Best AI Image Generators
1. Dall-E 3 (OpenAI) – Best Overall AI Image Generator
Pros:
- Handles long, complex prompts effectively.
- Creates dynamic, artistic images.
- Conversational style allows easy adjustments.
Cons:
- Photorealistic images can sometimes appear fake.
- Image generation can be slow.
Overview:
Dall-E 3 is our top pick for 2024. It’s suitable for both amateurs and professionals, offering a variety of editing tools like different styles and customizations. One of its standout features is the conversational flow, which allows users to easily provide follow-up instructions to fine-tune images. It’s also great at handling complex queries. For $20 per month via the ChatGPT Plus subscription, Dall-E 3 delivers vivid and engaging images with minimal AI glitches.
2. Leonardo AI – Best Free AI Image Generator
Pros:
- Produces clear and detailed images.
- Includes helpful prompt-engineering tools.
Cons:
- No post-generation editing tools in the free plan.
- Weak privacy policy.
Overview:
Leonardo AI is the best choice for budget-conscious creators. It offers a generous free plan with fast image generation and enough credits to experiment. While it doesn’t provide free editing tools after image creation, it offers prompt-improvement tools to help refine inputs. Leonardo AI is excellent for exploring what AI can do and for creating vivid, detailed images without spending a cent.
3. Adobe Firefly – Best for Professionals
Pros:
- Great artistic style options.
- Fine-tuning tools available.
- Fast image generation.
Cons:
- Struggles with photorealistic images.
- Issues with elements interacting in the image.
- Doesn’t handle complex prompts well.
Overview:
Adobe Firefly, part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, is ideal for professional creators. It integrates seamlessly into tools like Photoshop, making it a great way to explore AI-generated art in a familiar environment. Firefly is trained on Adobe Stock’s high-quality library and public domain content, so it won’t train on your private data. If you already use Adobe Creative Cloud, Firefly is a convenient way to brainstorm and develop ideas.
4. Canva – Best for Beginners
Pros:
- Great for creating fun, whimsical, or cartoon-like images.
- Easy to use on both desktop and mobile.
- Doesn’t train AI on user-generated content.
Cons:
- The free plan has a strict limit on the number of images you can generate.
- Difficult to generate non-square images.
Overview:
Canva is known for its user-friendly design, and its AI image generator, Magic Media, follows that tradition. It’s perfect for those new to AI image creation, offering a simple interface without overwhelming users with editing tools. One standout feature is Canva’s privacy policy—images generated are private and not used for AI model training. If you’re on a budget and looking for an easy, no-frills way to generate AI images, Canva is a great option.
Other AI Image Generators We Tested
- Midjourney: While it creates high-quality images, Midjourney is only available through Discord and doesn’t offer a free plan. It also struggles to consistently match prompts, making users rely heavily on editing and upscaling tools.
- Google ImageFX: Did not make our top list due to persistent inaccuracies and issues with inanimate objects and logos. It also has limited editing features compared to competitors.
Conclusion
AI image generators have become increasingly popular for their ability to quickly bring creative ideas to life. Dall-E 3 stands out as the best overall option, while Leonardo AI and Canva are excellent free or budget-friendly alternatives. Adobe Firefly is perfect for professionals already working within Adobe’s ecosystem. Each tool has its strengths, but by experimenting with prompts and settings, you can unlock some truly amazing results from these AI-powered tools.
