Best AI Image Editing Models: 10 Tools Compared
Edit existing images with AI prompts. Compare 10 models that can modify, transform, and refine your images without regenerating from scratch.
AI image editing lets you modify existing images using text prompts. Change backgrounds, add or remove objects, adjust styles, and refine details without starting from scratch. Not every AI image model supports editing, so this comparison focuses on the 10 models that do. The quality of edits varies significantly depending on the model and the type of change you need.
Seedream v4 Edit (8 credits) is the most affordable editing model, purpose-built for image modifications. Seedream 4.5 (10 credits), Seedream 5 Lite (10 credits), Ideogram V3 (10 credits), and FLUX Dev (5 credits) offer editing as part of their broader capabilities. Ideogram V3 excels at text and typography edits. Seedream 5 Lite adds chain-of-thought reasoning and web search for more accurate edits. Nano Banana 2 (15 credits) from Google, GPT Image 2 (20 credits) from OpenAI, and Grok Imagine (15 credits) from xAI handle complex multi-step edits. FLUX.2 Pro (20 credits) and FLUX.2 Max (25 credits) deliver the highest fidelity edits with the best detail preservation.
On Melies, upload any image and describe the edit you want. The AI applies the changes while preserving the parts of the image you didn't mention. Compare edits across models to find which handles your specific type of modification best.
Updated May 2026
Quick Recommendation
For most users, start with Seedream 4 Edit (10 credits) — it's the best value. Need speed? Nano Banana 2 is the fastest option. For maximum quality, FLUX.2 [max] (25 credits) delivers the best results. All models are available on Melies with shared credits.
Visual Comparison: Same Prompt, Every Model
All generated with the same prompt and seed 42. Click models to toggle.
Nano Banana 2
FLUX.2 [max]
Seedream 4.5FLUX.2 [pro]
Grok ImagineFlux DevImage Model Specs: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Released | Cost ↑ | Speed | Resolution | Refs | Edit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seedream 4 Edit | Sep 2025 | 10 | Medium | Up to 4K | 10 | |
| Seedream 4.5 | Dec 2025 | 10 | Medium | Up to 4K | 10 | |
| Seedream 5 Lite | Feb 2026 | 10 | Medium | 3K | 10 | |
 Ideogram V3 | Dec 2025 | 10 | Medium | landscape_16_9 | 1 | |
| Flux Dev | Aug 2024 | 10 | Medium | 1K | — | |
| Nano Banana 2 | Feb 2026 | 8–40 | Fast | Up to 4K | 14 | |
| Grok Imagine | Jul 2025 | 15 | Medium | 1K | 3 | |
 GPT Image 2 | Apr 2026 | 20 | Medium | Up to 4K | 1 | |
| FLUX.2 [pro] | Nov 2025 | 20 | Medium | Up to 4K | — | |
| FLUX.2 [max] | Dec 2025 | 25 | Slower | Up to 4K | — |
Each Model at a Glance
Nano Banana 2
Google8–40Google's latest image model with exceptional text rendering and multi-image compositing.
GPT Image 2
OpenAI20OpenAI's latest image model with state-of-the-art photorealism, pixel-perfect text rendering, and flexible resolutions up to 4K.
FLUX.2 [max]
Black Forest Labs25Maximum performance Flux model with highest editing consistency and prompt following.
Seedream 4 Edit
ByteDance10ByteDance's image editing model with precise prompt-driven transformations.
Seedream 4.5
ByteDance10ByteDance's flagship model with stunning aesthetics and complex scene understanding.
Seedream 5 Lite
ByteDance10ByteDance's reasoning image model with chain-of-thought reasoning and live web search.
Ideogram V3
Ideogram10Best-in-class typography and text rendering with near-perfect accuracy across creative and realistic styles.
Grok Imagine
xAI15xAI's flagship image model with exceptional realism and artistic range.
FLUX.2 [pro]
Black Forest Labs20Production-grade image generation and editing at an affordable price point.
Flux Dev
Black Forest Labs10Open-weight 12B model ideal for experimentation and custom workflows.
Which AI Image Model Should You Pick?
Best value for everyday use
At 10 credits, Seedream 4 Edit gives you the most generations per plan. Image editing, style transfer, adding/removing elements.
Maximum quality, no budget concerns
FLUX.2 [max] at 25 credits delivers the highest quality. Maximum quality, editing workflows, style-faithful generation.
Rapid iteration and testing
Nano Banana 2 has the fastest generation speed — great for testing prompts and iterating quickly.
Editing existing images
Seedream 4 Edit supports prompt-driven image editing — refine and transform images without starting from scratch.
Character or brand consistency
Supports up to 14 reference images to maintain visual consistency across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try All 10 Models on Melies
Seedream 4 Edit, Seedream 4.5, Seedream 5 Lite and more — all in one workspace. Switch models with one click, compare results side by side. Free credits included.