Criterion FLUX (Black Forest Labs) Midjourney
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.Subscription image generator known for stylised, high-detail artwork, with short image-to-video animation.
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 concept art, mood boards and stylised visuals usually needs an illustrator and time; Midjourney produces many visual options from a description in minutes.
Free planNoNo
Developer APIYes — docsNo
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsWeb, API, Linux, WindowsWeb, Discord
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
Four subscription tiers: Basic $10, Standard $30, Pro $60 and Mega $120 per month, with 20% off when billed yearly ($8/$24/$48/$96 per month). Plans differ mainly in Fast GPU hours, Relax mode, Stealth mode and concurrency. Extra Fast time can be bought separately.
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
  • Distinctive, high-quality aesthetic
  • Unlimited Relax mode on mid and upper tiers
  • Active model development (V8, V8.1, V8.2 in 2026)
  • Clear commercial terms tied to plan
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
  • No free plan or free trial documented
  • No official public API
  • Images are public by default unless on Pro or Mega with Stealth
  • Companies over $1M revenue must use Pro or Mega for commercial use