Flux Schnell vs Flux Dev
The two cheapest Flux models — is Flux Dev worth the extra 3 credits over Schnell?
Flux Schnell and Flux Dev are both made by Black Forest Labs, but they serve different purposes. The fastest Flux model — perfect for quick previews and prompt testing. Meanwhile, open-weight 12B model ideal for experimentation and custom workflows. Choosing between them comes down to what you prioritize: Quick previews, or Experimentation.
At 2 credits, Flux Schnell costs 8 credits less than Flux Dev (10 credits). The question is whether the extra cost of Flux Dev translates into meaningfully better results for your use case. For quick previews, testing prompts, iteration at lowest cost, Flux Schnell is hard to beat at its price point. But if you need experimentation, custom workflows, good value, Flux Dev may justify the premium.
Updated March 2026
Flux Dev costs 8 credits more per generation — that adds up fast. Start with Flux Schnell for most work. It handles quick previews, testing prompts, iteration at lowest cost well. Save Flux Dev for when you specifically need experimentation and the quality difference matters.
Flux Schnell vs Flux Dev: Visual Output
Both generated with the same prompt and seed 42. Click to view full size.
Flux SchnellFlux DevFlux Schnell vs Flux Dev: How They Compare
| Flux Schnell | Flux Dev | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Black Forest Labs | Black Forest Labs |
| Released | Aug 2024 | Aug 2024 |
| Cost | 2 | 10 |
| Speed | Fastest | Medium |
| Reference images | ||
| Editing |
Flux Schnell vs Flux Dev: Cost Comparison
Flux Schnell is 80% cheaper than Flux Dev. Here's how credits add up at scale.
| Volume | Flux Schnell | Flux Dev |
|---|---|---|
| 10 images | 20 | 100 |
| 50 images | 100 | 500 |
| 100 images | 200 | 1,000 |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Flux Schnell
- + More affordable (2 vs 10 credits)
- + Faster generation speed
- + Quick previews
- + Fastest inference speed
- + Only 2 credits per image
- - No built-in editing
Flux Dev
- + Experimentation
- + Built-in image editing
- + Open-weight model
- + Acceleration modes (none/regular/high)
- + Image-to-image editing
- - More expensive (10 vs 2 credits)
Flux Schnell vs Flux Dev: Which to Pick?
On a tight budget
At 2 credits per image, Flux Schnell gives you more generations for your plan. Good enough quality for most everyday use.
Maximum quality matters
Flux Dev is worth the extra credits when the output needs to be perfect — portfolio pieces, client work, or final deliverables.
Rapid iteration and testing
Flux Schnell's fastest generation means you can test more prompts in less time. Great for exploration.
Editing existing images
Flux Dev's built-in editing lets you refine and modify images with prompt-driven changes instead of starting from scratch.
Flux Schnell vs Flux Dev: FAQ
Try Flux Schnell & Flux Dev
Compare Flux Schnell, Flux Dev, and 15+ AI image models side by side. Switch models with one click, same credits.
Start Generating Images
