Black Forest Labs vs Luma AI: which one to choose in 2026?

Community ratings, features, pricing and free plans: the complete head-to-head between Black Forest Labs and Luma AI to find the right tool for your needs.

Screenshot of Black Forest Labs
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Black Forest Labs

4.7 (109)

Black Forest Labs is an AI research and development company specializing in advanced text-to-image generation. Their flagship product, FLUX, offers high-quality image synthesis with tools for inpainting, structural conditioning, and customization, catering to both developers and creative professionals.

Text to ImagePhoto & Image GeneratorImage EnhancerDesign GeneratorArt Generator
Screenshot of Luma AI
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Luma AI

4.5 (251)

Luma AI is an advanced platform that enables users to create lifelike 3D models and videos using AI technology. By leveraging tools like Dream Machine and Ray2, users can transform text prompts, images, or videos into high-quality 3D content, making it ideal for creators in various industries.

3D Design3D Model GeneratorText to VideoPhoto & Image GeneratorIllustration Generator

Comparison table

CriterionBlack Forest LabsLuma AI
Average rating4.74.5
Number of reviews109251
Free planNoYes
PlansFLUX.1 [dev], FLUX.1 [pro], FLUX1.1 [pro]Free Plan, Lite Plan - $9.99/month, Plus Plan - $29.99/month, Unlimited Plan - $94.99/month
CategoriesText to Image, Photo & Image Generator, Image Enhancer, Design Generator, Art Generator3D Design, 3D Model Generator, Text to Video, Photo & Image Generator, Illustration Generator
Last updatedMay 2, 2025April 30, 2025

See all tools in these categories: Photo & Image Generator

Our verdict

Black Forest Labs or Luma AI?

With an average rating of 4.7/5 (109 reviews), Black Forest Labs comes out ahead of Luma AI (4.5/5, 251 reviews) with our community.

Budget-wise, Luma AI offers a free plan to get started, while Black Forest Labs does not appear to offer one.

Positioning-wise, Black Forest Labs stands out in Text to Image, Image Enhancer, Design Generator and Art Generator, while Luma AI focuses on 3D Design, 3D Model Generator, Text to Video and Illustration Generator.

Features head to head

Black Forest Labs

  • FLUX.1 [pro]: High-resolution image generation with fast processing times.
  • FLUX.1 [dev]: Open-access model with guidance-distilled efficiency.
  • FLUX Fill: Advanced inpainting and outpainting capabilities.
  • FLUX Depth & Canny: Structural conditioning using depth maps and edge detection.
  • FLUX Redux: Image variation and restyling through prompt mixing.
  • FLUX Pro Finetuning API: Customize models with user-provided images for brand-specific content.

Luma AI

  • Text-to-3D model generation
  • Video-to-3D model conversion
  • Dream Machine for animating 3D models
  • High-quality rendering with Ray2
  • Export options for various formats

Pricing compared

Black Forest Labs

FLUX.1 [dev]

  • Free under non-commercial license
  • Access to model weights and inference code
  • Suitable for research and personal projects

FLUX.1 [pro]

  • High-resolution image generation
  • Fast processing times
  • API access for integration
  • Pay-per-use pricing starting at $0.05 per image

FLUX1.1 [pro]

  • Enhanced image quality and prompt adherence
  • Ultra mode for 4MP outputs
  • Raw mode for natural aesthetics
  • API access with pricing starting at $0.06 per image

Luma AI

Free Plan

  • Limited to image generation
  • 720p output quality
  • Lower priority processing
  • Non-commercial use
  • Watermarked outputs

Lite Plan - $9.99/month

  • 3200 monthly credits
  • 1080p images, 720p & 1080p videos
  • High priority processing
  • Non-commercial use
  • Watermarked outputs

Plus Plan - $29.99/month

  • 10,000 monthly credits
  • 1080p images, 720p & 1080p videos
  • High priority processing
  • Commercial use allowed
  • No watermarks

Unlimited Plan - $94.99/month

  • Unlimited credits in Relaxed Mode
  • 10,000 monthly credits for Fast Mode
  • 1080p images, 720p & 1080p videos
  • High priority processing
  • Commercial use allowed
  • No watermarks

Prices are indicative and may change — check the official sites for up-to-date pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Black Forest Labs and Luma AI?

Both tools share the Photo & Image Generator space, but Black Forest Labs also covers Text to Image, Image Enhancer, Design Generator and Art Generator, while Luma AI adds 3D Design, 3D Model Generator, Text to Video and Illustration Generator.

Black Forest Labs or Luma AI: which one is rated higher?

Black Forest Labs earns the better average rating: 4.7/5 (109 reviews), versus 4.5/5 (251 reviews) for Luma AI.

Can you use Black Forest Labs or Luma AI for free?

Black Forest Labs does not offer a free plan as far as we know, and Luma AI offers a free plan.

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