Do you know the best AI image generators?
Updated by Ulysses Maclaren [SSW] 4 months ago. See history
Current rankings suggest Midjourney as the top tool, followed by ChatGPT Image Generation (GPT-4o), Google's Imagen, Adobe Firefly, Stable Diffusion, Leonardo AI, and Flux. Beware, other tools may produce noticeably less natural images.
Midjourney
Midjourney generates high-quality images via Discord (/imagine command) or its new web interface.
- Cost: Starts at $10 USD/month ($8/month annually)
- Offers subscription tiers with GPU hours and commercial usage options
- Supports detailed prompts for customized images

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by Midjourney 6.1
ChatGPT Image Generation (GPT-4o)
Integrated into ChatGPT for detailed, realistic image generation from text prompts.
- Direct access via ChatGPT
- Handles complex prompts seamlessly

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by ChatGPT4o
Ideogram
Ideogram is a freemium image generation tool known for its excellent handling of text within images, a common weakness in other models.
- Supports various artistic and design styles, including 3D, anime, and realistic
- Ideal for creating posters, logos, and text-rich compositions
Available via web and mobile apps

Figure: " A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by Ideogram 3
Google Imagen
Offers exceptional photorealism and language comprehension.
- Accessible via Vertex AI or ImageFX
- Produces highly detailed, realistic images

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by Imagen 3
Reve
Reve is an emerging image generator designed to offer creativity and control, with a focus on aesthetic quality and prompt flexibility.
- Aimed at creators seeking artistic and dream-like visuals
- Supports stylised compositions and illustrative looks
- Gaining attention as a new player in the image generation space

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by Reve
Adobe Firefly
Known for detailed control over image generation and editing, ideal for customized outputs.
- Advanced editing and generation features
- Integrated into Adobe Creative Cloud

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by Firefly
Stable Diffusion (via DreamStudio)
Highly customizable, open source tool offering fine-tuned image generation.
- Free and available for local use
- Highly customizable with flexible output adjustments
- Supports inpainting and outpainting with Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL)

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by StableDiffusion via DreamStudio
Leonardo AI
Known for imaginative visuals and concept art. Free account available at Leonardo.ai.
- User-friendly website
- Highly customizable with built-in image editing and prompt generation

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by Leonardo Phoenix
Flux
Developed by Black Forest Labs, Flux generates high-quality images from text prompts.
- Multiple model variants (Schnell, Dev, Pro)
- Supports various artistic styles and precise color control
- Capable of rendering text within images

Figure: "A red tree in a valley. Hi res" - by Flux