Google's Nano Banana may be the hottest AI image generator right now, with social feeds filled the latest trends, and Gemini surpassing ChatGPT in the app store, but it’s not the only tool worth your time.
Adobe has a free AI image generator in Firefly that's also shockingly good. I wanted to see how the two stack up against each other. To find out, I ran both Nano Banana and Adobe Firefly through seven creative prompt tests to see which one came out on top.
1. Alien Cityscape at Sunset
Prompt:"Create a futuristic alien city with glowing skyscrapers, floating vehicles, and two suns setting on the horizon. Highly detailed, cinematic lighting."
Nano Banana didn’t skimp on details with this visually appealing image of a futuristic world. From the setting suns to the floating vehicles, no request was missed.
Adobe Firefly generated a stunning image that hit nearly every aspect of the prompt. I would even go as far to say the image this AI generated was better than Nano Banana with one exception: it didn’t add two setting suns. It missed that tiny request, ultimately causing it to lose this round.
Winner: Nano Banana wins for generating a futuristic alien world that nailed every request within the prompt.
2. Fantasy feast table
Prompt: “A massive medieval banquet table covered in golden goblets, roasted meats, fruits, and desserts. Add glowing candles and a castle hall backdrop."
Nano Banana captured the spirit of a massive medieval banquet, but in what could be described as an off-putting render. The small pig on the plate, though accurate, wasn’t requested in the prompt. Though potentially accurate, it seems like something that should only be added upon request. It also went a bit overboard with the candles.
Adobe Firefly followed the prompt better by showcasing a deliciously welcoming table complete with a castle hall backdrop.
Winner: Adobe Firefly wins for a more polished and appealing image.
3. Cyberpunk street market
Prompt: “Generate a neon-lit cyberpunk street market with rain-soaked pavement, vendors selling strange gadgets, and glowing signs in multiple languages."
Nano Banana followed through on the neon-lit cyberpunk street market but the colors in the image look muted and not as vibrant as in the image generated by Adobe. Also, the people in the image look more like ghosts or statues and not as if they are actively involved in the market.
Adobe Firefly captured the spirit of a street market and delivered on the vibrant colors of the neon signs in conjunction to the rain-soaked pavement. The images of people look more engaged and real.
Winner: Adobe Firefly wins for a more realistic image.
4. Surreal everyday object mashup
Prompt: "Combine a slice of pizza with a smartphone, making it look like a real product photo advertisement."
Nano Banana did a fairly good job blending the two unrelated objects, but I was picturing something very different. However, I have to give it credit for the “TM” and the tagline.
Adobe Firefly basically did the same thing, but made the pizza almost come out of the phone, ultimately making it look like a broken product.
Winner: Nano Banana wins, if I must pick one. But, overall, I was totally disappointed by both.
5. Retro arcade poster
Prompt: "Design a 1980s retro arcade poster with bold neon typography, pixelated game characters, and a glowing grid background."
Nano Banana handled on-image text like a pro and the colors are fun and inviting as a retro arcade poster.
Adobe Firefly designed a fun poster, but the on-image text lacked accuracy, which means an automatic fail.
Winner: Nano Banana wins this round for accuracy of design.
6. Dreamlike nature scene
Prompt: "A giant whale floating through a starry night sky above a forest, glowing softly with bioluminescence."
Nano Banana generated surreal imagery blending natural and fantasy elements. But, the giant whale seems to be over water more than a forest.
Adobe Firefly also expertly blended fantasy and nature elements together, while covering each request in the prompt.
Winner: Adobe wins for a beautiful image with a soft bioluminescence glow that best captures the prompt.
7. Luxury fashion ad
Prompt: "Create a high-end fashion advertisement featuring a flowing red dress on a mannequin in a minimalist studio with dramatic lighting. Add Vogue-style typography."
Nano Banana delivered a polished image that looks like it was ripped right out of a magazine.
Adobe Firefly created an equally high-end style and incredible realism with the draping of the fabric. The dramatic lighting highlights the minimalist studio. But once again, the on-image text is the model’s downfall.
Winner: Nano Banana wins for its ability to better handle on-image text. Otherwise, this might have gone to Adobe.
Overall winner: Nano Banana (by a hair)
After seven rounds Nano Banana ultimately won because it handles on-text rendering better than Adobe. However, for just about everything else, the two were almost entirely equal in their capabilities.
Nano Banana consistently nails text handling and on-prompt accuracy, making it great for posters, ads and designs that need typography baked in. Adobe excels at realism and atmosphere, delivering vibrant scenes with elements that bring the image to life. Plus, it’s completely free to use, making it a nice addition to your AI toolbox.
In the end, Nano Banana is still the more playful, trendy option, but Adobe proves it’s every bit capable. Both generators are worth experimenting with, so give them a try and let me know in the comments which one you prefer.
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