MAI-Image-2.6 🎨 #1 Image Editing

by Microsoft · Image

Microsoft AI's flagship image model · #7 on the Artificial Analysis text-to-image arena · #1 on the Artificial Analysis image-editing leaderboard (Preview) · PowerPoint-ready diagrams · identity-consistent edits.

What is MAI-Image-2.6?

MAI-Image-2.6 is Microsoft AI’s in-house image model, used in Copilot and Bing. It is particularly good at editing existing images while keeping people and objects consistent, and it can produce clean diagrams for presentations.

Best for

• Free image generation and editing in Copilot
• Edits that must keep a person’s identity consistent
• Slides and diagrams for Microsoft 365

MAI-Image-2.6 pricing

MAI-Image-2.6 has a free tier. Price: Free in Copilot / API.

Prices as published by Microsoft. This page was last updated on November 13, 2026; prices and plans change often, so check the provider’s pricing page before you buy.

Check current MAI-Image-2.6 prices →

At a glance

ProviderMicrosoft

CategoryImage

Starting priceFree in Copilot / API

Free tierYes

API accessYes

Open sourceNo

Key facts

• Microsoft AI's flagship image model
• #7 on the Artificial Analysis text-to-image arena
• #1 on the Artificial Analysis image-editing leaderboard (Preview)
• PowerPoint-ready diagrams
• identity-consistent edits

MAI-Image-2.6 benchmarks

Leaderboard	Result
Artificial Analysis Text-to-Image Arena	#7 of 112 · Elo 1170

Arena results come from blind head-to-head votes on Artificial Analysis (checked November 13, 2026); Elo scores are only comparable within the same leaderboard.

Best alternatives to MAI-Image-2.6

GPT Image 2.6

OpenAI · API pay-per-use — Higher score (94 vs 90)

94

Midjourney V8.2

Midjourney · From $10/mo — Higher score (93 vs 90)

93

Nano Banana 2.1

Google · Free – $0.05/img · free tier — Higher score (91 vs 90)

91

FLUX 3

Black Forest Labs · From $0.048/img (API) — Score 89/100

89

Grok Imagine Image 2.0

xAI · $0.04–0.06/img — Score 89/100

89

🔗 Comparisons & guides

Best AI Image Generators 2026: 11 Ranked by Blind TestsBest-of guide

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is MAI-Image-2.6?

MAI-Image-2.6 is Microsoft AI’s in-house image model, used in Copilot and Bing. It is particularly good at editing existing images while keeping people and objects consistent, and it can produce clean diagrams for presentations.

What is MAI-Image-2.6 best for?

MAI-Image-2.6 is a strong pick for: Free image generation and editing in Copilot; Edits that must keep a person’s identity consistent; Slides and diagrams for Microsoft 365.

How does MAI-Image-2.6 perform in benchmarks?

MAI-Image-2.6 ranks #7 of 112 on the Artificial Analysis Text-to-Image Arena (Elo 1170). Arena rankings come from blind head-to-head votes and were checked on November 13, 2026; they change as new votes come in.

How much does MAI-Image-2.6 cost?

MAI-Image-2.6 starts at Free in Copilot / API. A free tier is available.

Is MAI-Image-2.6 free?

Yes — MAI-Image-2.6 has a free tier. Pricing: Free in Copilot / API.

What are the best alternatives to MAI-Image-2.6?

The highest-rated AI image generators from other providers on AIVerso are GPT Image 2.6 (94/100), Midjourney V8.2 (93/100), Nano Banana 2.1 (91/100).

Does MAI-Image-2.6 have an API?

Yes, MAI-Image-2.6 can be used via an API.

How does AIVerso rate MAI-Image-2.6?

MAI-Image-2.6 scores 90/100 on AIVerso and ranks #4 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 13, 2026.