Dall-E vs. Midjourney: Pricing + Feature Face-Off

Dall-E vs. Midjourney: The next UFC card, or the text-to-image showdown of the year 2025?

These two AI image generators bring serious power, but they’re built for different creative styles. Whether you’re into photorealism or dreamy, stylized art, picking the right tool is going to depend on your preferences. 

We’ll tell you all you need to know about both platforms so that you can make an informed decision. Plus, we’ll also throw in the best free alternative so you can uncomplicate image generation. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Quick comparison of Dall-E and Midjourney
• Dall-E overview
• Midjourney overview
• Functionality
• 10 questions to help you choose Dall-E vs. Midjourney
• FAQs
• Weights — the no-nonsense free alternative

Dall-E vs. Midjourney: A quick comparison

When it comes to Dall-E vs. Midjourney, it’s not apples to apples — it’s more like comparing a DSLR to a paintbrush. Dall-E dominates in photorealism, which makes it a marketer’s dream. Midjourney, though, is the artsy cousin that has deep customization options. Picking the right one depends on what you’re trying to create and how you roll with tech.

Here’s the TL;DR: 

For reference, here’s a sample prompt for each

“Create an image of a cat staring out of a high-rise window in night-time Tokyo, with Blade-Runner-esque neon signs spewing multi-colored fragmented light patterns.”

Dall-E 3’s take: 

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Midjourney’s take: 

There’s a reason why these are two of the best image generators. Now, let’s dive into a more in-depth comparison.

Dall-E overview

Dall-E 3 spits out photorealistic images like it’s nothing. Built right into ChatGPT, it’s dead-easy to use — no learning curve, no stress, just type your idea and watch it do its thing.

Why it slaps:

Photorealistic rendering

Dall-E 3 is the heavyweight champion of photorealistic AI images. Whether you’re designing product shots, ads, or something that needs to feel hyper-real, it delivers images that look like a pro photographer was behind the lens — not an algorithm.

Why this feature delivers:

• Perfect for professional visuals: Marketers love Dall-E because it creates polished images that look great in campaigns, product catalogs, or anywhere you need realistic visuals.
• Handles complex details: It nails textures like glossy surfaces, matte finishes, and natural-looking shadows. Need realistic reflections on glassware? Done. Want fabrics that actually look soft? Easy.
• Dynamic lighting effects: Instead of generic lighting, Dall-E works with your prompts to add depth. Think sunlight streaming through windows or moody evening glow — it doesn’t miss.
• Great for mockups: Testing packaging designs? Creating client previews? Dall-E makes it simple to showcase ideas without wasting time or money on photoshoots.

When to use it:

• You’re building a pitch deck and need images that scream “high budget” but were made in seconds.
• You’re mocking up product shots for a job or a school project.
• You’re designing realistic visual assets for that cool video game idea.

Inpainting

Inpainting is Dall-E’s secret weapon for fixing the unfixable. Whether you’ve got a missing detail, a bad crop, or something that just doesn’t fit, inpainting lets you highlight the problem area and tell Dall-E exactly what to replace it with. No starting over, no frustration.

Why inpainting is clutch:

• Spot corrections made easy: Remove unwanted objects, fix awkward framing, or update small details without redoing the entire image.
• Perfect for on-the-fly edits: Got a product shot but need a different logo or color? Highlight the area, give Dall-E the update, and it’s done.
• Tight detail work: From fixing messy edges to adding subtle textures, inpainting handles precise edits like a pro.

When it saves lives.

• Fixing last-minute details before delivering work to a client.
• Swapping out designs, logos, or text in marketing visuals without re-rendering.
• Cleaning up images for professional or personal use.

Outpainting

Outpainting is Dall-E’s answer to “what if this image was bigger — and better?” It lets you expand your visuals beyond their original frame, adding context, backgrounds, or even entirely new scenes to your creations.

Why outpainting levels up your images:

• Extend the story: Need to turn a portrait into a full scene? Outpainting can transform a tight crop into a full-on masterpiece.
• Perfect for banners and headers: Go from Instagram square to widescreen banner without killing yourself over the details. 
• Add context or detail: Whether it’s a subtle background or a dramatic expansion, outpainting makes it easy to give your image more depth and meaning.

When it’s a must-use:

• Creating wide-format visuals for social media, websites, or presentations.
• Adding detailed backgrounds to make product or concept shots stand out.
• Transforming basic images into scroll-stopping visuals.

ChatGPT integration

Dall-E 3 lives inside ChatGPT, so you don’t need extra apps, fancy software, or a backup plan. It’s all right there, ready to turn your wild ideas into visuals without making you work for it.

Why it’s fire:

• Brain to screen in seconds: Just type what’s in your head, and boom — it’s an image. No setup, no tabs, no stress.
• Built for lazy geniuses: If you can text your friends, you can make this work. It’s literally that simple.
• Speed-run your projects: Need an image now? Dall-E and ChatGPT are already hanging out, so no waiting around.

When it hits different:

• Adding last-minute visuals to your school project, pitch deck, or that TikTok idea you swear will blow up.
• Creating images mid-conversation because your creativity doesn’t have time for new apps.
• Flexing on people who still use three different tools for one image.

DALL-E 3 pricing

Dall-E 3 isn’t technically “free” after you’ve used up your three daily images. To keep creating, you’ll need to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus or use the API — both have costs depending on how much you’re generating.

