The 15 Best AI Image Generators - For Beginners and Pros
1 prompt - 15 images compared
Lili Marocsik
October 22nd, 2024
Written by
Last updated
We reviewed the best tools for AI image generation and damn, did they become great!
Tools like Adobe Fireflies, Midjourney, Dreamstudio, or Leonardo.AI have been seriously working on more features and are clearly in the race to be the best AI image generator in 2025.
Because we understand that you probably want to compare the generated images for yourself, we added them to each review. Plus, we added which tools are free AI image generators and the factor 'generosity' which also influenced the overall ranking. Some do a better job here (Leonardo.AI with 150 free tokens) than others (Dall E, no free trial).
Sneak peek for AI image Generators free plans and their best pros and cons
| Tool Name | Best Pro | Biggest Con | Free Trial Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Firefly | Unique features like camera angle | 25 Credits, 1 per 4 images | |
| Midjourney | Picture in high-resolution downloadable | Long loading times | Does not offer free plan |
| Dreamstudio | Prompt followed perfectly | Signup takes a detour | 100 free credits to try |
| Dall E 3 | Can provide style codes | Struggles with changing perspectives | Access via Bing Chat and Microsoft Image Creator |
| Ideogram | Let's you choose color palette | On free plan long loading times | Limited to 10 daily credits |
| Leonardo.AI | Training custom models | Created images are automatically public | 150 free tokens (1 picture is 2 tokens) |
| Canva | Automatically provides 4 variations | Added a comic look without being prompted to | 50 free tokens, 1 for 4 pictures |
| Hotpot.AI | Helpful display of styles | Resolution of free image low | Most Hotpot products offer free access for exploration. |
| Freepik | Huge variety of complementary features | Caught in a signup loop at first | 20 free credits |
| PixlR | Added different ethnicities | Prompt not followed | 7-day free trial |
| Flux AI | Model understands intent very well | Hard to access currently for non-techies | 3 credits for image generation |
| Stable Diffusion | Have a prompt database | Long loading times | 10 credits daily, 1 per image |
| Crayion | Screenshot feature | Annoying ads | Completely free |
| Piscart | Palette of tools for further editing | Didn't follow prompt | 100 MB free storage, 7-day free trial |
| Dall E 2 | Worst designs | 50 free credits | |
| DeepAI | Completely free | Design not even close to request | Completely free |
About the Best Image Generator Comparison
To have a clear comparison, we used the same prompt for the AI-generated image for every tool:
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.We added all the AI generated images below right next to the tool for you.
Of course we tested the big players, such as Midjourney, Dreamstudio, and Leonardo.AI, but we also wanted to showcase how the second generation is doing, such as Freepik or HotpotAI. Despite the focus on free AI image generators, we smuggled Dall E 2 and 3 in there too, just for the sake of a good comparison.
If we were only judged by the design itself, it would be an easy choice for us. Dreamstudio not just followed the prompt, but also created such a beautiful AI image, that we’re slightly in love.
Many tools created two robot women or added a slight sexual touch (maybe that’s how AI interprets “friendly” from our text prompt at this point. I hope it will learn fast).
Expect a big surprise at the end of this all… first place took a tool we absolutely did not expect to reign the AI image generators of 2024.
Plus, let’s kill our darlings like Dall E 2 or DeepAI.
Also, our review contains a few affiliate marketing links. If you purchase any of the tools, we might receive a small commission.
Spoiler Alert
What is the best AI Image Generator? Here is our ranking:
Indepth AI Image Generator Comparison 2024
1
Adobe Firefly
IMAGE QUALITY:
5
USER EXPERIENCE
5
SETUP
5
GENEROSITY
4
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
FAQ, Community, chat, email, or phone
Key Features
- Generative Audio and Video
- Text To Image
- Generative Fill
- Generative Expand
- Vector Generation
- Image Generation
- Style Transfer
- Adjust style intensity
- Camera Angles
- Collage Maker
- Text Effects
- Pattern Generation
- Color Palette Creation
- Image Editing
- Template Library
- Generate own templates
- Social Media Templates
- Collaboration Tools
- Integration with Adobe Apps
- User-Friendly Interface
- Export Options
- Learning Resources
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- unique features like camera angle
- Automatically provides 4 variations
- only tool that added an older lady (unbiased)
- toggle for visual intensity of styles
- one click social media repurposing
Cons:
- ?
