The best AI image generators you need to try right now

AI image generators use text prompts to produce images within seconds. I tested the best AI image generators and found that DALL-E isn't your only option.

If you've ever tirelessly searched Google for a specific image without success, artificial intelligence (AI) might just be the solution you need.

AI image generators allow you to enter a prompt, whether detailed or vague, to instantly bring the image you envisioned to life on your screen. These tools are invaluable for branding, creating social media content, and designing items like invitations, flyers, and business cards.

Even if you don't have professional needs for AI, the process is engaging and accessible enough that anyone should give it a try.

Since its debut, OpenAI's DALL-E 2 has made significant waves as a pioneering mainstream AI image generator. Following its success, other companies have launched competitive models, and OpenAI has even introduced a more sophisticated version, DALL-E 3, phasing out the original.

To assist you in determining which AI image generators excel at various tasks, I conducted a comparative test using the same prompt across different tools: "Two Yorkies sitting on a beach that is covered in snow." Additionally, I included screenshots to help you gauge their performance.

I discovered that the best overall AI image generator is Image Creator from Microsoft Designer, thanks to its cost-free usage and high-quality outputs. However, other AI image generators may be better suited for specific applications. Continue reading for a comprehensive overview of the top AI image generators.

The best AI image generators of 2024

Pros

• Powered by DALL-E 3
• Quick
• Convenient to access

Cons

• Need a Microsoft account
• In preview stage

Image Creator from Microsoft Designer is enhanced by OpenAI's DALL-E 3, their most advanced model, which allows it to produce images of the same high quality as DALL-E but without any cost, unlike DALL-E's $20 monthly fee.

Accessing this tool is straightforward: simply visit the Image Creator website and log in with your Microsoft account.

A significant advantage of this AI generator is its integration with Microsoft's AI chatbot, Copilot (formerly Bing Chat). This integration means you can use Copilot not just for chatting but also for creating images right within the same platform. Just ask Copilot conversationally to create any image you envision.

This seamless integration is incredibly convenient, combining image and text generation in one place at no cost. It's especially useful for tasks like party planning, where you can generate themes and corresponding images effortlessly.

Image Creator from Microsoft Designer f****eatures: Powered by: DALL-E 3 | Access via: Copilot, browser, mobile | Output: 4 images per prompt | P****rice: Free 

Pros

• Fast
• Not copyrighted
• Accurate depictions

Cons

• Confusing credits
• No app

OpenAI, the pioneering AI research company known for ChatGPT, introduced DALL-E 2 in November 2022. This tool quickly ascended to the top as the market's leading AI image generator. Yet, with the subsequent launch of the more sophisticated DALL-E 3, OpenAI phased out DALL-E 2.

DALL-E 3 surpasses its predecessor in capabilities, but accessing it comes with a price. Users need to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 per month per user, available through ChatGPT or the ChatGPT app.

Operating DALL-E 3 is straightforward and user-friendly. Simply input your detailed prompt to materialize your vision, and DALL-E 3 will produce four high-quality, realistic images. OpenAI has also enhanced the model with new features for editing images generated by the chatbot, including intuitive conversational text prompts and interactive tools to modify specific parts of an image directly.

Similarly to Copilot, DALL-E 3 allows seamless integration between chatting and image generation on the same platform, which is particularly useful for projects that require both capabilities. For those seeking a no-cost option, Image Creator by Designer offers a viable alternative. It's free, incorporates DALL-E 3's technology, and is accessible through Copilot.

DALL-E 3 features: Powered by: DALL-E 3 by OpenAI | Access via: ChatGPT website and app | Output: 4 images per credit | Price: ChatGPT Plus subscription, $20 per month

Pros

• Easy-to-use
• High-quality results
• Expressive chips

Cons

• Need a Google account
• Strict guardrails can be limiting

Google's ImageFX emerged as an unexpected contender in the AI image generator market, making its debut over a year after OpenAI's DALL-E 2. Despite its late entry, the performance of ImageFX has proven to be worth the wait. The tool is capable of producing high-quality, realistic images, excelling even in challenging renders like human hands.

A standout feature of ImageFX is its expressive chips, which simplify the process of refining prompts. These interactive dropdowns highlight sections of your prompt and offer alternative wording suggestions to tweak your output effectively.

