AI API Models Prices
Last updated: September, 2026
1. What kind of images?
2. Where will it run?
3. What matters more?
How to choose an image model
1. Look at samples in your style
Some models excel at photos, others at illustrations or text inside images. Try the same prompt on two or three models and compare.
2. Editing needs image input
To change an existing picture, pick a model that also reads images — use the 'Reads images' chip.
3. Count the cost per image
Prices vary a lot. For large batches, a cheaper model can save a lot with little quality loss.
Frequently asked questions
How are image models billed?
Usually per image or per token of output — see each model page.
Can they put text inside images?
The newest models are much better at it. Test with your own text.
Can I edit my own photos?
Yes, with models that accept an image as input.
What does the rating for image generation models mean?
Each model is rated from 1.0 to 5.0 specifically for image generation. Green is 4.0 and above, yellow 3.0–3.9, red below 3.0. The same model can score differently in another category.
How is the rating calculated?
It comes from public data, not paid reviews: 50% production adoption (public leaderboard standing, routing popularity and download volume), 30% the benchmark that matters for this category, and 20% tooling and value for money (tool calling, structured outputs, context size and price against the category median).
What does the ✓ next to a rating mean?
It means an independent lab — LMArena or Artificial Analysis — has tested the model. Ratings without it are estimated from published specs such as context size, tooling support and price.
How are brand-new frontier models rated?
When a new model has strong independent benchmark results but no public usage data yet, adoption is left out instead of counted as low, and the rating uses 60% benchmark and 40% tooling and value.
How often are ratings updated?
Every week. If a source can't be reached, the previous week's figure is kept.
