Note: OpenAI retired the DALL-E brand in December 2025, replacing it with GPT Image 1.5 inside ChatGPT. We cover it here under its old name since that's still how most people search for it — pricing and access below reflect the current GPT Image product.
These three tools solve the "generate an image from text" problem in genuinely different ways, and the right pick depends on whether you value artistic style, prompt precision, or full local control.
Pricing at a glance
| Tool | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Midjourney | $10 / $30 / $60 / $120 per month | Basic ($10) gives ~200 Fast-mode images; Standard ($30) adds unlimited slower Relax-mode generations |
| DALL-E (now GPT Image) | Bundled with ChatGPT Plus, $20/month | ~50 images per 3-hour window, best-in-class prompt and text accuracy |
| Stable Diffusion | Free (self-hosted) | Free software, but needs a capable GPU (roughly €400–800 hardware) to run well locally |
Where each one wins
Midjourney remains the go-to for artistic, stylized, visually striking output — illustrations, concept art, mood boards. At $10/month it's also the cheapest paid option per image if you're willing to use Relax mode on the Standard plan.
DALL-E / GPT Image wins on prompt adherence and rendering readable text inside images — useful for mockups, memes, or anything where exact wording matters. Since it's built into ChatGPT Plus, you're also paying for a full chatbot subscription alongside it, which can make it the better value if you already want ChatGPT anyway.
Stable Diffusion is the only option with zero recurring cost and full local control — custom models, ControlNet for precise pose/composition guidance, and no usage caps. The tradeoff is a real hardware investment and a steeper learning curve than a hosted tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is Midjourney free to try?
No -- Midjourney requires a paid plan starting at $10/month for the Basic tier, which includes roughly 200 fast-mode images. There's no permanent free tier.
What happened to DALL-E?
OpenAI retired the DALL-E brand in December 2025 and replaced it with GPT Image 1.5, built directly into ChatGPT. It's the same product line, renamed and improved -- accessible with a ChatGPT Plus subscription at $20/month.
Is Stable Diffusion really free?
The software itself is free and open source, but running it well locally requires a capable GPU -- roughly a €400-800 hardware investment if you don't already own one. Cloud-hosted versions exist too, shifting the cost to a per-use or subscription fee instead.
Which AI image generator is best for beginners?
Midjourney has the most polished, guided experience for getting good-looking results quickly, especially in Fast mode. GPT Image is easiest if you're already using ChatGPT Plus, since there's nothing extra to set up. Stable Diffusion has the steepest learning curve due to local setup and model management.
Can I generate readable text in images with Midjourney?
Not reliably -- GPT Image (formerly DALL-E) is the strongest of the three at rendering accurate, readable text inside generated images, making it the better choice for mockups or designs where exact wording matters.
The bottom line
There's no universal winner here — these tools serve different workflows. Casual creators wanting the best-looking output per dollar should start with Midjourney's $10 plan. Anyone who wants image generation as a bonus inside a chatbot they're already paying for should stick with ChatGPT Plus. Power users who want unlimited generations, custom models, and don't mind managing their own GPU should go with Stable Diffusion.