AI image model comparison

FLUX.2 Klein 4B vs FLUX.2 Max

Image quality, cost per image, and editing features compared side by side. Or skip the guesswork and generate with both.

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Black Forest Labs

FLUX.2 Klein 4B

FLUX.2 [klein] 4B is the fastest and most cost-effective model in the FLUX.2 family, optimized for high-throughput use cases while maintaining excellent image quality.

Per image
$0.014
Output / 1M
$3.42
Image Elo
1063
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Black Forest Labs

FLUX.2 Max

FLUX.2 [max] is the new top-tier image model from Black Forest Labs, pushing image quality, prompt understanding, and editing consistency to the highest level yet.

Per image
$0.07
Output / 1M
$17.09
Image Elo
Not available

At a glance

Quick verdict

Which model wins on the things that matter most when you're making images.

Cheaper per image

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FLUX.2 Klein 4B

$0.014 vs $0.07, 5x cheaper

Better image quality

Not available

Not enough arena data

Better at editing

Not available

Only one editing score is available

Newer release

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FLUX.2 Klein 4B

Released January 14, 2026

Quality

Image quality rankings

Elo ratings from Design Arena, where people vote between two anonymous images made from the same prompt. Higher is better.

Image generation

black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4B#12 · 38.8% wins1063
black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 MaxNot available

Image editing

black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4B#8 · 38.9% wins1055
black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 MaxNot available

Graphic design

black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4B#12 · 35.8% wins1004
black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 MaxNot available

Logos

black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4B#12 · 37.9% wins1058
black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 MaxNot available

Pricing

FLUX.2 Klein 4B vs FLUX.2 Max price per image

What each image actually costs, plus the underlying API rates. Cheaper option highlighted.

Metricblack-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4Bblack-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Max
Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024)$0.014$0.07
Image outputPer 1M image tokens$3.42$17.09
Tokens per imageHow many image tokens one ~1MP image uses4,0964,096
Prompt textPer 1M input tokensIncludedIncluded

What it costs in practice

Estimated totals at standard resolution.

Single image

1 image

black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4B$0.014
black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Max$0.07

Social media batch

50 images

black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4B$0.70
black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Max$3.50

Product catalog

1,000 images

black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4B$14
black-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Max$70

Specs

Inputs, outputs, and limits

What each model accepts, what it gives back, and how long your prompt can be.

Metricblack-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4Bblack-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Max
AcceptsImage, TextImage, Text
ProducesImageImage
Max prompt lengthText plus reference images41K tokens47K tokens
Reasoning stepNoNo
Release dateJanuary 14, 2026December 16, 2025

Features

Supported features

Creative controls available for each model.

Metricblack-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Klein 4Bblack-forest-labs logoFLUX.2 Max
Image editingAccepts reference or source imagesSupportedSupported
Text alongside imagesCan explain or caption what it madeNot supportedNot supported
Thinks before drawingPlans the image with a reasoning stepNot supportedNot supported
Reproducible seedsSame seed, same imageSupportedSupported
Temperature controlTrade consistency for varietyNot supportedNot supported

Our take

FLUX.2 Klein 4B is 5x cheaper per image. The right pick depends on your workload, so the quickest way to settle it is to send the same prompt to both and compare.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is FLUX.2 Klein 4B or FLUX.2 Max cheaper?

FLUX.2 Klein 4B is cheaper at about $0.014 per standard image, compared with $0.07 for FLUX.2 Max. For 1,000 images that is $14 versus $70.

Can FLUX.2 Klein 4B and FLUX.2 Max edit existing images?

Yes. Both accept reference images, so you can upload a photo and ask for changes like a new background, different lighting, or added text.

Can I use FLUX.2 Klein 4B and FLUX.2 Max at the same time?

Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to multiple image models at once, so you can see FLUX.2 Klein 4B and FLUX.2 Max results side by side and keep the one you like.

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Why choose? Generate with both.

Send one prompt to FLUX.2 Klein 4B and FLUX.2 Max at the same time. See both images side by side and keep the one you like.