Flux Dev vs Grok Imagine
Budget-friendly Flux Dev vs xAI's mid-range Grok — different price points, different strengths.
Flux Dev from Black Forest Labs and Grok Imagine from xAI represent two different approaches to AI image generation. Open-weight 12B model ideal for experimentation and custom workflows. On the other side, xAI's flagship image model with exceptional realism and artistic range.
At 10 credits, Flux Dev costs 5 credits less than Grok Imagine (15 credits). The question is whether the extra cost of Grok Imagine translates into meaningfully better results for your use case. For experimentation, custom workflows, good value, Flux Dev is hard to beat at its price point. But if you need photorealism, artistic range, unusual aspect ratios, Grok Imagine may justify the premium.
Updated March 2026
Flux Dev (10 credits) offers better value for everyday use, especially for experimentation. Grok Imagine (15 credits) is worth the premium when you need photorealism. Both are available on Melies — try each with a test prompt to see which fits your style.
Flux Dev vs Grok Imagine: Visual Output
Both generated with the same prompt and seed 42. Click to view full size.
Flux Dev
Grok ImagineFlux Dev vs Grok Imagine: How They Compare
| Flux Dev | Grok Imagine | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Black Forest Labs | xAI |
| Released | Aug 2024 | Jul 2025 |
| Cost | 10 | 15 |
| Speed | Medium | Medium |
| Reference images | Up to 3 | |
| Editing | ||
| WebP output |
Flux Dev vs Grok Imagine: Cost Comparison
Flux Dev is 33% cheaper than Grok Imagine. Here's how credits add up at scale.
| Volume | Flux Dev | Grok Imagine |
|---|---|---|
| 10 images | 100 | 150 |
| 50 images | 500 | 750 |
| 100 images | 1,000 | 1,500 |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Flux Dev
- + More affordable (10 vs 15 credits)
- + Experimentation
- + Open-weight model
- + Acceleration modes (none/regular/high)
- + Image-to-image editing
- - No reference image support
- - No WebP output
Grok Imagine
- + Photorealism
- + Supports 3 reference images
- + WebP output for smaller file sizes
- + 13 aspect ratio options (most of any model)
- - More expensive (15 vs 10 credits)
Flux Dev vs Grok Imagine: Which to Pick?
On a tight budget
At 10 credits per image, Flux Dev gives you more generations for your plan. Good enough quality for most everyday use.
Maximum quality matters
Grok Imagine is worth the extra credits when the output needs to be perfect — portfolio pieces, client work, or final deliverables.
Character or style consistency
Grok Imagine supports 3 reference images to keep subjects, styles, and characters consistent across generations.
Flux Dev vs Grok Imagine: FAQ
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