AI image generators
The best AI image generator for each job
No single image model wins at everything: one is best with lettering, another with references, another on price. Root runs the 14 below, and more, from one account. Here is what each does, and what one image costs on Root.
Updated
First month free on the Beginner plan, with 650 credits to try any model.
Images turned into shots in Root
The main image models on Root
The price is for one image at the size shown, in dollars. 100 credits is $1.
| Model | Best for | Sizes | Edits an image | Reference images | Price of one image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano Banana Pro | Finished images, and edits where the details have to hold. | 1K, 2K | Yes | Yes | $0.16 at 1K |
| Nano Banana | Quick drafts and edits at a low price. | One size | Yes | Yes | $0.05 |
| GPT Image 2 | Sharp text in the image and close instruction-following. | 1K, 2K, 4K | Yes | Up to 8 | $0.25 at 1K |
| GPT Image 2.5 Flare | Everyday images at a lower price, with the same sharp text. | 1K, 2K, 4K | Yes | Up to 8 | $0.07 at 1K |
| GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst | Edits that keep everything you didn't ask to change. | 1K, 2K, 4K | Yes | Up to 8 | $0.07 at 1K |
| Seedream 5.0 Pro | The newest Seedream, for final images. | 1K, 1.5K, 2K | Yes | Up to 10 | $0.06 at 1K |
| Seedream 5.0 Lite | Seedream 5.0 at the larger sizes, for less. | 2K, 3K, 4K | Yes | Up to 14 | $0.05 at 2K |
| Seedream 4.5 | Large images with many references. | 2K, 4K | Yes | Up to 14 | $0.05 at 2K |
| Seedream 4.0 | The cheapest Seedream, for drafts at any size. | 1K, 2K, 4K | Yes | Up to 14 | $0.04 at 1K |
| FLUX.2 [max] | The most detailed FLUX images, for finals. | 1K, 2K | Yes | Yes | $0.12 at 1K |
| FLUX.2 [pro] | Detailed FLUX images and edits at a lower price. | 1K, 2K | Yes | Yes | $0.06 at 1K |
| Ideogram v3 | Words and lettering inside the image: posters, titles, signs. | One size | No | Yes | $0.07 |
| Krea 2 Large | Photographic images with a natural look. | One size | No | Style images | $0.07 |
| Krea 2 Turbo | Fast drafts at the lowest price. | One size | No | No | $0.02 |
Which one to pick
- For words and lettering in the image: GPT Image 2, GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Ideogram v3.
- For 4K: the GPT Image models, Seedream 5.0 Lite, Seedream 4.5 and Seedream 4.0.
- For the most reference images in one run: Seedream 5.0 Lite, Seedream 4.5 and Seedream 4.0, up to 14.
- For changing an image you already have: the Nano Banana, GPT Image, Seedream and FLUX.2 models.
- For a natural, photographic look: Krea 2 Large.
- For the lowest price while you try ideas: Krea 2 Turbo, $0.02 an image.
Why use them through Root
Each model has its own site, plan and credits. On Root they share one balance and one project, and every image you make is kept, so you can compare takes from different models side by side.
The price of every image is shown before it runs. The same models also work by API and from Claude and ChatGPT, under the same account.
Related guides
AI image generator questions
What is the best AI image generator?
It depends on the image. Root runs the models in the table above from one account, and the list above has one for each job.
Which AI image generator is best for text in images?
GPT Image 2, GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Ideogram v3. Ideogram v3 is made for lettering such as posters, titles and signs, and the GPT Image models keep text sharp. Put the exact words in quotes in your prompt.
What is the cheapest AI image generator?
On Root, Krea 2 Turbo: $0.02 an image. Every price is shown before you run it, and the table above lists the main models.
Which AI image generators can edit a photo?
The Nano Banana, GPT Image, Seedream and FLUX.2 models can take an image you give them and change it from a prompt. To fix or remove one part of an image, paint a mask over it in Root and use a fill or erase tool.
Which AI image generators make 4K images?
The GPT Image models, Seedream 5.0 Lite, Seedream 4.5 and Seedream 4.0. Larger sizes cost more; the price is shown before you run.
Can I use more than one image model?
Yes. On Root every model draws on the same credits and saves to the same project, so you can try an idea on one model and its next take on another.
Can I try these image models for free?
For a month, yes. The first month of Root's Beginner plan is free and comes with 650 credits, enough for 325 Krea 2 Turbo images. After that the plan is $9 a month, and you can cancel whenever you like.
Try Root free for a month
The first month of the Beginner plan is free and comes with 650 credits to spend on any model. After that it's $9 a month, and you can cancel whenever you like.