Best AI Image Generator: Dall-E 3 vs Stable Diffusion vs Midjourney [2024]

In this article, we compare Dall-E 3, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney to determine the most effective AI image generator.
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In a time when AI is shaping every aspect of our lives, creativity is no exception. AI image generators are key tools that assist not only professional and amateur artists in creating stunning visuals, but also the average knowledge worker. Let’s compare three widely recognized AI image generators: Dall-E 3, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney. We aim to answer your questions such as, “What is the best AI image generator?” and “How do you use these AI image generators?“, among others.

Introduction to AI Image Generation

AI image generators translate text into visually appealing, realistic images. Using advanced machine learning, these generators swiftly create unique visuals, providing users a new creative avenue.

AI algorithms learn from millions of images and their descriptions. Then, when you feed in a text description, the AI utilizes its training to generate a corresponding image.

ai model getting trained (funny)
Prompt: Generate an image featuring a close-up of a robot. This robot should be pumping a dumbbell with its left hand and holding a book in its right hand, seemingly reading it. The style should be cartoonish, aiming to create a sarcastic tone.

Dall-E: The First in the Scene

The field of AI image generators was first popularized by Dall-Е, a product from the pioneers of AI, OpenAI.

In 2024, Dall-E 3 is one of the top picks when it comes to AI image generation, a well-earned spot. Its predecessor, Dall-E 2, first earned this reputation by creating unique images that went viral and set a new standard for AI-generated art.

forest library
Prompt: An ancient library hidden inside a giant tree, illuminated by sunlight filtering through the leaves. Inside, shelves carved into the tree trunk overflow with old, leather-bound books. 

One key aspect of Dall-E 3 is its user-friendliness and simplicity. While there are many ways to use it, one of the best ways to do so is through Team-GPT. To access Dall-E 3, you just need an OpenAI API key linked to Team-GPT.That’s how easy it is to have a collaborative, convenient AI image generator for your entire team. Team-GPT makes it simple for you to develop and build upon your team’s designs to achieve exactly what you need.

Midjourney: The Leader in Quality

Midjourney is recognized as the leading company in AI image generation, offering superior consistency and control over the output. However, it’s essential to note that several hurdles are holding it back from mass adoption compared to Dall-E. For starters, it offers a subscription-based service and does not provide an API.

Additionally, it can only be accessed through their official Discord channel, which comes across as strange to first-time users. Also, generated images are public, lack privacy, and there are no collaboration features.

Chinese landscape painting
PromptChinese landscape painting, blue mountains in the distance, Chinese style architecture on top of a mountain, light gray and dark brown, colorful ink wash paintings, meticulous brushwork, colorful woodcut prints, mountains, rocks, clouds, green trees, blue sky, red flag, small house, golden age illustrations, in the style of colorful woodblock print, ultrahigh definition images, wetland scenery.

Notably, Midjourney is reportedly trained on a vast collection of stock images. Although the CEO of Midjourney has remained silent on this matter, the occasional appearance of stock watermark images has led to numerous discussions speculating and debating ways to remove them.

Stable Diffusion: Democratising Image Generation

In contrast to Midjourney, Stable Diffusion is a free, open-source project. It enables anyone with a powerful enough computer to use it, thereby maximizing accessibility. DreamStudio, the web app of Stable Diffusion, is quite affordable and customizable.

But, this approach adds a steeper learning curve than Dall-E and Midjourney. It requires some technical skill to run, maintain, and edit, so it’s not as accessible to the average user.

steampunk balloon
Prompt: Vintage, steampunk-inspired airship soaring above a sprawling, Victorian-era cityscape, with intricate clockwork mechanisms and steam-powered engines.

The Showdown: Dall-E vs Midjourney vs Stable Diffusion

While the open-source accessibility of Stable Diffusion is certainly appealing, Midjourney appears to surpass it in terms of image generation capabilities. Dall-E, on the other hand, comfortably sits in the middle with its ease of use and performance.

ProsConsHow to access
Dall-E 3– Easy to Use
– Great for most users
– Needs OpenAI API keyThe best way is through Team-GPT
Midjourney– Best Image results
– Great Community
– Used only through Discord
– Public Generation
– No API
Official Discord
Stable Diffusion– Open-source
– Accessable
– Learning Curve
– Requires technical skills
Open-source, DreamStudio

What’s the Best AI Image Generator for Me?

Predicting the top AI image generators for 2024 and beyond is tough due to rapid AI development. We will just have to wait and see.

Answering the question, “What is the best AI image generator?” truly depends on your needs. If you want something quick and easy without being an artist, accessing Dall-E through Team-GPT would be your best choice. If you require a professional-grade generation and are willing to pay for a subscription, Midjourney might be the appropriate tool for you.

For a deeper Dall-E and Midjourney comparison, read our article, “Dall-E vs Midjourney: Which is Better for Image Creation?”.In it, we discuss whether you should use Dall-E or Midjourney depending on your use cases.

Iliya Valchanov
CEO at  | Website

Iliya teaches 1.3M students on the topics of AI, data science, and machine learning. He is a serial entrepreneur, who has co-founded Team-GPT, 3veta, and 365 Data Science. Iliya’s latest project, Team-GPT is helping companies like Maersk, EY, Charles Schwab, Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, Columbia University adopt AI in the most private and secure way.