AI image generation software works almost like magic – you just type down what you want to see and it automatically appears on your screen a short while later. Midjourney is one of the most impressive applications of this kind, capable of creating photorealistic images in a wide variety of visual styles. In the short time it’s been on the market, this software caused a lot of buzz and was responsible for the creation of some iconic viral AI images.

However, similar AI algorithms powering Midjourney are also found at the core of several competing image generators. Some of these products can rival Midjourney in terms of image quality, but have some specific advantages i.e. lower price or more user-friendly commands. Since there are so many possibilities, we took the time to review the best Midjourney alternatives and outline their major strengths and weaknesses, hopefully helping users to make a better-informed decision.

Further Reading: How to Use Midjourney to Combine Images >

What is Midjourney?

The main purpose of Midjourney is to create original images based on textual or visual prompts provided by the users. This software is based on a powerful machine learning algorithm that has been trained on a huge number of visual examples, giving it the ability to create completely new shapes and forms. Interaction with the model is very intuitive, and creating amazing-looking images requires virtually zero visual art skill.

A specific characteristic of Midjourney is that it’s deployed as a chatbot on the Discord network. That means this tool is available directly from the cloud and requires no local installation, while users can access it from any smart device. The commands are simply typed into the chat as natural language instructions, after which the model processes the prompt and displays multiple versions of the image. By adding or replacing words in the prompt, the user can modulate the content and style of the image.

During its short existence, Midjourney has caused quite a bit of controversy. Works created with this tool managed to win a digital art competition and caused a debate about the line between creative representation and the slander of public figures. To limit the possibilities for abuse, Midjourney introduced keyword moderation and canceled free plans.

Top 11 Midjourney AI Alternatives

Gemoo AI Image Generator

Gemoo AI Image Generator, recommended as the premier AI image generator like Midjourney, offers a distinctive experience in AI image generation. With its user-friendly interface and robust machine learning technology, it effortlessly generates lifelike images. This online tool enables you to convert text into stunning AI images directly within your browser.

Innovative features:

• Customize prompts, generate multiple images, and download hassle-free
• Personalize AI-generated images with various styles and aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:4, and 16:9)
• Explore diverse styles (Anime, Painting, 3D, Portrait, Concept Art, Landscape) to unleash creativity
• Transform text into captivating artwork, from Anime characters to stunning portraits
• No credit card or subscription required

Pricing: Totally free to use

DALL-E 2

Without a doubt, DALL-E has been one of the few AI image generation models that have carried the torch for the industry over the past year. Since it’s made by OpenAI (the same company behind ChatGPT), it received a lot of publicity early and its superior performance left a strong impression on the public. As a result, DALLE-2 remains a clear market leader in this niche.

Innovative features:

• Powerful AI image generator that shares the underlying machine learning model with ChatGPT
• It’s capable of combining multiple visual styles into original forms
• DALL-E tends to produce more photorealistic images than competing AI models
• Controls preventing harmful content generation are in place

Notable limitations:

• Complex prompts can produce blurry or chaotic images
• Generated images can’t be seriously edited on the same platform

Pricing: Charged per generated image at $0.2 per 1024 x 1024 pixels

User reviews:

• G2: 3.8 (24 reviews)
• Capterra: 5.0 (2 reviews)

Stable Diffusion

In case you are looking for a free alternative to Midjourney, Stable Diffusion is probably the best you can hope to find. This model works really well with different kinds of prompts, and it can be installed locally on an average PC. There are many reasons to try this AI generator immediately and perhaps adopt it as your go-to solution for crafting images out of thin air.

Innovative features:

• Open-source AI image generator that can be accessed online or installed on a computer
• Differently sized versions of the AI model can be deployed
• Supports in-painting and out-painting functions, as well as image-to-image conversion
• API is available for developers to integrate the model into their products

Notable limitations:

• The model relies on third-party user interface
• Images in the illustration style are usually imperfect

Pricing: free (open source)

User reviews:

• G2: 4.3 (2 reviews)
• Capterra: 5.0 (1 review)

Bing Image Creator

Microsoft was quick to jump on the AI bandwagon and incorporate generative AI applications into its struggling search engine. As a result, Bing can now compose original text or generate images based on user prompts in addition to returning standard search results. Since access to Bing’s Image Creator tool is free with a Microsoft account, this should be one of the first image generators to try out.

