GPT Image 2.6 🥇 #1 Image
Images 2.6 (Nov 4): #1 on the Artificial Analysis text-to-image arena (Sunburst; Flare #3) · 50% faster · GIFs & saved reference images.
What is GPT Image 2.6?
GPT Image 2.6 is OpenAI’s current image model, released on 4 November 2026 as “Images 2.6” in ChatGPT and Codex. OpenAI says it creates images 50% faster than before, can turn pictures into short GIFs and lets you save reference images of people, pets or characters for reuse. In the API it comes as two models: Flare for speed (as little as six seconds at low quality) and Sunburst for detail and consistent edits, plus image markup for precise changes. Days after launch, GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst took first place on the Artificial Analysis text-to-image arena.
Best for
- Complex scenes with many specific details
- Images that need readable text, like posters or diagrams
- Short GIFs and recurring characters with saved reference images
- Editing images conversationally inside ChatGPT
GPT Image 2.6 pricing
GPT Image 2.6 has no free tier. Price: API pay-per-use.
Plans & prices
- API: token-based pricing (GPT-Image-2.6 Flare & Sunburst)
- included in ChatGPT & Codex
Looking for something cheaper? Nano Banana 2.1 by Google costs Free – $0.05/img.
Prices as published by OpenAI. This page was last updated on November 11, 2026; prices and plans change often, so check the provider’s pricing page before you buy.
Check current GPT Image 2.6 prices →At a glance
Key facts
- Images 2.6 (Nov 4): #1 on the Artificial Analysis text-to-image arena (Sunburst; Flare #3)
- 50% faster
- GIFs & saved reference images
GPT Image 2.6 benchmarks
| Leaderboard | Result |
|---|---|
| Artificial Analysis Text-to-Image Arena (GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst) | #1 of 109 · Elo 1261 |
| Artificial Analysis Text-to-Image Arena (GPT Image 2.6 Flare) | #3 of 109 · Elo 1226 |
Arena results come from blind head-to-head votes on Artificial Analysis (checked November 11, 2026); Elo scores are only comparable within the same leaderboard.
Features
Strengths
Limitations
Best alternatives to GPT Image 2.6
🔗 Comparisons & guides
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is GPT Image 2.6?
GPT Image 2.6 is OpenAI’s current image model, released on 4 November 2026 as “Images 2.6” in ChatGPT and Codex. OpenAI says it creates images 50% faster than before, can turn pictures into short GIFs and lets you save reference images of people, pets or characters for reuse. In the API it comes as two models: Flare for speed (as little as six seconds at low quality) and Sunburst for detail and consistent edits, plus image markup for precise changes. Days after launch, GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst took first place on the Artificial Analysis text-to-image arena.
What is GPT Image 2.6 best for?
GPT Image 2.6 is a strong pick for: Complex scenes with many specific details; Images that need readable text, like posters or diagrams; Short GIFs and recurring characters with saved reference images; Editing images conversationally inside ChatGPT.
How does GPT Image 2.6 perform in benchmarks?
GPT Image 2.6 ranks #1 of 109 on the Artificial Analysis Text-to-Image Arena as GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst (Elo 1261) and ranks #3 of 109 on the Artificial Analysis Text-to-Image Arena as GPT Image 2.6 Flare (Elo 1226). Arena rankings come from blind head-to-head votes and were checked on November 11, 2026; they change as new votes come in.
How much does GPT Image 2.6 cost?
GPT Image 2.6 starts at API pay-per-use (API: token-based pricing (GPT-Image-2.6 Flare & Sunburst) · included in ChatGPT & Codex). There is no free tier. A cheaper option from another provider is Nano Banana 2.1 (Free – $0.05/img).
Is GPT Image 2.6 free?
No, GPT Image 2.6 has no free tier. Pricing: API pay-per-use (details: API: token-based pricing (GPT-Image-2.6 Flare & Sunburst) · included in ChatGPT & Codex).
What are the best alternatives to GPT Image 2.6?
The highest-rated AI image generators from other providers on AIVerso are Midjourney V8.2 (93/100), Nano Banana 2.1 (91/100), MAI-Image-2.6 (90/100).
Does GPT Image 2.6 have an API?
Yes, GPT Image 2.6 can be used via an API.
How does AIVerso rate GPT Image 2.6?
GPT Image 2.6 scores 94/100 on AIVerso and ranks #1 of 26 in Image. Scores combine public benchmark results, features and pricing; commissions never influence them.
How we rate: Scores and capability ratings are based on public benchmarks, provider documentation, features and pricing — not on commission rates. Prices can change; check the provider's site before buying. Last updated: November 11, 2026.