pro costs from $0.045/image (1K), up to $0.09/image (2K). Prices are list rates and change often; check the lab before budgeting.

What is the difference between GPT Image 2 and Seedream 5.0 Pro?

GPT Image 2 is an image model from OpenAI (Apr 21, 2026), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Seedream 5.0 Pro is an image model from ByteDance Seed (Jul 11, 2026), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images.

Which is newer?

GPT Image 2 Apr 21, 2026; Seedream 5.0 Pro Jul 11, 2026.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: GPT Image 2 yes; Seedream 5.0 Pro 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

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