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The best AI image generators to try right now
If you've ever searched Google high and low to find an image you needed to no avail, artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to help.
With AI image generators, you can type in a prompt as detailed or vague as you'd like to fit an array of purposes and have the image you were thinking of instantly pop up on your screen. These tools can help with branding, social media content creation, and making invitations, flyers, business cards, and more.
Also: ChatGPT no longer requires a login, but you might want one anyway. Here's why
Even if you have no professional use for AI, don't worry -- the process is so fun that anyone can (and should) try it out.
OpenAI's DALL-E 2 made a huge splash because of its advanced capabilities as the first mainstream AI image generator. However, since its initial launch, there have been many developments. Other companies have released models that rival DALL-E 2, and OpenAI even released a more advanced model known as DALL-E 3, discontinuing its predecessor.
To help you discover which models are the best for different tasks, I put the image generators to the test by giving each tool the same prompt: "Two Yorkies sitting on a beach that is covered in snow". I also included screenshots to help you decide which is best.
Also: DALL-E adds new ways to edit and create AI-generated images. Learn how to use it
While I found the best overall AI image generator is Image Creator from Microsoft Designer, due to its free-of-charge, high-quality results, other AI image generators perform better for specific needs. For the full roundup of the best AI image generators, keep reading.
The best AI image generators of 2024
- Powered by DALL-E 3
- Quick
- Convenient to access
- Need a Microsoft account
- In preview stage
Image Creator from Microsoft Designer is powered by DALL-E 3, OpenAI's most advanced image-generating model. As a result, it produces the same quality results as DALL-E while remaining free to use as opposed to the $20 per month fee to use DALL-E.
All you need to do to access the image generator is visit the Image Creator website and sign in with a Microsoft account.
Another major perk about this AI generator is that you can also access it in the same place where you can access Microsoft's AI chatbot, Copilot (formerly Bing Chat).
This capability means that in addition to visiting Image Creator on its standalone site, you can ask it to generate images for you in Copilot. To render an image, all you have to do is conversationally ask Copilot to draw you any image you'd like.
Also: How to use Image Creator from Microsoft Designer (formerly Bing Image Creator)
This feature is so convenient because you can satisfy all your image-generating and AI-chatting needs in the same place for free. This combination facilitates tasks that could benefit from image and text generation, such as party planning, as you can ask the chatbot to generate themes for your party and then ask it to create images that follow the theme.
Image Creator from Microsoft Designer features: Powered by: DALL-E 3 | Access via: Copilot, browser, mobile | Output: 4 images per prompt | Price: Free
- Fast
- Not copyrighted
- Accurate depictions
- Confusing credits
- No app
OpenAI, the AI research company behind ChatGPT, launched DALL-E 2 in November 2022. The tool quickly became the most popular AI image generator on the market. However, after launching its most advanced image generator, DALL-E 3, OpenAI discontinued DALL-E 2.
DALL-E 3 is even more capable than the original model, but this ability comes at a cost. To access DALL-E 3 you must be a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, and the membership costs $20 per month per user. You can access DALL-E 3 via ChatGPT or the ChatGPT app.
Also: DALL-E adds new ways to edit and create AI-generated images. Learn how to use it
Using DALL-E 3 is very intuitive. Type in whatever prompt you'd like, specifying as much detail as necessary to bring your vision to life, and then DALL-E 3 will generate four images from your prompt. As you can see in the image at the top of the article, the renditions are high quality and very realistic.
OpenAI even recently added new ways to edit an image generated by the chatbot, including easy conversational text prompts and the ability to click on parts of the image you want to edit.
Like with Copilot, you can chat and render your images on the same platform, making it convenient to work on projects that depend on image and text generation. If you don't want to shell out the money, Image Creator by Designer is a great alternative since it's free, uses DALL-E 3, and can be accessed via Copilot.
