Model comparison
Compare Nano Banana 2 and Ideogram 4.0 using the same provider-sourced image generation rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 4, 2026
Set your usage. Your estimate updates as you type.
Example output: square 1,024 × 1,024 images. Prices depend on supported resolution and quality; edits and retries can cost extra.
Estimates exclude taxes, tools, cache storage/writes, free allowances and custom discounts. Image estimates cover output only, not prompt or reference-image charges. Quality modes differ by model. Unlisted settings are not treated as free.
| Model | Access | Estimated total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Banana 2Google | $0.67 | |
| Ideogram 4.0Ideogram | Ideogram | No reviewed rate |
Quick take
Google's versatile image workhorse for fast generation, conversational edits, multiple references, grounded imagery, and outputs up to 4K.
There is no free API tier for this model, and grounded generation can add search charges beyond the image price.
A design-oriented image model with open weights, multilingual typography, structured layout control, editable elements, and simple per-image API tiers.
Generation, edit, hosted, and self-hosted routes can have different features and licensing obligations; validate the exact path you plan to use.
Compare the published facts
Values use each provider's own published units and limits. A blank means the provider did not publish a directly comparable value in the sources reviewed.
| Image generation | Nano Banana 2 | Ideogram 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price basisA representative current provider price with its quality or resolution basis. | $0.067 / 1K image | $0.03 Turbo · $0.06 Default · $0.10 Quality |
| Maximum outputMaximum documented resolution or pixel area for the listed route. | 0.5K, 1K, 2K, 4K | 1K or 2K |
| Core tasksWhether the model supports generation, editing, or both. | Generation and conversational editing | Generation with text or structured prompts |
| Reference imagesHow the model can use images to guide or edit an output. | Multiple references and multi-turn edits | Check endpoint-specific edit support |
| Text & layoutProvider-documented positioning for typography and structured composition. | Improved multilingual text rendering | Multilingual text and precise layout focus |
| API accessDirect and notable third-party routes included in this guide. | Gemini API, fal | Ideogram API, open weights, fal |
How to choose
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
Google says paid Gemini API content is not used to improve its products. Unpaid-service terms differ, so confirm that the project is attached to an active billing account before sending confidential material.
Provider and API links
The model page does not publish a complete retention or training-use commitment for every access route. Review Ideogram's current API agreement or your self-hosting controls.
Frequently asked questions
Nano Banana 2: Google's versatile image workhorse for fast generation, conversational edits, multiple references, grounded imagery, and outputs up to 4K. Ideogram 4.0: A design-oriented image model with open weights, multilingual typography, structured layout control, editable elements, and simple per-image API tiers.
Consider Nano Banana 2 when your priority is Conversational image editing. Consider Ideogram 4.0 when your priority is Posters, ads, and typography-led designs. Test both with your own data and provider route before committing.
No. This comparison aligns provider-published facts for the Image generation category. It does not claim a universal winner or combine incompatible third-party benchmark scores.
