Best AI for making images
What is the best AI for making images?
For most people, ChatGPT and Gemini are the best AI image makers because both are free to try, understand plain-English requests and can edit an image you upload. Midjourney produces the most striking artistic results but has no free plan, and Canva is best for turning images into cards, posts and flyers.
Our shortlist
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan? | Paid from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChatGPT | Best all-rounder | Yes | US$8/month (Go, may include ads) |
| 2 | Gemini | Best free alternative | Yes | US$4.99/month (Google AI Plus, in 160+ countries) |
| 3 | Midjourney | Best for artistic images | No | US$10/month (Basic), or US$8/month billed annually |
| 4 | Canva (Magic Studio) | Best for designs with images | Yes | US$144/year (Pro, one person) in the US |
1. ChatGPT – best all-rounder
Image creation on the free plan (limited); good at following detailed instructions and editing.
Free plan: Free plan: everyday text chats with fair-use limits, plus limited uploads, image creation, voice and deep research. Full ChatGPT profile →
2. Gemini – best free alternative
Free image generation and editing with a Google account.
Free plan: Free with a Google account, including Deep Research, Gemini Live and image generation, with lower usage limits. Full Gemini profile →
3. Midjourney – best for artistic images
No free plan; Basic is US$10/month or US$8/month billed annually.
Free plan: No free plan – a paid subscription is required. Full Midjourney profile →
4. Canva (Magic Studio) – best for designs with images
Free plan with limited AI uses; puts images straight into templates.
Free plan: Free plan includes up to 20 uses of standard or premium AI tools; more on paid plans. Full Canva (Magic Studio) profile →
Try it now: step-by-step guides
Each guide has a copy-and-paste prompt you can use with any of the tools above.
Create artwork from an idea in your head
Rough guide only: Varies
🎨 Creativity & hobbiesEdit a photo with AI
Rough guide only: 20–40 minutes per photo
🚀 Side hustlesMake a flyer or poster
Rough guide only: 1–2 hours
🚀 Side hustlesCreate a month of social media posts
Rough guide only: 3–4 hours a month
📘 Get 20 ready-made prompts for making images and more
20 copy-and-paste prompts for everyday life, as a free PDF – plus one friendly AI tip a week. Unsubscribe any time.
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Things to watch out for
- Check usage rights in each tool's terms.
- Don't create misleading images of real people.
- Don't paste passwords, bank details or other people's private information into any AI tool.
How we chose
These are editorial picks by Amara Lewis, based on what each tool's free and paid plans include, how easy it is for a beginner, and how well it suits this task. We have not run formal benchmark tests for this page, and no company paid to be listed. Read how we review.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free AI image generator?
ChatGPT and Gemini both offer free image generation with limits.
Can I use AI images commercially?
It depends on each tool's terms and your plan – check before selling or advertising with them.
Why is the text in my image garbled?
AI images still sometimes mangle words. Add text afterwards in Canva for reliable results.
Not sure where to start?
Take our 60-second quiz to get a personal AI starter kit for your life.