Midjourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion stand out as prominent figures in the realm of AI images, yet a multitude of other noteworthy names also contribute to this field.

Google Gemini has introduced its latest image generation tool in the field of artificial intelligence, but it is not without its challenges. Shortly after its launch, reports surfaced of the software generating inaccurate historical images.

In response, Google promptly suspended the tool and issued a statement outlining its intention to release an “improved” version in the near future. Despite these developments, the recent surge in text-to-image generative software provides a range of alternatives for creating your own AI images.

We find ourselves in the dynamic landscape of AI tools, with various concerns surrounding the controversial software. These concerns range from the questionable legality of image scraping practices to the potential devaluation of human artists and the risks associated with fake imagery that can deceive unsuspecting victims.

As we await further developments and clarity in this evolving space, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the key players in the AI image realm, whether they offer free services or operate on a different model.

Midjourney

Widely acknowledged as the premier AI image tool, Midjourney was crafted by the independent research lab Midjourney, Inc, and remains in the open beta phase. Critics laud this tool for generating intricate and relatively high-quality imagery, albeit with the caveat that achieving the ideal result often demands a bit of refinement and patience with the somewhat extended prompts.

However, Midjourney comes at a cost, starting at $20 per user per month as part of the OpenAI ChatGPT Plus plan. Although there used to be a free trial period, it was discontinued due to misuse fueled by the fervor surrounding AI advancements, prompting the company to officially shut it down.

DALL-E

OpenAI boasts its own AI image engine called DALL-E, a name derived from references to the Pixar movie WALL-E and the renowned artist Salvador Dali. DALL-E is distinguished by its user-friendly design, setting it apart from the more intricate Midjourney. However, similar to Midjourney, DALL-E is no longer available for free; access requires purchasing the ChatGPT Plus plan at $20 per user per month.

Currently in its “DALL-E 3” iteration, DALL-E serves as the engine behind an AI image generator. You might be more familiar with other names that utilize DALL-E, such as Jasper Art (or Jasper AI), the most prominent one, and Craiyon, formerly known as DALL-E Mini, as another notable example.

Stable Diffusion

The third major contender among stand-alone AI image generators is DreamStudio, powered by the Stable Diffusion engine, following in the footsteps of Midjourney and DALL-E. It has earned recognition for its production of photo-realistic images that can be effortlessly edited to conceal some of the typical AI indicators.

DreamStudio offers three distinct plans to cater to varying user needs. The Basic plan, priced at $27 per month, is tailored for hobbyists. The Standard plan, available at $47 per month, is designed for individuals exploring AI APIs. Lastly, the Premium plan, at $147 per month, targets those beta launching their own applications.

Nightcafe

Nightcafe, developed by the AI tech company NVIDIA, stands as another significant player in the realm of AI image generators. Notably, it remains one of the few prominent names to continue offering free usage in 2024. Users can access Nightcafe via online platforms or through a dedicated mobile app compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

However, the free version comes with limitations, allowing users only five credits per day to prevent misuse. Beyond the free allocation, additional credits come at a cost, with the company stating a rate “as low as $0.08 per credit.” It’s worth noting that users must be proficient in using modifiers to refine their prompts and achieve desired results.

Bing Image Creator

Microsoft’s AI art generator, Image Creator from Bing, is a fully free service, requiring no additional subscriptions for access. Notably, you can use it seamlessly on Bing even when using browsers like Chrome or others aside from Microsoft Edge.

Similar to many image generators, there are certain limitations on the content you can create, prohibiting explicit content such as sex, violence, or hate speech. Additionally, users will eventually exhaust their “boosts” (credits), with the option to acquire more available for a fee. Despite these considerations, Bing stands out as one of the most accessible and user-friendly options for online image generation.

Canva AI

The widely acclaimed social media design tool, Canva, currently enjoys immense popularity, particularly among social media managers who often regard it as their favorite software. However, Canva is not complacent and has introduced its own AI tool into the mix.

Under the free plan, users can generate up to 50 images. Beyond this limit, a subscription to the Canva Pro plan is required, priced at $14.99 per user per month. Even with the Pro plan, users are restricted to 500 uses per user per month, although this allocation is generously more than what the majority of users typically require.

Adobe Firefly

Firefly, Adobe’s AI image creation tool, draws its training from a staggering 300 million Adobe Stock images, benefiting from Adobe’s extensive licensing access. However, there is contention among some contributors who claim that Adobe used these images without proper notification or consent.

Firefly offers both a free and a premium paid plan, accessible through the standalone web application at firefly.adobe.com. What sets it apart from other AI image tools is its capability to edit existing images, not just generate entirely new ones. Users can swiftly modify elements like swapping a sweater in a profile picture or adjusting the color palette of an artwork.

Firefly is not the only player among stock-image-related brands with AI capabilities. Getty Images Generative AI is another notable tool, trained on Getty’s expansive collection of photos.

Conclusion: What Is the Best AI Image Generator?

When determining the best AI image generator, the choice depends on your specific needs. Based on our initial research, Adobe Firefly emerged as the most realistic, producing human-like images that avoided the stylized appearance reminiscent of a Pixar movie.

Conversely, Bing AI Creator excelled in faithfully adhering to the provided prompts, meticulously capturing all outlined details in a remarkably realistic image, even if it occasionally defied the laws of physics.

In the evolving landscape of AI image generators, no clear frontrunner has emerged, and the field offers a multitude of options. With the technology still in its early stages, these platforms are likely to evolve alongside advancements, making any of them a potential candidate for the title of the best AI image generator in the near future.