Flux Dev vs Nano Banana 2
Budget Flux Dev at 5 credits vs Google's premium at 15 — is the price gap justified?
Flux Dev from Black Forest Labs and Nano Banana 2 from Google represent two different approaches to AI image generation. Open-weight 12B model ideal for experimentation and custom workflows. On the other side, google's latest image model with exceptional text rendering and multi-image compositing.
At 10 credits, Flux Dev costs 5 credits less than Nano Banana 2 (15 credits). The question is whether the extra cost of Nano Banana 2 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 text rendering, character consistency, multi-image compositing, Nano Banana 2 may justify the premium.
Updated March 2026
Flux Dev (10 credits) offers better value for everyday use, especially for experimentation. Nano Banana 2 (15 credits) is worth the premium when you need text rendering. Both are available on Melies — try each with a test prompt to see which fits your style.
Flux Dev vs Nano Banana 2: Visual Output
Both generated with the same prompt and seed 42. Click to view full size.
Flux Dev
Nano Banana 2Flux Dev vs Nano Banana 2: How They Compare
| Flux Dev | Nano Banana 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Black Forest Labs | |
| Released | Aug 2024 | Feb 2026 |
| Cost | 10 | 80.5K/151K/252K/404K |
| Speed | Medium | Fast |
| Reference images | Up to 14 | |
| Editing | ||
| WebP output |
Flux Dev vs Nano Banana 2: Cost Comparison
Flux Dev is 33% cheaper than Nano Banana 2. Here's how credits add up at scale.
| Volume | Flux Dev | Nano Banana 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Nano Banana 2
- + Faster generation speed
- + Text rendering
- + Supports 14 reference images
- + WebP output for smaller file sizes
- + More resolution options
- - More expensive (15 vs 10 credits)
Flux Dev vs Nano Banana 2: 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
Nano Banana 2 is worth the extra credits when the output needs to be perfect — portfolio pieces, client work, or final deliverables.
Character or style consistency
Nano Banana 2 supports 14 reference images to keep subjects, styles, and characters consistent across generations.
Rapid iteration and testing
Nano Banana 2's fast generation means you can test more prompts in less time. Great for exploration.
Flux Dev vs Nano Banana 2: FAQ
Try Flux Dev & Nano Banana 2
Compare Flux Dev, Nano Banana 2, and 15+ AI image models side by side. Switch models with one click, same credits.
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