DALL-E vs Flux
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool for your business
Our Verdict: Flux wins by default: DALL-E was retired May 12, 2026 (successor: gpt-image-2)
Important update: OpenAI shut down DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3 on May 12, 2026, so DALL-E can no longer be adopted: Flux wins this matchup by default. OpenAI's current image model is gpt-image-2, priced per token ($8/1M input + $30/1M output) rather than per image. If you want a managed OpenAI API, evaluate gpt-image-2; if image quality and customization matter more than convenience, Flux remains the better model. The comparison below is preserved for historical context.
At a Glance
No longer available, new integrations should use gpt-image-2
Discontinued May 12, 2026, successor gpt-image-2: $8/1M input + $30/1M output tokens (API)
beginner
N/A (retired)
Teams that need maximum image quality with customization options
Free (self-hosted) / $0.003-0.05 per image (API providers)
intermediate
2-5 days
Feature Comparison
| Feature | DALL-E | Flux |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Retired May 2026 (successor: gpt-image-2) | Active |
| Image quality | Was good (illustrative style) | Excellent (photorealistic) |
| Text rendering | Was good | Best-in-class |
| API simplicity | Via successor gpt-image-2 (OpenAI SDK) | Varies by provider |
| Self-hosting | No | Yes (GPU required) |
| Fine-tuning | No | Yes (LoRA, DreamBooth) |
| Content safety | Was built-in (strict) | None (add your own) |
| Cost | Successor: $8/1M in + $30/1M out tokens | $0.003-0.05/image (or free self-hosted) |
Which to Choose by Use Case
SaaS app that generates custom illustrations for users
DALL-E is retired, but its role, one SDK, one billing account, a managed OpenAI API, passed to gpt-image-2.
Photographer building an AI-enhanced portfolio tool
Flux Pro's photorealism was leagues ahead of DALL-E 3, and fine-tuning with LoRA lets you match specific photography styles.
Any new adoption decision
DALL-E can no longer be adopted, of the two tools compared here, only Flux is still available.
Game studio generating concept art at scale
Self-hosted Flux with custom LoRA models generates in the studio's art style at $0.003/image, with no per-token API bill.
Need Help Deciding?
We implement both options. Tell us your use case and we'll recommend the right fit, then set it up for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DALL-E still available in 2026?
No. OpenAI shut down dall-e-2 and dall-e-3 on May 12, 2026. OpenAI's current image model is gpt-image-2, billed per token ($8 per 1M input + $30 per 1M output), with gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, and gpt-image-1-mini also available. Existing DALL-E integrations need to migrate.
How much does it cost to run Flux at scale?
Self-hosted on an A100 GPU: ~$1.50/hour, generating roughly 400-600 images/hour with Schnell = $0.003/image. Via API providers like Replicate or fal.ai: $0.003-0.05 per image depending on model and resolution. At 10,000 images/month, Flux costs $30-500: OpenAI's gpt-image-2 alternative bills per token instead, so its cost depends on prompt and output size.
Can I use Flux in commercial projects?
Flux Schnell: Yes, Apache 2.0 license allows full commercial use. Flux Dev: No, it's for research and non-commercial use only. Flux Pro: Yes, via API with commercial license from Black Forest Labs. Always check the specific model variant's license.
Which generates better product photos?
Flux, especially for photorealistic product shots. DALL-E 3 tended toward an illustrative style that looked AI-generated. Flux with a fine-tuned LoRA on product photography produces images that genuinely look like studio shots.
Related Comparisons
More head-to-head matchups for the tools in this comparison
Midjourney vs DALL-E
Midjourney wins by default: DALL-E was retired May 12, 2026 (successor: gpt-image-2)
DALL-E vs Stable Diffusion
Stable Diffusion wins by default: DALL-E was retired May 12, 2026 (successor: gpt-image-2)
Midjourney vs Flux
Midjourney for polished aesthetics, Flux for speed and customization
Ready?
Put AI to Work for You.
Need help choosing? Our AI consultants will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the right tools, then implement them for you.
Aria picks up instantly · 24/7 · Free assessment · 30-day guarantee