Price Point
2
MIDJOURNEY
IMAGE QUALITY:
5
USER EXPERIENCE
3
SETUP
5
GENEROSITY
5
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Email Support
Key Features
- Character Consistency
- Instant Setup
- Unlimited Generations
- Multi-Account Management
- Image Queueing
- Real-Time Updates
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Good image quality
- Easy onboarding
- Picture in high-resolution downloadable
Cons:
- Request was queued (waiting time displayed)
- Long loading times
- Watermark on generated image
Price Point
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3
DREAMSTUDIO
IMAGE QUALITY:
5
USER EXPERIENCE
5
SETUP
4
GENEROSITY
4
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Contact page
Key Features
- Multi-generations
- Styles
- Canvas
- Upscaling
- Masking
- Layers
- New models
- History
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The most beautiful design
- Only 0.91 credit for 4 images
- Image provided in high resolution (1.5MB)
- Provided 4 versions in a variety of styles
- Prompt followed perfectly (except for the space background)
Cons:
- Signup takes a detour
Price Point
4
DALL E 3
IMAGE QUALITY:
5
USER EXPERIENCE
5
SETUP
5
GENEROSITY
2
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Help Center, Community Forum, Support Tickets, Email Support, Documentation
Key Features
- Text-to-Image Capabilities
- Advanced Image Generation
- Image-to-Image Transformations
- Style and Concept Blending
- Editable Image Attributes
- High-Resolution Outputs
- Image Editing
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Good image quality
- Understands prompts quite well
- Can provide style codes
- Editing images feature
Cons:
- Struggles with changing perspectives
- No possibility to test the tool for free
Price Point
5
Ideogram
Setup/Onboarding
5
User Experience
4
Tool Performance
4
Use Cases
Social media, presentations, websites, personal use
Support
Email Support, Discord Community
Key Features
- Text-to-Image
- Realistic Image Generation
- Creative Design Capabilities
- Sets of Image Style Tags
- Adjustment of Aspect Ratio and Resolution
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Good image quality
- Humans look quite good
- Let's you choose color palette
- Magic prompt feature
Cons:
- On free plan long loading times
- Few styles to choose from
Price Point
6
LEONARDO
IMAGE QUALITY:
4
USER EXPERIENCE
4
SETUP
4
GENEROSITY
5
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Contact Page and Help Center
Key Features
- Create striking game resources
- Custom data sets
- Training custom models
- Character Reference (Consistent Characters)
- Remix images
- Multi-style reference
- Rollover Bank
- Token Accrual
- Save Tokens
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Many features
- Generous free offer
Cons:
- Designs a bit tacky
- Created images are automatically public in a free account
- Feature variety is a bit confusing
- Individuals almost kissing
Price Point
7
CANVA
IMAGE QUALITY:
4
USER EXPERIENCE
5
SETUP
3
GENEROSITY
5
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Help Center
Key Features
- Video Background Remover
- Thousands of free templates
- Print designs
- Stunning Charts
- Share in a click
- Millions of free assets
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Edit existing files
- Professional Styles
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful designs
- Automatically provides 4 variations
- Added different ethnicities (no racial bias)
- Wide range of other features
- Picture in high-resolution
Cons:
- Added a comic look without being prompted to
Price Point
8
HOTPOT.AI
IMAGE QUALITY:
4
USER EXPERIENCE
4
SETUP
5
GENEROSITY
5
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Chatbot and Email support
Key Features
- AI Art Generator
- AI Headshot Generator
- AI Profile Picture Editor
- AI Game Tools
- AI Object Remover
- AI Sparkwriter
- AI Picture Colorizer
- AI Background Remover
- AI Picture Restorer
- AI Photo Upscaler
- AI Art Personalizer
- AI File Translator
- AI Color Generator
- Icon Resizer
- Free Icons
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Very nice design
- Helpful display of styles
- No sign-up required
Cons:
- Resolution of free image low (320 KB)
Price Point
9
FREEPIK
IMAGE QUALITY:
4
USER EXPERIENCE
5
SETUP
4
GENEROSITY
4
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Freepik Support
Key Features
- Daily downloads
- Daily AI text-to-image generation
- AI Art generator with Pikaso
- Online Editor
- Vectors
- Photos
- AI images
- Icons
- Videos
- AI Background Generator
- AI Image Generator
- Image Upscaler
- Background Remover
- Photo Editor
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Nice designs
- Huge variety of complementary features
Cons:
- Caught in a signup loop at first (worked eventually)
Price Point
10
PIXLR
IMAGE QUALITY:
4
USER EXPERIENCE
5
SETUP
4
GENEROSITY
4
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Email Support
Key Features
- Unlimited Saves
- Monthly free AI Credits
- Private mode for AI Generations
- Library of fonts
- Templates
- Elements
- Animations
- AI Face Swap
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful designs
- Automatically provides 4 variations
- Added different ethnicities (no racial bias)
- Wide range of other features
- Picture in high-resolution
Cons:
- Prompt not followed (showing 2 robots)
Price Point
11
Flux AI
Setup/Onboarding
2
User Experience
5
Tool Performance
5
Use Cases
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Community Support, Partner Inquiries
Key Features
- Private Image Generation
- User-friendly Interface and Collaboration
- Prompt Adherence and Quality
- Accurate Text Generation
