Head to head

Stable Diffusion vs FLUX

Stable Diffusion and FLUX both work in AI Image. Here is how they stack up on pricing, access, context and our editorial scores, and which one to pick.

Side by side

Tool
Stable Diffusionby Stability AI4.2Setuproll editorial score
Tool
FLUXby Black Forest Labs4.4Setuproll editorial score
PricingOpen SourceFree, self-host
PricingOpen SourceFree weights, paid hosted API
AccessLocal
AccessLocal
Contextn/a
Contextn/a
Open sourceYes
Open sourceYes
Best forFully local, customisable image gen
Best forOpen, photoreal image generation
Setuproll score4.2
Setuproll score4.4

The verdict

FLUX edges ahead overall, with a 4.4 Setuproll editorial score and a strong fit for open, photoreal image generation. Stable Diffusion is the better pick when you want fully local, customisable image gen, and it stays in the running on price and access. Most teams choose FLUX as the default and reach for Stable Diffusion when their workflow leans that way.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stable Diffusion or FLUX better?

Stable Diffusion holds a 4.2 Setuproll editorial score and is best for fully local, customisable image gen, while FLUX holds a 4.4 and is best for open, photoreal image generation. Pick Stable Diffusion for fully local, customisable image gen and FLUX for open, photoreal image generation.

What is the difference between Stable Diffusion and FLUX?

Stable Diffusion is reached as Local (open source) with n/a, while FLUX is reached as Local (open source) with n/a. They overlap on AI Image but lead in different parts of the workflow.

Is Stable Diffusion cheaper than FLUX?

Stable Diffusion is free, self-host, and FLUX is free weights, paid hosted api. Both have a path to start without a large upfront cost.

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