Innovative features:

• Image generator based on OpenAI technology that is fully integrated into a search engine
• Offers four different images for the user to choose from
• Finalized images can be instantly imported into Microsoft Designer and other programs
• Prompt templates are provided for the user’s inspiration

Notable limitations:

• This tool often struggles to depict realistic faces and hands
• Some of the returned images are unrelated to the prompts

Pricing: Free with a Microsoft account

User reviews:

• G2: 4.5 (16 reviews)
• Capterra: N/A

Crayon AI

This is a little-known AI art generator that can produce surprisingly good results. It runs on a machine learning model very similar to DALL-E but comes with fewer restrictions regarding how you can use it. In addition to being available for free, this tool won’t block explicit prompts and will allow you to experiment with topics that might not be allowed on other platforms.

Innovative features:

• Simple and user-friendly AI image generator that can be accessed from a standard web browser
• Allows users to choose between four different visual settings
• After the initial processing, nine unique versions of the image are offered
• Users can select the best version to be upscaled to a higher resolution

Notable limitations:

• Images can’t be used as input to create new pictures
• This image generator struggles with complex spatial compositions

Pricing: Free access to the basic model, Supporter plan costs $5 per month, Professional plan costs $20 per month

User reviews:

• G2: 4.3 (3 reviews)
• Capterra: N/A

Leonardo AI

Users who are interested in unique artistic creations, as well as instant marketing visuals, can derive a lot of value from this smart AI tool. Leonardo AI empowers you to do more than just generate raw images, and it can be regarded as a fully functional AI-powered design platform that gives user total control over the visual output.

Innovative features:

• AI-driven text-to-image platform suitable for producing nuanced, stylized images
• AI Canvas tool represents a blend between image generator and editor
• It can be used to generate 3D textures within existing images
• AI models can be fine-tuned for specific types of use (i.e. Sci-Fi, Fashion, etc.)

Notable limitations:

• Requires some design skills for the most optimal results
• Image composition is frequently inadequate

Pricing: Free plan is available, Apprentice plan costs $10 monthly, the Artisan plan is offered for $24 per month, while Maestro plan costs $48/month

User reviews:

• G2: 5.0 (1 review)
• Capterra: N/A

Fotor AI

It’s certainly very convenient to have multiple image processing tools on the same platform, and that’s what you can get with Fotor. This software was originally known for its image editing capacity, but the addition of multiple AI-based features has given it new relevance. Many visual creators consider it to be among the most viable Midjourney alternatives – try it to see why.

Innovative features:

• Established image editing platform that was recently upgraded with AI tools
• Image generator is complemented with avatar generator, face generator, photo enhancer, photo eraser, and other tools
• Supports a wide variety of styles from traditional oil painting to photo realism
• It’s possible to remove the background or remix objects in a generated image

Notable limitations:

• Limited availability of design templates
• User interface requires an adjustment period

Pricing: Basic plan is free, Pro plan is available for just $3.33 per month, while Pro+ plan is offered for $7.49 per month

User reviews:

• G2: 4.2 (275 reviews)
• Capterra: 4.3 (84 reviews)

Playground AI

It’s much easier to unleash your creativity when you have access to top-notch tools that can turn every whimsical idea into a beautiful image. Playground AI is beloved among content creators due to its ability to interpret text-based prompts and quickly generate matching images. You’ll be surprised by all the advanced visual tools that have been rolled into this simple software solution.

