Free vs paid image generation tools
Free options
Several AI image generation tools offer free tiers or free access with limitations. These are great for experimenting or occasional use.
Bing Image Creator (Microsoft Designer): Powered by DALL-E, this is completely free. You get a limited number of "boosts" for faster generation, but you can still create images after boosts run out (just slower).
How to use: Visit Bing Image Creator with a Microsoft account. Type your prompt and generate images.
Limitations: Slower generation after you use your daily boosts. Image quality is good but you have less control than paid tools.
Craiyon (formerly DALL-E mini): A free, simplified version of AI image generation. Results are lower quality but it's easy to use and unlimited.
How to use: Visit Craiyon and type your prompt. No account required.
Limitations: Lower resolution and less refined results compared to DALL-E, Midjourney, or Stable Diffusion.
Stable Diffusion (self-hosted): If you have a decent computer with a good GPU, you can run Stable Diffusion for free locally.
How to use: Download and install Stable Diffusion using guides available online (requires technical knowledge).
Limitations: Requires a powerful computer (especially a strong GPU). Setup can be complicated for non-technical users.
Paid options
Paid tools offer faster generation, higher quality, more control, and better support.
ChatGPT Plus ($20/month): Includes DALL-E image generation directly within ChatGPT. You can create images as part of your conversation with the chatbot.
Best for: People already using ChatGPT Plus for text-based tasks who want occasional image generation.
Midjourney ($10-60/month): Offers different subscription tiers depending on how many images you generate and whether you want private generation.
Best for: Artists, designers, and anyone creating lots of stylized, high-quality images.
Pricing tiers: Basic ($10/month) for limited images, Standard ($30/month) for more usage, Pro ($60/month) for heavy users.
DreamStudio and Stable Diffusion services: Pay-per-image or subscription models. Prices vary by service.
Best for: Users who want flexibility and control without running their own hardware.
Adobe Firefly: Adobe's AI image generation tool integrated into Creative Cloud. Includes some free generations per month, with more available for Creative Cloud subscribers.
Best for: Adobe Creative Cloud users who want AI generation integrated with Photoshop and other Adobe tools.
Visit Adobe Firefly to try it.
Free vs paid: What's the difference?
Image quality: Paid tools generally produce higher resolution, more refined images with better detail.
Speed: Free tools often have slower generation times or rate limits. Paid tools generate images quickly.
Control and features: Paid tools offer more advanced settings, style options, and customization. Free tools keep things simple.
Usage limits: Free tools limit how many images you can generate per day or month. Paid tools offer much higher (or unlimited) generation.
Commercial use: Some free tools restrict commercial use of generated images. Paid tools usually grant you broader usage rights. Always check the terms of service.
Should you pay for image generation?
Stick with free tools if:
- You're just exploring what AI image generation can do
- You only need images occasionally
- You don't need high resolution or perfect quality
- You're creating images for personal use, not commercial projects
Upgrade to paid tools if:
- You generate images frequently (multiple times per week)
- You need high-quality, high-resolution results
- You want faster generation without waiting
- You're using images for professional or commercial work
- You value advanced features and customization
Combining free and paid tools
Many people use a mix:
- Use free tools (like Bing Image Creator or Craiyon) for quick tests and rough drafts
- Use paid tools (like Midjourney or DALL-E via ChatGPT Plus) for final, polished images
- Use chatbots to refine prompts before generating images, saving time and generations
AI prompt: "I want to create an image of a modern office workspace with plants and natural lighting. Suggest 3 variations of this prompt that would produce different but related results."
A chatbot can help you brainstorm prompt variations, so you make the most of your image generations.
Related resources
Want to learn more about how these tools work? See DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion basics. Looking for other specialized AI tools? Check out the Specialized AI Tools overview.