DALL-E 3 features: Powered by: DALL-E 3 by OpenAI | Access via: ChatGPT website and app | Output: 4 images per credit | Price: ChatGPT Plus subscription, $20 per month
- Easy-to-use
- High-quality results
- Expressive chips
- Need a Google account
- Strict guardrails can be limiting
Google's ImageFX was a dark horse, entering the AI image generator space much later than its competition, over a year after DALL-E 2 launched. However, the generator's performance seems to have been worth the wait. The image generator can produce high-quality, realistic outputs, even objects that are difficult to render, such as hands.
Also: I just tried Google's ImageFX AI image generator, and I'm shocked at how good it is
The tool boasts a unique feature, expressive chips, that make it easier to refine your prompts or generate new ones via dropdowns, which highlight parts of your prompt and suggest different word changes to modify your output.
ImageFX also includes suggestions for the style you'd like your image rendered in, such as photorealistic, 35mm film, minimal, sketch, handmade, and more. This combination of features makes ImageFX the perfect for beginners who want to experiment.
ImageFX from Google: Powered by: Imagen 2 | Access via: Website | Output: 4 images | Price: free
- Accepts specific instruction
- Open source
- More entries for customization
- Paid credits
- Need to create an account
Stability AI created the massively popular, open-sourced, text-to-image generator, Stable Diffusion. Users can download the tool and use it at no cost. However, using this tool typically requires technical skill.
Also: How to use Stable Diffusion AI to create amazing images
To make the technology readily accessible to everyone (regardless of skill level), Stability AI created DreamStudio, which incorporates Stable Diffusion in a UI that is easy to understand and use.
One of the standouts of the platform is that it includes many different entries for customization, including a "negative prompt" where you can delineate the specifics of what you'd like to avoid in the final image. You can also easily change the image ratio -- that's a key feature, as most AI image generators automatically deliver 1:1.
DreamStudio features: Powered by: SDXL 1.0 by Stability AI | Access via: Website | Output: 1 image per 2 credits | Price: $1 per 100 credits | Credits: 25 free credits when you open an account; buy purchase once you run out
- Mobile app
- Remix your own images
- Multiple templates
- One image per prompt
- Subscription cost for full access
This app took the first-place spot for the best overall app in Google Play's 2022 awards, and it has five stars on Apple's App Store with 141.6K ratings. With the app, you can create art and images with the simple input of a quick prompt.
An added plus is this AI image generator allows you to pick different design styles such as realistic, expressionist, comic, abstract, fanatical, ink, and more.
Also: How to use Dream by WOMBO to generate artwork in any style
In addition to the app, the tool has a free desktop mobile version that is simple to use. If you want to take your use of the app to the next level, you can pay $90 per year or $10 per month.
Dream by WOMBO features: Powered by: WOMBO AI's machine-learning algorithm | Access via: Mobile and desktop versions | Output: 1 image with a free version, 4 with a paid plan | Price: Free limited access
- Free
- Unlimited access
- Simple to use
- Longer wait
- Inconsistent images
Despite originally being named DALL-E mini, this AI image generator is NOT affiliated with OpenAI or DALL-E 2. Rather, it is an open-source alternative. However, the name DALL-E 2 mini is somewhat fitting as the tool does everything DALL-E 2 does, just with less precise renditions.
Also: How to use Craiyon AI (formerly known as DALL-E mini)
Unlike DALL-E 2, the outputs from Craiyon lack quality and take longer to render (approximately a minute). However, because you have unlimited prompts, you can continue to tweak the prompt until you get your exact vision. The site is also simple to use, making it perfect for someone wanting to experiment with AI image generators. It also generates six images, more than any other chatbot listed.
Craiyon features: Powered by: Their model | Access via: Craiyon website | Output: 6 images per prompt | Price: Free, unlimited prompts
- Very high-quality outputs
- No duds
- Discord community
- Monthly cost
- Confusing to set up
I often play around with AI image generators because they make it fun and easy to create digital artwork. Despite all my experiences with different AI generators, nothing could have prepared me for Midjourney -- in the best way.
The output of the image was so crystal clear that I had a hard time believing it wasn't an actual picture that someone took of my prompt. This software is so good that it has produced award-winning art.