Moreover, ImageFX provides various style options for how your image can be rendered, including photorealistic, 35mm film, minimal, sketch, and handmade. This array of features makes ImageFX an ideal tool for beginners eager to explore the realm of AI-generated art.

ImageFX from Google: Powered by: Imagen 2 | Access via: Website | Output: 4 images | Price: free 

Pros

• Accepts specific instruction
• Open source
• More entries for customization

Cons

• Paid credits
• Need to create an account

Stability AI created the massively popular, open-sourced, text-to-image generator, Stable Diffusion. Users can download the tool and use it at no cost. However, using this tool typically requires technical skill. 

Also: How to use Stable Diffusion AI to create amazing images

To make the technology readily accessible to everyone (regardless of skill level), Stability AI created DreamStudio, which incorporates Stable Diffusion in a UI that is easy to understand and use. 

One of the standouts of the platform is that it includes many different entries for customization, including a "negative prompt" where you can delineate the specifics of what you'd like to avoid in the final image. You can also easily change the image ratio -- that's a key feature, as most AI image generators automatically deliver 1:1. 

DreamStudio features: Powered by: SDXL 1.0 by Stability AI | Access via: Website | Output: 1 image per 2 credits | Price: $1 per 100 credits | Credits: 25 free credits when you open an account; buy purchase once you run out

Pros

• Mobile app
• Remix your own images
• Multiple templates

Cons

• One image per prompt
• Subscription cost for full access

This app took the first-place spot for the best overall app in Google Play's 2022 awards, and it has five stars on Apple's App Store with 141.6K ratings. With the app, you can create art and images with the simple input of a quick prompt. 

An added plus is this AI image generator allows you to pick different design styles such as realistic, expressionist, comic, abstract, fanatical, ink, and more. 

In addition to the app, the tool has a free desktop mobile version that is simple to use. If you want to take your use of the app to the next level, you can pay $90 per year or $10 per month.

Dream by WOMBO f****eatures: Powered by: WOMBO AI's machine-learning algorithm | Access via: Mobile and desktop versions | Output: 1 image with a free version, 4 with a paid plan | Price: Free limited access

Pros

• Free
• Unlimited access
• Simple to use

Cons

• Longer wait
• Inconsistent images

Despite originally being named DALL-E mini, this AI image generator is NOT affiliated with OpenAI or DALL-E 2. Rather, it is an open-source alternative. However, the name DALL-E 2 mini is somewhat fitting as the tool does everything DALL-E 2 does, just with less precise renditions. 

Also: How to use Craiyon AI (formerly known as DALL-E mini)

Unlike DALL-E 2, the outputs from Craiyon lack quality and take longer to render (approximately a minute). However, because you have unlimited prompts, you can continue to tweak the prompt until you get your exact vision. The site is also simple to use, making it perfect for someone wanting to experiment with AI image generators. It also generates six images, more than any other chatbot listed. 

Craiyon f****eatures: Powered by: Their model | Access via: Craiyon website | Output: 6 images per prompt | Price: Free, unlimited prompts 

Pros

• Very high-quality outputs
• No duds
• Discord community

Cons

• Monthly cost
• Confusing to set up

I frequently experiment with AI image generators, which provide a fun and simple way to create digital artwork. Despite my extensive experience with various tools, nothing quite prepared me for Midjourney—and I mean that in the best possible way.

The clarity of the images produced by Midjourney is so remarkable that I initially doubted they were generated and not actual photographs taken in response to my prompts. This software's capability is so profound that it has even been used to produce award-winning art.

However, one drawback of Midjourney is its accessibility; it is not free. When I attempted to render images, I encountered an error message stating, "Due to extreme demand, we can't provide a free trial right now. Please subscribe to create images with Midjourney."

Below is a close-up from a previous session where I tested the generator, using the prompt: "A baby Yorkie sitting on a comfy couch in front of the NYC skyline." This example illustrates the high quality of the images that Midjourney can produce.

Midjourney f****eatures: Powered by: Midjourney; utilizes Discord | Access via: Discord | Output: 4 images per prompt | Price: Starts at $10/month

Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

Pros

• Structure and Style Reference
• Commercial-safe
• Free

Cons

• Longer lag than other generators
• More specific prompts required

Adobe has long been at the forefront of creating innovative tools for creative and professional use. Its image generator, known for its impressive capabilities, is no exception. Accessing this tool is straightforward: simply visit the website and enter the prompt for your desired image.

