Criterion FLUX (Black Forest Labs)Leonardo.Ai
CategoryAI Image GeneratorsAI Image Generators
In one sentenceBlack Forest Labs' FLUX image models, available through an API, a playground, and open-weight licences you can self-host.Image and video generation platform with its own models (Phoenix, Lucid Origin) and third-party models.
Problem it solvesGetting a state-of-the-art image model either as a hosted API or as weights you can run and fine-tune on your own infrastructure.Producing large volumes of consistent visual assets is slow; Leonardo generates them with style controls and reusable models.
Free planNoYes
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsWeb, API, Linux, WindowsWeb, iOS, API
Pricing (summary)API access is pay-as-you-go with a published per-image calculator and no subscription; open-weight use requires a paid licence tier (Builder, Platform, Professional or Enterprise). Verify current rates on BFL's pricing page.
Checked 2026-10-18
Free plan with daily token refresh. Essential $12, Premium $30 and Ultimate $60 per month with 8,500, 25,000 and 60,000 fast tokens. Team plans share token pools, and the API is pay-as-you-go.
Checked 2026-10-19
Strengths
  • Both hosted API and open weights, so you are not locked into one deployment model
  • Documented per-image API pricing calculator
  • Fine-tuning and LoRA rights under the open-weight licences
  • Generous entry point with daily tokens
  • Strong for game and asset workflows
  • API credits never expire
Limitations
  • No free consumer plan is advertised — API use is pay-as-you-go and open weights require a paid licence
  • Self-hosting needs a capable GPU and operational work
  • Licence tiers cap monthly images, domains and licensed users
  • Ownership terms differ between free and paid (sources conflict)
  • Annual pricing not confirmed on the live page
  • Token costs vary by model