AI image generators
FLUX: review, pricing, data and alternatives
FLUX lets people creating visuals generate and edit images using descriptions or instructions. It also supports combining reference images, extending images beyond their frame, and creating videos with sound. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $0.01 pay as you go. Access and transparency score: 73/100, #6 of 38 in its category.
What is FLUX?
FLUX lets people creating visuals generate and edit images using descriptions or instructions. It also supports combining reference images, extending images beyond their frame, and creating videos with sound.
According to its documentation, FLUX lets you:
- generate images from descriptions
- edit images using instructions
- combine multiple reference images
- extend an image beyond its frame
- create videos with sound
We file it under AI image generators, the category of tools to create images from text, and it also overlaps with aI photo editing and aI video generators. The category lists 38 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Black Forest Labs Inc. / BFL GmbH, based in Germany. The service launched in 2024.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: graphic designers, developers, marketers, and video creators. The need it covers is simple to state: create images from text.
FLUX is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you want to read the code or host it yourself
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does FLUX cost?
Pricing model: open source (public code). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $0.01 pay as you go (Hosted FLUX.2 klein 4B: from USD 0.014 per image; identical pricing in the Playground and through the API according to the official help center), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
The publisher does not clearly state where data is hosted. Assume your content may leave your region.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
Exporting your content: JPEG, PNG. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
FLUX runs on: web browser and API.
Interface languages are not specified.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
The source code is public: black-forest-labsblack-forest-labs/flux.
How we scored it
Our 73/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 25/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 30/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 18/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
FLUX against other tools in the aI image generators category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLUX | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 73 |
| RunDiffusion | Yes | $8.79 per month | Yes | 81 |
| Krea | Yes | $5 per month | Yes | 78 |
| Ideogram | Yes | $15 per month | Yes | 75 |
| Stable Diffusion | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 75 |
| Adobe Firefly | Yes | $9.99 per month | Yes | 73 |
| Leonardo.Ai | Yes | $12 per month | Yes | 71 |
| Scenario | Yes | $15 per month | Yes | 71 |
Verdict
FLUX is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Public source code
Limitations
- Data hosting not disclosed
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
Alternatives
- RunDiffusionfree tier
- Kreafree tier
- Ideogramfree tier
- Stable Diffusionfree tier
- Adobe Fireflyfree tier
- Leonardo.Aifree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is FLUX free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $0.01 pay as you go.
Where is FLUX data stored?
The publisher does not clearly say so in its public documentation.
Does FLUX have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to FLUX?
In the same category: RunDiffusion, Krea, Ideogram, and Stable Diffusion.
FLUX or RunDiffusion: which one to choose?
FLUX starts at $0.01 pay as you go, RunDiffusion at $8.79 per month and our score is 73/100 for FLUX and 81/100 for RunDiffusion. Try both on the same task before paying.
Related articles
- Creating videos with AI: what works todayOctober 10, 2026
- Generating images with AI: tools, pricing, and limitationsOctober 9, 2026
- How to use NotebookLM: a complete guideOctober 8, 2026
- Free ChatGPT alternatives: what they actually offerOctober 7, 2026
Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score