However, I think Midjourney isn't user-friendly and it confuses me. If you also need extra direction, check out our step-by-step how-to here: How to use Midjourney to generate amazing images and art.
Another problem with the tool is that you may not access it for free. When I tried to render images, I got this error message: "Due to extreme demand, we can't provide a free trial right now. Please subscribe to create images with Midjourney."
To show you the quality of renditions, I've included a close-up below from a previous time I tested the generator. The prompt was: "A baby Yorkie sitting on a comfy couch in front of the NYC skyline."
Midjourney features: Powered by: Midjourney; utilizes Discord | Access via: Discord | Output: 4 images per prompt | Price: Starts at $10/month
- Structure and Style Reference
- Commercial-safe
- Free
- Longer lag than other generators
- More specific prompts required
Adobe has been a leader in developing creative tools for creative and working professionals for decades. As a result, it's no surprise that its image generator is impressive. Accessing the generator is easy. Just visit the website and type the prompt of the image you'd like generated.
Also: This new AI tool from Adobe makes generating the images you need even simpler
As you can see above, the images rendered of the Yorkies are high-quality, realistic, and detailed. Additionally, the biggest standout features of this chatbot are its Structure Reference and Style Reference features.
Structure Reference lets users input an image they want the AI model to use as a template. The model then uses this structure to create a new image with the same layout and composition. Style Reference uses an image as a reference to generate a new image in the same style.
These features are useful if you have an image you'd like the new, generated image to resemble, for example, a quick sketch you drew or even a business logo or style you'd like to keep consistent.
Another perk is that Adobe Firefly was trained on Adobe Stock images, openly licensed content, and public domain content, making all the images generated safe for commercial use and addressing the ethics issue of image generators.
Adobe Firefly features: Powered by: Firefly Image 2 | Access via: Website | Output: 4 images per prompt | Price: Free
- Commercially safe
- Contributor compensation program
- Personalized stock photos
- Not clear about pricing
- Not individual-friendly
One of the biggest issues with AI image generators is that they typically train their generators on content from the entirety of the internet, which means the generators use aspects of creators' art without compensation. This approach also puts businesses that use generators at risk of copyright infringement.
Generative AI by Getty Images tackles that issue by generating images with content solely from Getty Images' vast creative library with full indemnification for commercial use. The generated images will have Getty Images' standard royalty-free license, assuring customers that their content is fair to use without fearing legal repercussions.
Another pro is that contributors whose content was used to train the models will be compensated for their inclusion in the training set. This is a great solution for businesses that want stock photos that match their creative vision but do not want to deal with copyright-related issues.
ZDNET's Tiernan Ray went hands-on with the AI image generator. Although the tool did not generate the most vivid images, especially compared to DALL-E, it did create accurate, reliable, and useable stock images.
Generative AI by Getty Images features: Powered by: NVIDIA Picasso | Access via: Website | Output: 4 images per prompt | Price: Paid (price undisclosed, have to contact the team)
What is the best AI image generator?
Image Creator from Microsoft Designer is the best overall AI image generator. Like DALL-E 3, Image Creator from Microsoft Designer combines accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness, and can generate high-quality images in seconds. However, unlike DALL-E 3, this Microsoft version is entirely free.
Whether you want to generate images of animals, objects, or even abstract concepts, Image Creator from Microsoft Designer can produce accurate depictions that meet your expectations. It is highly efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective.
AI image generator | Price | Output speed | Accessibility | Main pros |
Image Creator from Microsoft Designer (formerly Bing Image Creator) | Free | Fast | Mobile and desktop | Powered by DALL-E 3, accessible via Copilot, app, and browser, quick and easy to use |
DALL-E 3 by OpenAI | $20 per month | Fast | Web and app | Accurate depictions, detailed input, generate four images per credit |
ImageFX by Google | Free | Fast | Web | High-quality renditions, four images per prompt, and fun expressive chip feature |
DreamStudio by Stability AI | Free + Credits | Fast | Web | Renditions that are easily and fully customizable and great quality |
Dream by WOMBO | Free + Subscription | Fast | Mobile and Desktop | Realistic renditions, multiple templates, remix your own images |
Craiyon | Free | Slower | Web | Unlimited prompts, straightforward interface |
Midjourney | Starts at $10/month | Fast | Web | Highest quality photos, Discord community, creates art for a variety of uses |
Adobe Firefly | Free | Fast | Web | Commercial safe generations that are highly customizable |
Generative AI by Getty Images | Cost determined by chatting with the sales team | TBD | Web | Commercial safe renditions, personalizable stock images, contributor compensation |
Note: Prices and features are subject to change.
