OpenRouter tested 20 image gen models: cheapest at $0.006, priciest at $0.134

OpenRouter 实测 20 个图像生成模型的成本、编辑与质量

OpenRouter sent the same prompt to 20 image models and read the actual billed cost. GPT Image 2 was cheapest at $0.006 per 1024×1024 PNG; Gemini 3 Pro Image was priciest at $0.134—a 22x spread. Pricing units differ across providers (tokens, megapixels, per image), so side-by-side list prices mislead; generate once and check usage.cost. Five of six models rendered text correctly, including the cheapest. Recraft V4.1 Vector outputs editable SVG at $0.08. The post also details formats, resolution caps, and seed support per model.

Why it matters: OpenRouter ran one prompt through 20 image models and posted the actual bills — the kind of real cost data pricing pages never show. All three HKR axes hit: the headline pulls you in, the billing breakdown is genuinely new info, and it nails a daily pain point for builders. No...