AI image model comparison
Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs GPT-5 Image
Side by side comparison of Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo and GPT-5 Image on image quality, cost per image, editing features, and more.
Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo is the fast, lower-cost tier of the Qwen Image 2.1 series from Qwen, for image generation and editing where throughput and price matter more than peak
- Per image
- Not available
- Output / 1M
- $4.41
- Image Elo
- Not available
[GPT-5](https://openrouter.ai/openai/gpt-5) Image combines OpenAI's GPT-5 model with state-of-the-art image generation capabilities.
- Per image
- Not available
- Output / 1M
- $40
- Image Elo
- 1188
Comparing chat or coding models? Compare text models
At a glance
Quick verdict
Which model wins on the things that matter most when you're making images.
Cheaper per image
Not available
Per-image price is not available
Better image quality
Not available
Not enough arena data
Better at editing
Not available
Not enough arena data
Newer release
Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo
Released October 16, 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
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboNot available
GPT-5 Image#9 · 53.9% wins1188Image editing
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboNot availableGPT-5 ImageNot availableGraphic design
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboNot availableGPT-5 Image#9 · 48.9% wins1172Logos
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboNot availableGPT-5 Image#9 · 52.7% wins1202Pricing
Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs GPT-5 Image price per image
What each image actually costs, plus the underlying API rates. Cheaper option highlighted.
| Metric | Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo | GPT-5 Image |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024) | Not available | Not available |
| Image outputPer 1M image tokens | $4.41 | $40 |
| Tokens per imageHow many image tokens one ~1MP image uses | Not available | Not available |
| Prompt textPer 1M input tokens | Included | $10 |
What it costs in practice
Estimated totals at standard resolution.
Single image
1 image
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboNot availableGPT-5 ImageNot availableSocial media batch
50 images
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboNot availableGPT-5 ImageNot availableProduct catalog
1,000 images
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboNot availableGPT-5 ImageNot availableSpecs
Inputs, outputs, and limits
What each model accepts, what it gives back, and how long your prompt can be.
| Metric | Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo | GPT-5 Image |
|---|---|---|
| Accepts | Image, Text | File, Image, Text |
| Produces | Image | Image, Text |
| Max prompt lengthText plus reference images | 66K tokens | 400K tokens |
| Reasoning step | No | Always on |
| Release date | October 16, 2026 | October 14, 2025 |
Features
Supported features
Creative controls available for each model.
| Metric | Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo | GPT-5 Image |
|---|---|---|
| Image editingAccepts reference or source images | Supported | Supported |
| Text alongside imagesCan explain or caption what it made | Not supported | Supported |
| Thinks before drawingPlans the image with a reasoning step | Not supported | Supported |
| Reproducible seedsSame seed, same image | Supported | Supported |
| Temperature controlTrade consistency for variety | Supported | Supported |
Keep exploring
More on these models
Other head-to-heads, the full model page, and the alternatives list for each model.
Qwen Image 2.1 TurboView full model details- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs Nano Banana 2.1
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs GPT Image 2.5 Flare
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs Hy Image 3.5 Preview
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs Nano Banana 2 Lite
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs GPT Image 2
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs GPT-5.4 Image 2
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs GPT-5 Image Mini
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs MAI-Image-2.6 Flash
- Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo vs MAI-Image-2.6
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo and GPT-5 Image 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 Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo and GPT-5 Image at the same time?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to multiple image models at once, so you can see Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo and GPT-5 Image results side by side and keep the one you like.
Why choose? Generate with both.
Send one prompt to Qwen Image 2.1 Turbo and GPT-5 Image at the same time. See both images side by side and keep the one you like.