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

Seedream 4.0 vs Qwen-Image

Preferred for text to image: Seedream 4.0 · Newest: Seedream 4.0 · Widest inputs: Seedream 4.0. Quality scores are blind human-preference votes; specs and prices come from each lab’s listings.

  1. ByteDance Seed

    Seedream 4.0

    Released Sep 9, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Image editing
    • Arena1,267
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Seedream 4.0

  2. Alibaba (Qwen)

    Qwen-Image

    Released Aug 7, 2025

    • Text to image
    • Arena1,057
    • From—
    • Max size—
    Full specs Remove Qwen-Image

  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 4.0Seedream 4.0 1,139 (#40) · Qwen-Image 1,057 (#66) — blind human votes
  • NewestSeedream 4.0Seedream 4.0 Sep 9, 2025 · Qwen-Image Aug 7, 2025
  • Widest inputsSeedream 4.0Seedream 4.0: Text prompts, Reference images · Qwen-Image: Text prompts
  • Image editingSeedream 4.0Takes a reference image as input: Seedream 4.0 yes · Qwen-Image no
  • Self-hostingNo open weightsBoth are available only through APIs and apps
  • Most API hostsSame reachSeedream 4.0: 1 · Qwen-Image: 1
02 — Side by side

Every spec in one table

Dashes mean the data is not published.

Seedream 4.0 vs Qwen-Image specifications side by side
SpecificationSeedream 4.0ByteDance SeedQwen-ImageAlibaba (Qwen)
Quality (blind human votes)
Text to image arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,139 ±7#40 of 82 · 12,563 votes (best)1,057 ±3#66 of 82 · 84,534 votes
Image editing arenaElo-style score · higher is better1,267 ±7#34 of 61 · 210,031 votes—
Output
ProducesImagesImages
Inputs
Text promptsYesYes
Reference images (editing)YesNo
Access
WeightsProprietaryProprietary
API hosts11
ReleasedSep 9, 2025Aug 7, 2025
03 — Questions

Which should you choose?

Which is better, Seedream 4.0 or Qwen-Image?

For text to image, voters prefer Seedream 4.0 (Seedream 4.0 1,139 (#40) · Qwen-Image 1,057 (#66)). 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 Seedream 4.0 and Qwen-Image?

Seedream 4.0 is an image model from ByteDance Seed (Sep 9, 2025), taking text prompts and reference images and producing images. Qwen-Image is an image model from Alibaba (Qwen) (Aug 7, 2025), taking text prompts and producing images.

Which is newer?

Seedream 4.0 Sep 9, 2025; Qwen-Image Aug 7, 2025.

Which can edit an existing image?

Takes a reference image as input: Seedream 4.0 yes; Qwen-Image no.

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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