The resulting images, such as the Yorkies illustrated above, are high-quality, realistic, and meticulously detailed. Notably, the Structure Reference and Style Reference features stand out. Structure Reference allows users to upload an image to serve as a template, which the AI then uses to generate a new image maintaining the same layout and composition. Style Reference, on the other hand, enables the AI to create images in the style of a reference image provided by the user.

These features are particularly valuable for those looking to maintain consistency in visual style, whether it's replicating a quick sketch or adhering to a business's branding guidelines.

Additionally, Adobe Firefly has been trained on Adobe Stock images, openly licensed content, and public domain resources, ensuring that all generated images are safe for commercial use and ethically sound.

Adobe Firefly f****eatures: Powered by: Firefly Image 2 | Access via: Website | Output: 4 images per prompt | P****rice: Free 

Pros

• Commercially safe
• Contributor compensation program
• Personalized stock photos

Cons

• Not clear about pricing
• Not individual-friendly

One significant challenge with AI image generators is their reliance on internet-wide content for training, often incorporating artists' work without compensation. This practice not only raises ethical concerns but also exposes businesses to potential copyright infringement risks.

Generative AI by Getty Images addresses this issue by exclusively using content from Getty Images' extensive creative library to train its models, ensuring full indemnification for commercial use. The images produced carry Getty Images' standard royalty-free license, providing businesses with the assurance that they can use the content without legal concerns.

Additionally, Getty Images compensates contributors whose works are used in training these models. This approach offers a responsible solution for businesses seeking stock photos that align with their creative vision without the burden of copyright issues.

Generative AI by Getty Images f****eatures: Powered by: NVIDIA Picasso | Access via: Website | Output: 4 images per prompt | P****rice: Paid (price undisclosed, have to contact the team)

What is the best AI image generator?

Image Creator from Microsoft Designer is the best overall AI image generator. Like DALL-E 3, Image Creator from Microsoft Designer combines accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness, and can generate high-quality images in seconds. However, unlike DALL-E 3, this Microsoft version is entirely free.

Whether you want to generate images of animals, objects, or even abstract concepts, Image Creator from Microsoft Designer can produce accurate depictions that meet your expectations. It is highly efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective.

Note: Prices and features are subject to change.

Which is the right AI image generator for you?

Although I crowned Image Creator from Microsoft Designer the best AI image generator overall, other AI image generators perform better for specific needs. For example, suppose you are a professional using AI image generation for your business. In that case, you may need a tool like Generative AI by Getty Images which renders images safe for commercial use. 

On the other hand, if you want to play with AI art generating for entertainment purposes, Craiyon might be the best option because it's free, unlimited, and easy to use. 

How did I choose these AI image generators?

To find the best AI image generators, I tested each generator listed and compared their performance. The factors that went into testing performance included UI/UX, image results, cost, speed, and availability. Each AI image generator had different strengths and weaknesses, making each one the ideal fit for individuals as listed next to my picks. 

What is an AI image generator?

An AI image generator is software that uses AI to create images from user text inputs, usually within seconds. The images vary in style depending on the capabilities of the software, but can typically render an image in any style you want, including 3D, 2D, cinematic, modern, Renaissance, and more. 

How do AI image generators work?

Like any other AI model, AI image generators work on learned data they are trained with. Typically, these models are trained on billions of images, which they analyze for characteristics. These insights are then used by the models to create new images.

Are there ethical implications with AI image generators?

AI image generators are trained on billions of images found throughout the internet. These images are often artworks that belong to specific artists, which are then reimagined and repurposed by AI to generate your image. Although the output is not the same image, the new image has elements of the artist's original work not credited to them. 

Are there DALL-E 3 alternatives worth considering?

Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous AI image generators available besides DALL-E 3, with some offering even superior results compared to OpenAI's software. If you're interested in exploring different options, consider the alternatives mentioned above or the additional ones listed below.

Nightcafe is a versatile AI image generator that stands out for its ability to produce unique and original artworks. This tool supports a variety of inputs and artistic styles, including abstract, impressionism, expressionism, and more, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experiment with diverse creative expressions.