AI image models compared

A quick overview of the main AI image models: how good they are, what they cost and how fast they are. These are orders of magnitude, not precise scores: models with the same number of squares are on par.

A simplified summary inspired by the excellent image model benchmark of OpenRouter. Data from October 29, 2026.

Best AI image generation models

Creating an image from a text prompt, in any style.

  1. Riverflow V2.5 Pro
  2. GPT Image 2.5 Flare
  3. GPT-5.4 Image 2
  4. GPT Image 2
  5. GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
See the full ranking

Best AI image editing models

Changing an existing image, or combining reference images, while keeping what must stay the same.

  1. Seedream 5.0 Flash
  2. Hy Image 3.5 Preview
  3. GPT Image 2.5 Flare
  4. GPT Image 2
  5. MAI-Image-2.6
See the full ranking