Which is the right AI image generator for you?
Although I crowned Image Creator from Microsoft Designer the best AI image generator overall, other AI image generators perform better for specific needs. For example, suppose you are a professional using AI image generation for your business. In that case, you may need a tool like Generative AI by Getty Images which renders images safe for commercial use.
On the other hand, if you want to play with AI art generating for entertainment purposes, Craiyon might be the best option because it's free, unlimited, and easy to use.
Choose this AI image generator... | If you want... |
Image Creator from Microsoft Designer | The best AI image generator overall. In Copilot, you can get all your image-generating needs met while chatting with the bot and getting all your questions answered. The image generator is reliable, quick, and accessible. |
DALL-E 3 | An upgraded version of the original best AI image generator that combines accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. It allows users to generate high-quality images quickly and easily, making it an ideal tool for artists, designers, and anyone looking to create unique and original content. |
ImageFX by Google | The best AI image generators for beginners with multiple features that facilitate prompt writing, including expressive chips and style suggestions. |
DreamStudio by Stability AI | The best customizable AI image generator that includes tools in its UI that make it easy to get the exact rendition you want. The fields include size, style, negative prompts, image prompts, and more. |
Dream by WOMBO | The best AI image generator for your phone with multiple templates, realistic renditions, and a mobile app. It also has a free limited access version, making it a great option for those who don't want to spend too much money. |
Craiyon | The best no-frills AI image generator with unlimited prompts and a straightforward interface. |
Midjourney | The best AI image generator for high-quality renderings and crystal-clear images with a Discord community, allowing you to share and view other users' outputs. |
Adobe Firefly | The best AI image generator if you have a reference photo you'd like for the AI image generator to use as inspiration in either structure or style when rendering a new image. |
Generative AI by Getty Images | The best AI image generator for business applications. It generates images with content from Getty Images's vast creative library, meaning the images rendered are commercially safe. |
How did I choose these AI image generators?
To find the best AI image generators, I tested each generator listed and compared their performance. The factors that went into testing performance included UI/UX, image results, cost, speed, and availability. Each AI image generator had different strengths and weaknesses, making each one the ideal fit for individuals as listed next to my picks.
What is an AI image generator?
An AI image generator is software that uses AI to create images from user text inputs, usually within seconds. The images vary in style depending on the capabilities of the software, but can typically render an image in any style you want, including 3D, 2D, cinematic, modern, Renaissance, and more.
How do AI image generators work?
Like any other AI model, AI image generators work on learned data they are trained with. Typically, these models are trained on billions of images, which they analyze for characteristics. These insights are then used by the models to create new images.
Are there ethical implications with AI image generators?
AI image generators are trained on billions of images found throughout the internet. These images are often artworks that belong to specific artists, which are then reimagined and repurposed by AI to generate your image. Although the output is not the same image, the new image has elements of the artist's original work not credited to them.
Are there DALL-E 3 alternatives worth considering?
Contrary to what you might think, there are many AI image generators other than DALL-E 3. Some tools produce even better results than OpenAI's software. If you want to try something different, check out one of our alternatives above or the three additional options below.
Nightcafe is a multi-purpose AI image generator. The tool is worth trying because it allows users to create unique and original artwork using different inputs and styles, including abstract, impressionism, expressionism, and more.
Canva is a versatile and powerful AI image generator that offers a wide range of options within its design platform. It allows users to create professional-looking designs for different marketing channels, including social media posts, ads, flyers, brochures, and more.