Innovative features:

• Online image generator and editor that can deliver faithful and highly detailed pictures
• Users can specify how close the image should be to the input prompt
• Mixed image editing allows real photographs to be fused with imaginary details
• This software is capable of generating large images up to 1 million pixels

Notable limitations:

• Some of the generated images are unrelated to prompts
• Manual editing of the images is not possible

Pricing: Free plan is offered, Pro plan can be acquired for $15 per month

User reviews:

• G2: 4.8 (2 reviews)
• Capterra: N/A

NightCafe

In addition to providing the technical means to create original visuals, this platform strives to educate image creators and help them learn from their peers. With NightCafe, you have multiple methods for image generation on your disposal, and it’s up to you to decide how to realize your idea. In case you need extra inspiration, plenty of gorgeous examples are shown on the site daily.

Innovative features:

• AI-based image generator that relies on Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, and several other neural models to produce unique images
• This tool can combine multiple visual styles within the same image
• Daily challenges and contests stimulate collaboration between creators
• Strong community presence on Discord and other social platforms

Notable limitations:

• The platform doesn’t have its own AI model and instead relies on external algorithms
• There is no obvious way to contact customer support

Pricing: Completely free to use

User reviews:

• G2: N/A
• Capterra: 4.2 (5 reviews)

ArtSmart

You can use an existing image or a text prompt to instruct this software – in either case, the result will be equally impressive. This tool is very accessible to beginners and allows them to take over all design duties for their website or blog. Thanks to an unprecedented level of control it provides over the AI-generated image, ArtSmart is increasingly embraced as a professional-grade platform.

Innovative features:

• An all-in-one visual platform that combines image generation with editing and design
• Pre-designed presets help to achieve specific visual styles with no effort
• The upscaling function can improve low-quality images imported from other sources
• Inpainting and outpainting enable users to reimagine the existing visuals

Notable limitations:

• This AI generator doesn’t have a free version
• Internet connectivity issues can cause lagging

Pricing: Basic plan is offered for $16 per month, Standard plan costs $24.5 per month, and Business plan is available for $32.50 monthly

User reviews:

• G2: 4.7 (11 reviews)
• Capterra: 5.0 (1 review)

Blue Willow AI

For those who are still exploring the possibilities of AI-driven image creation, a simple tool like Blue Willow might be a great way to gain some experience. Getting started on this platform is very intuitive and it won’t cost you a fortune, while the output you can create while playing around with the text-to-image module might be surprisingly good.

Innovative features:

• Affordable AI image generation software deployed on the Discord platform
• Well-suited for creating graphics, illustrations, or photo-style images
• A dedicated ‘rookie’ channel is ideal for practicing and exploring the available options
• Users can choose one of four versions of AI Image to improve further

Notable limitations:

• It takes some practice to learn how to craft effective image prompts
• Lack of AI-based image editing tools

Pricing: The free version is available to everyone, and a subscription to the full version is offered for $5 per month

User reviews:

• G2: no reviews yet
• Capterra: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Midjourney Alternatives

Why AI image generators make mistakes with simple visual elements such as hands?

Despite their impressive performance, visual AI models remain prone to misinterpreting seemingly simple relations. Since the model just imitates the images it saw during training, it doesn’t ‘know’ that a hand must have five fingers and has a limited range of realistic positions. However, such bugs will be gradually weeded out as the models are improved.

Do I own a copyright for images I created with an AI image generator?

This is somewhat of a gray area at the moment. There is no doubt that you can claim ownership of the images you created, but presenting them as your own work in a formal setting without disclosing AI contributions might land you in hot water. Then again, some legal minds question whether any image created by AI algorithms trained on other people’s work might be infringing on copyright.

Is the number of AI images I can generate per day limited?

That depends on the AI tool you select and the type of subscription you have. In most cases, you will be able to experiment with various prompts as much as you’d like. If you need more repetitions of faster image generation, you can always switch to a paid plan and upgrade the level of service you are getting.

Final Thoughts

After the initial excitement about Midjourney and similar image generators, the dust is settling and we are starting to see some practical benefits from visual AI tools. It’s still too early to tell which AI model will turn out to be the best, especially since most image generators are continually adding new features. Full range of options is on the table – from simple, free image generators ideal for beginners, to sophisticated visual platforms optimized for professional use. What is your experience with AI image generators – did you find anything that can match the output of Midjourney? Tell us all about it in the comments below this article.