Midjourney vs DALL·E (ChatGPT Images): Which Image Generator Wins?
Compare Midjourney with OpenAI's image generation in ChatGPT on quality, ease of use, editing, text in images and pricing.
On this page
How we compare tools: product facts (features, plans, platforms) come from each company's official website and documentation at the time of review. Sections marked Our view are editorial judgement. Plans and features change often, so check the official pricing pages before you buy.
A note on names: DALL·E was OpenAI's image model. OpenAI has since built newer image generation directly into ChatGPT, so most people who search for "DALL·E" today will be using image generation in ChatGPT. This comparison uses that current experience.
At a glance
| Midjourney | ChatGPT image generation (OpenAI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Website and Discord | ChatGPT apps and OpenAI API |
| Free use | Generally no ongoing free plan | Available on ChatGPT's free plan with limits |
| Editing by conversation | Editor tools on the web | Yes, describe changes in chat |
| Style references | Yes | Upload reference images |
| Video | Image-to-video animation | Separate OpenAI video products |
Image quality and style
Our view: Midjourney is the favourite for striking, artistic images with a polished aesthetic. ChatGPT's image generation is strong at following detailed instructions and producing images that match a specific request, including diagrams and illustrations with text.
Ease of use
ChatGPT wins on ease: you describe what you want in plain language and refine it conversationally. Midjourney rewards learning its parameters and style options.
Text inside images
Our view: OpenAI's recent image generation handles lettering noticeably better than older models. For any tool, check spelling carefully and consider adding text afterwards in a design tool.
Pricing
Midjourney requires a paid subscription. ChatGPT image generation is available within ChatGPT plans, with limits on the free plan. Check both pricing pages for current details.
Which should you choose?
Choose Midjourney for artistic, high-impact visuals, mood boards and concept art.
Choose ChatGPT image generation for quick, instruction-following images, simple edits through conversation and images that include text.
Also consider Adobe Firefly if you work in Photoshop or need tools designed for commercial use.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is DALL·E still available?
OpenAI's image generation now lives mainly inside ChatGPT and its API with newer models. Check OpenAI's site for current model names.
Can I use Midjourney for free?
Midjourney generally does not offer an ongoing free plan.
AI Resource Hub Editorial Team
Our editors research AI tools using official documentation and reliable reporting, and update guides when products change. Read our editorial policy to see how we work. Editorial policy.
Tools in this guide
Midjourney
Midjourney, Inc.
Highly stylised AI image generation from text prompts.
- Text-to-image generation
- Image references for style and character
- Variations and upscaling
ChatGPT
OpenAI
General-purpose AI assistant for writing, analysis, images and conversation.
- Chat with text and voice
- File and image uploads for analysis
- Web search with linked sources
Adobe Firefly
Adobe
Adobe's generative AI for images, effects and video, built into Creative Cloud.
- Text-to-image
- Generative Fill and Expand in Photoshop
- Text effects
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