GPT Image 2 is OpenAI's image-generation model, called through the API at $5 per million input tokens and $30 per million output tokens (image output billed as tokens, not a flat per-image fee). Pick it when you want image generation integrated with OpenAI's other API models; compare per-image cost carefully since token-based image pricing isn't as simple to estimate as a flat rate.
Other good fits
Tasks that benefit from GPT Image 2's ability to follow detailed, multi-part text instructions in a single generation.
+ Pros
Read pros
GPT Image 2 is OpenAI's current image-generation model, called through the same API as its text models. It's built to follow detailed, multi-part instructions (specific objects, text within the image, particular compositions) rather than just a short style prompt, and integrates naturally if you're already building on OpenAI's API for text.
Pick it when…
You want image generation billed through the same OpenAI API account as your other model calls.
The task needs the model to follow a detailed, multi-part instruction accurately, not just capture a general style.
You're comparing OpenAI's current image model against others on the same detailed prompt.
− Cons
Read cons
Token-based image pricing makes cost estimation less straightforward than a flat per-image rate; budget carefully for a large batch rather than assuming a simple multiplication. A generated image following your instructions accurately still isn't a guarantee it's free of visual artefacts or usage-rights concerns; review output before publishing, the same as with any generative tool.
Pick something else when…
You want a flat, easy-to-budget per-image price. Compare against FLUX.2, which prices clearly per image by tier.
You want image generation integrated with design software, not just an API.Adobe Firefly bundles that with Creative Cloud.
You want generation as one node in a broader visual pipeline.ComfyUI or Artlist AI Flows fit that better.
Avoid if
You want the cheapest possible image generation at scale; a lower-cost specialist model may cost less per image for simple outputs.
Context
Not documented yet.
Requirements
GPT Image 2 is called through the OpenAI API with a standard API key; there's no local hardware requirement since generation happens on OpenAI's servers. Earlier variants (gpt-image-1.5 and others) remain listed alongside it at different price points, so check you're calling the specific model you intend.
Licence & cost
Prices checked 23 September 2026 (pricing (opens in a new tab)): $5 per million input tokens, $30 per million output tokens. Unlike many image APIs, this is a token-based price, not a flat per-image fee, so the actual cost of a given image depends on its resolution and complexity rather than being a fixed number you can quote upfront; use OpenAI's own pricing calculator for a specific resolution before estimating a large batch. Earlier GPT image model variants are priced differently (for example, gpt-image-1.5 has a lower output rate), so confirm you're comparing the right variant.
First task
Documentation-based suggestion — not run here.
Generate an image from a detailed, made-up prompt with several specific requirements (a particular object, a specific text label within the image, a defined composition), then check the result against every individual requirement in your prompt, not just its overall look.
Done when you've checked each specific requirement in your prompt against the generated image and noted which ones, if any, the model missed.
Links & evidence
Documentation-based · not hands-on · Sep 23, 2026
Rests on OpenAI's API pricing page, read on 2026-09-23. No image was generated for this review; the exact resolution-to-token conversion was not detailed on the pricing page checked and should be confirmed with OpenAI's pricing calculator before budgeting a large batch.
OpenAI API pricing · Sep 23, 2026 — GPT Image 2 at $5/$30 per million input/output tokens; earlier variants (gpt-image-1.5, sunburst, flare) at different rates.
FLUX.2 pricing documentation · Sep 23, 2026 — Comparison alternative with a flat, clearly tiered per-image price.
Adobe Firefly · Sep 23, 2026 — Comparison alternative integrated with Creative Cloud design apps.
Further review notes & alternatives
Alternatives and trade-offs
FLUX.2 wins when you want a simpler, flat per-image price across clearly tiered quality levels.
Adobe Firefly wins when generation needs to integrate directly with Photoshop or Illustrator.
ComfyUI wins when you want full local control over a generation pipeline instead of a hosted API.
Generate and edit images through supported OpenAI product surfaces.
Draft diagrams, labels, infographics, and other visual assets.
Review text, facts, rights, accessibility, and exports before use.