- Human Realism
- 10x faster from idea to PCB
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great image quality
- Model understands intent very well
- Perspective well understood
Cons:
- Hard to access currently for non techies No direct access to an interface (but via poe.com)
Price Point
12
STABLE DIFFUSION
Setup/Onboarding
3
User Experience
3
Tool Performance
3
GENEROSITY
5
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
FAQ
Key Features
- Sketch to Image
- AI Portrait Maker
- AI Clothes Changer
- Image Upscaler
- Edit Anything
- Magic Eraser
- Background Remover
- Image to Image
- Text to Image
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of styles
- Have a prompt data base
Cons:
- -long loading times (even for just signing up)
- -settings not reacting (tried to change language)
- -picture only available for 7 days
- -completely missed the prompt and generated 2 cyborgs
Price Point
13
CRAYION
IMAGE QUALITY:
2
USER EXPERIENCE
2
SETUP
5
GENEROSITY
5
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
the tool itself
Key Features
- Unlimited images
- Without watermark
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Screenshot feature (takes picture of all versions at once)
- No sign up required
- Images are private
Cons:
- Terrible designs
- Annoying ads
- Long loading times
Price Point
14
PISCART
IMAGE QUALITY:
1
USER EXPERIENCE
3
SETUP
5
GENEROSITY
3
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Help Center
Key Features
- Photo Editor
- AI Logo Generator
- Background Changer
- AI Enhance
- Remove Object
- Batch Editor
- Text Editor
- Collage Maker
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Palette of tools for further editing
Cons:
- Didn't follow prompt, instead of robot, it added a man
Price Point
15
Dall E 2
IMAGE QUALITY:
1
USER EXPERIENCE
4
SETUP
5
GENEROSITY
1
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Email Support
Key Features
- Art and Illustration
- Creative Exploration
- Logo and Graphic Design
- Educational Resources
- Visual Storytelling
- Concept Art
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ?
Cons:
- Worst designs
- Few options (no picture formats, no choice for styles)
- No free version
Price Point
16
DEEPAI
IMAGE QUALITY:
1
USER EXPERIENCE
1
SETUP
4
GENEROSITY
5
Prompt
Create an image of 2 people looking at each other, one being an AI robot, the other a woman. The background is space and the mood is friendly.
Support
Email Support
Key Features
- Create an image from a text prompt
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free Tool
Cons:
- Design not even close to request
- Offer various picture formats, but not 1x1
- No simple photo-realistic style available
- Annoying banner ads
Price Point
Text to Image Generation for Beginners: 6 Tips for Better Prompting
Your blueprint for every image prompt should include specific elements such as:
Style + Subject
If you have a more specific image in mind, add
+ Background + Color Palette + Additional Elements
Example Structure : Style: "realistic", Subject: "a golden retriever", Background: "in a sunny park", Color Palette: "warm and vibrant", Additional Elements: "with soft shadows and a bright blue sky"
Example Prompt: "Create a realistic image of a golden retriever in a sunny park, using a warm and vibrant color palette, with soft shadows and a bright blue sky."
Consider composition: Mention foreground, perspective, and positioning of elements. Many tools struggle with perspective, we found Flux AI to do this better than most tools.
Include artistic style references: Specify art movements, techniques, or artist names for inspiration. For example add "Bauhaus" instead of only broader styles such as animation or photorealistic.
Recreate styles: If you want to recreate Dall E-generated images, ask for the unique generation ID. For Midjourney this is called sref (style reference).
Recreate characters: To create consitent characters throughout various prompts, you can use the "character consistency feature" of MidJourney.
Prioritize important elements: List the most crucial aspects of your image first.
FAQ AI Image Generators
Can I use Dall E 2 for free?
No, Dall E 2 is a paid service. You had the possibility to buy credits, but since now Dall E 2 will be sunsetted, you can instead signup to ChatGPT Plus and through that use Dall E 3.
Is ChatGPT’s Dall E free?
No, you will have to sign up for ChatGPT plus to be able to generate images with Dall E 3.
Are there completely free AI picture generator tools?
These tools are free, but we don’t recommend them due to low image quality.
DeepAI
Craiyon
What’s the best AI picture generator ?
According to our test the Adobe Firefly’s AI art generator is the best tool. We’ve rated it based on tool performance, user experience, onboarding and generosity. The last point refers to the tool being very generous with its free trial deal.
What is better Midjourney or Firefly from Adobe?
We loved Firefly to it’s super advanced extra features like camera angle or suggestion for templates.
For creative professionals Adobe is probably the better choice, but Midjourney is a great tool nonetheless.
Can I generate AI images for free?
Yes, there are various free image generator tools that offer free credits or trials. We recommend Leonardo.AI, with it's very generous 150 Tokens, it's great for trying and playing around.
What is better Midjourney or Dall E?
We like Midjourney a tiny bit better, but both are really great. The nice thing about Midjourney is that you can test the tool for free (currently sign up via Discord).
If you already have a ChatGPT Plus description, you can easily go with Dall E 3 and there is no need to sign up anywhere else.