Dall-E 3
Best Overall AI Image Generator
Pros:
- Handles long, complex queries
- Produces engaging, dynamic images
- Conversational style for easy modifications
Cons:
- Photorealistic images can look unnatural
- Slower image generation
Dall-E 3 by OpenAI is the top choice for both amateurs and professionals due to its extensive editing tools and customization options. Its conversational flow makes it easy to modify and refine images, and it can handle complex queries with ease. OpenAI may use your content to improve its models, but it won’t share your data with advertisers, and there is an option to opt-out of model training. With a $20 per month ChatGPT Plus subscription, Dall-E 3 creates vivid, engaging images with minimal AI quirks.
Leonardo AI
Best Free AI Image Generator
Pros:
- Produces clear and detailed images
- Offers helpful prompt engineering tools
Cons:
- No post-generation editing tools on the free plan
- Privacy policy is less robust
Leonardo AI is perfect for budget-conscious creatives, offering a comprehensive free plan with generous generation credits and fast speeds. While post-generation editing tools are paywalled, Leonardo’s prompt improvement tool and other customization features guide users to build effective prompts. Its free plan stands out among competitors, including Canva.
Adobe Firefly
Best AI Image Generator for Professionals
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of artistic styles
- Good fine-tuning options
- Competitive generation speed
Cons:
- Struggles with photorealistic images
- Issues when elements interact or overlap
- Does not handle complex queries well
Adobe Firefly’s suite of generative AI image tools is integrated into Adobe Creative Cloud, making it an excellent choice for professionals already using Adobe’s ecosystem. Firefly provides numerous stylistic options and refinement tools similar to traditional editing software, and it is trained on Adobe’s licensed content. If you’re already subscribed to Adobe Creative Cloud, Firefly is a convenient tool for mocking up ideas or finding creative inspiration.
Canva
Best Basic AI Image Generator for Beginners
Pros:
- Great for fun, whimsical, and cartoon images
- Easy to use on both desktop and mobile apps
- Does not use user-generated content for AI training
Cons:
- Free plan has a limit on image creation
- Difficulty generating non-square images
Canva is a highly accessible graphic design tool, and its AI image generator, Magic Media, is ideal for amateur AI creators. It offers a minimalist service, which may not suit those needing extensive editing tools, but it is perfect for users on a budget or a tight schedule. Canva’s privacy policy is notably secure, as it does not train its AI on user content, and generated images remain private. It's a straightforward AI image generator for beginners and Canva enthusiasts.
How We Tested AI Image Generators
Our approach to reviewing AI image generators is practical, aiming to determine how each performs relative to competitors and its best use cases. We gave the AI various prompts based on real-world scenarios, such as rendering in specific styles, combining elements, and managing detailed descriptions. We rated the generators on a 10-point scale, considering factors like image accuracy, creativity, and response speed.
Factors to Consider
Accuracy is crucial when evaluating AI image generators, referring to how well a service matches a prompt and renders details. AI hallucinations, where generators create unexpected quirks like extra limbs or missing elements, are also important. Creativity is essential, but hallucinations should be minimal and fixable with editing tools.
Clarifying Prompts are needed when an image isn’t quite right, so generators that closely follow prompts and offer editing options make it easier to achieve your vision. Response Speed is another key factor; most generators take under two minutes, but quicker services (10-30 seconds) enhance the user experience.
Other AI Image Generators We Tested
Midjourney offers solid AI image generation but did not make our top picks because it is available only on Discord, is paid-only, and inconsistently matches prompts. Although it provides good upscaling and editing tools, images are public unless created in a more expensive plan’s stealth mode.
Google’s ImageFX also did not make the cut due to frequent inaccuracies and overly restrictive prompt handling. While all AI generators struggle with photorealism, ImageFX also has issues with inanimate objects and logos, and its editing tools are not sufficient to compensate.
AI Image Generator FAQs
What is the best AI image generator?
Dall-E 3 by OpenAI is the best choice for its comprehensive editing and customization tools, prompt adherence, and detailed images. Its conversational flow and ability to handle complex prompts set it apart.
Is there a free AI image generator?
Yes, several free and freemium AI image generators are available. We recommend starting with Leonardo AI or Canva, both of which offer free image generation with good response speeds and prompt adherence.
How do I make the best AI images?
To create the best AI image, craft a detailed prompt that includes style, aesthetic, dimensions, and specific elements. Some generators struggle with highly specific prompts, so starting specific and refining as needed is best.
Why does my AI image look weird?
AI-generated images can sometimes have unexpected flaws. Adjusting prompts and using customization settings and editing tools can help fix quirks. Sometimes, starting over is the best option.
Should I disclose that my image is made by AI?
Yes, if you are sharing an AI-generated image, it’s advisable to disclose that it was created using an AI tool. This is important for transparency and ethics in creative works.
