Last updated: October 2026. Prices are in USD as listed by each company in 2026 and can change; Canadian prices are shown in CAD at checkout.
AI image generators have improved fast: the top tools now follow detailed prompts, render readable text and edit existing photos. The short answer: ChatGPT is the best overall and easiest to use, Midjourney gives the most artistic results, Ideogram is best for text in images, and Nano Banana (in Google Gemini) is best for editing photos.
ChatGPT (GPT Image)
The best results with the least effort: describe an image, then refine it in plain language. Strong prompt following, text rendering and photo editing.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Great prompt following and editing
- Included with ChatGPT plans
Cons
- Slower than some rivals
- Creates one image at a time
- Limited on the free plan
ChatGPT image generation at a glance
- Free plan
- Yes, limited
- Paid from
- ChatGPT Go $8/month; Plus $20/month
- Best for
- Overall quality and ease of use
- Runner-up picks
- Midjourney (artistic), Ideogram (text), Nano Banana (editing)
Best AI image generators at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid from |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT (GPT Image) | Overall quality and ease of use | Yes, limited | ChatGPT Go $8/month; Plus $20/month |
| Nano Banana (Google Gemini) | Editing photos, Google users | Yes, limited | Google AI Plus $4.99/month |
| Midjourney | Artistic, striking images | No | $10/month (about 200 images) |
| Reve | Following detailed prompts | Yes | $7.99/month |
| Ideogram | Accurate text in images | Yes, weekly credits | $20/month ($15 billed yearly) |
| FLUX | Customization and control | Depends on platform | Depends on platform |
| Adobe Firefly | Adding AI to photos in Photoshop | Yes, limited credits | $9.99/month |
| Recraft | Graphic design, logos, vectors | Yes, 30 credits/day | $12/month ($10 billed yearly) |
The best AI image generators in detail
1. ChatGPT (GPT Image)
Best for: the best overall results with the least effort.
ChatGPT creates images directly in the chat: describe what you want, then ask for changes in plain language. It is strong at following prompts, rendering text and recreating a photo in a new style.
- Pros: extremely easy to use; great prompt following and editing; included with ChatGPT plans.
- Cons: slower than some rivals and creates one image at a time.
- Price: limited on the free plan; more with ChatGPT Go ($8/month) or Plus ($20/month).
2. Nano Banana (Google Gemini)
Best for: editing existing photos and Google users.
Nano Banana is Google’s image model inside the Gemini app. It is especially good at changing parts of an existing photo while keeping the rest intact.
- Pros: excellent photo editing; available in Gemini and other Google tools.
- Cons: prompt following can miss details; adds a visible watermark.
- Price: limited on the free plan; included in Google AI Plus ($4.99/month) and AI Pro ($19.99/month).
3. Midjourney
Best for: artistic, visually striking images.
Midjourney is known for beautiful textures, colours and compositions. It now has a good web app, so you no longer need Discord.
- Pros: some of the best-looking results of any tool; inspiring community gallery.
- Cons: images are public by default; no free trial at the moment.
- Price: Basic plan from $10/month for about 200 images, with commercial use.
4. Ideogram
Best for: images with accurate text, such as posters, logos and social graphics.
Most generators still struggle with lettering, but Ideogram renders text reliably. It also offers an editor, batch generation and a character tool.
- Pros: best-in-class text rendering; a real free plan.
- Cons: images are public by default on the free plan.
- Price: free plan with weekly credits; Plus from $20/month ($15 billed yearly).
5. Reve
Best for: following long, detailed prompts exactly.
Reve sticks closely to complex prompts with many details, and lets you edit areas of an image with text notes.
- Pros: top-tier prompt adherence; solid free plan.
- Cons: fewer extra features than larger platforms.
- Price: free plan; Lite $7.99/month; Pro $19.99/month.
6. Adobe Firefly
Best for: adding AI-generated elements to real photos.
Firefly’s Generative Fill and Generative Expand in Photoshop add or extend content that matches the lighting and style of your photo.
- Pros: best integration with professional photo tools.
- Cons: weaker as a pure text-to-image generator.
- Price: limited free credits; Firefly Standard $9.99/month.
Other AI image generators worth trying
- FLUX: powerful open models from Black Forest Labs, available on platforms like NightCafe and Civitai. Best for users who want control.
- Recraft: built for graphic design, with consistent image sets and SVG export. Free 30 credits a day; from $12/month.
- Leonardo.Ai: a creator platform with several models and styles.
Which AI image generator should you choose?
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| The easiest tool with great results | ChatGPT |
| Artistic, gallery-quality images | Midjourney |
| Text in images (posters, logos) | Ideogram |
| To edit your own photos | Nano Banana (Gemini) or Adobe Firefly |
| Logos and vector graphics | Recraft |
| A free option | ChatGPT, Gemini or Ideogram free plans |
Want to see all AI tools, not just image generators? Read our best AI tools guide.
FAQ
What is the best AI image generator?
For most people, ChatGPT is the best AI image generator: it is easy to use, follows prompts well and edits images through simple conversation. Midjourney is the best for artistic results.
Is there a free AI image generator?
Yes. ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Ideogram, Reve and Recraft all offer free plans with limits. Midjourney currently has no free trial.
Which AI image generator is best for text in images?
Ideogram is the most reliable for readable text. ChatGPT is also strong at rendering text.
Can I use AI-generated images commercially?
Most paid plans allow commercial use, but terms differ by tool, so check each tool’s licence. Rules on copyright for AI images are still developing.