Here’s the breakdown:

• ChatGPT Plus: $20/month gets you some access to Dall-E 3 (with changing month-to-month image limits), plus all the GPT-4 goodies.
• API pricing: Costs range from ~$0.040–$0.120 per image, depending on the resolution you want. Higher-res images are more expensive, so you can start getting some value-creep if you need to bulk-generate images. 
• “Meh” free offerings: If you’re new to Dall-E, OpenAI gives you just three images a day to whet your appetite. Want more? It’s pay-to-win, baby. 

Best for

Dall-E 3 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and honestly? That’s its strength. It thrives in scenarios where you need clean, realistic visuals fast — no artsy drama, no Discord servers, just straightforward results.

Who’s gonna love this:

• Marketers: Need photorealistic product shots or ad visuals that look professionally shot? Dall-E’s got you.
• Small business owners: Save your cash on stock photos — just describe what you need, and Dall-E delivers.
• Beginners: If “learning curve” makes you sweat, Dall-E’s simple interface will feel like a safe space.
• E-commerce creators: Perfect for building sleek, high-quality visuals to show off products without hiring a photographer.

Not that great for: 

Dall-E 3 might be great for photorealism, but it’s not perfect for every situation. If you’re looking to get super creative or need something totally stylized, you’ll probably hit a cap fast. 

Who might not vibe with it:

• Artists who want unique styles: If your vision leans toward surreal, abstract, or painterly art, Midjourney’s where you want to be. Dall-E’s style options are pretty basic by comparison.
• People who hate subscriptions: No free-for-all here. Once those 2 images are gone, you’ll need to commit to ChatGPT Plus or pay per use.
• Advanced users: Customization is limited, so if you want deep control over things like resolution or fine-tuned styles, Dall-E can feel a little “meh.”
• Discord-savvy creators: If you’re already living on Midjourney’s Discord and love tweaking prompts, Dall-E might feel like it doesn’t have the same depth. 

Midjourney overview

Midjourney is where things get really extra: It’s the AI image generator for creators who want their art bold, stylized, and with more personality than Dante from Devil May Cry. Unlike Dall-E’s neat vibe, Midjourney runs entirely through Discord, which makes it a favorite for those who love experimenting and connecting with a community.

Why people are obsessed:

Advanced artistic styles

Midjourney doesn’t insist on copying real life — it’s meant for creating art that has people saying, “That belongs in a museum.” If you want surreal dreamscapes or wild fantasy images, this is your jam for bold, statement-making visuals.

Why it’s a flex:

• Next-level creativity: It doesn’t follow your prompt blindly; it runs with it. “A pastel octopus drinking boba under a disco ball”? Say less — Midjourney nails it.
• Rich textures and details: Every image looks hand-made, with crazy good lighting, color palettes, and intricate little touches.
• Rock-solid for big ideas: Perfect for concept art, trippy posters, or your next album cover. If it’s meant to stand out, Midjourney’s got you.

Customizable aspect ratios

Midjourney gives you control over how your art fits, whether it’s a perfect square for Instagram or a cinematic widescreen for a banner. Aspect ratios let you shape your visuals to match your exact needs with no cropping nightmares in sight. 

Why it’s clutch:

• Square, wide, tall — your pick: From 1:1 for social posts to 16:9 for YouTube thumbnails, you’re in charge of how the final image fits.
• Great for specific projects: Designing a website header? Need a book cover? Aspect ratios make sure your art fits perfectly without losing details.
• Keeps the quality sky-high: Adjusting the ratio doesn’t mean sacrificing detail — everything stays sharp and polished.

Detailed prompts make better results 

Midjourney thrives on specifics. The more you tell it, the better it delivers. This isn’t a tool for vague ideas — it’s for people who know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to get into the weeds. 

Why detailed prompts matter:

• Total creative control: Want a neon dragon in a futuristic city with rain? Midjourney loves that energy and delivers exactly what you ask for.
• Refines every detail: You can tweak lighting, textures, and even the tone of the image (moody, playful, cinematic — you name it).
• Great for niche projects: If you’re working on something super specific, like a sci-fi book cover or a detailed storyboard, detailed prompts are your soulmate. 

High-res outputs

Midjourney doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality. Its high-res images are meant for creators who want their art looking crisp everywhere — whether it’s a digital banner or a poster you slap on your wall.

Why it delivers:

• Print-ready quality: Go big or go home — Midjourney’s images are sharp enough for posters, merch, or whatever else you want to blow up.
• Zero pixel drama: Forget blurry lines or grainy textures; every detail stays clean, even if you zoom in.
• Works for anything: From Instagram posts to billboards, high-res makes sure your work looks fire on any platform.

Midjourney pricing

Midjourney isn’t free, but its subscription plans give you access to some of the most creative AI outputs out there. Whether you’re dabbling or a full-on power user, there’s a tier for everyone.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Basic Plan ($10/month): Best for light users just experimenting with AI art. Allows for 3 jobs, with 10 jobs waiting in queue It’s 3.3 GPU hours, and a good guesstimate is 200 images, but that number could be more or less depending on variations or upscale requests. This also applies to other plans. 
• Standard Plan ($30/month): 15 hours of fast image generation + unlimited relaxed mode, ideal for casual creators who need a bit more freedom. Also allows for 3 jobs, with 10  more jobs waiting in queue
• Pro Plan ($60/month): 30 hours of fast image generation + unlimited relaxed mode + priority access. This one’s for the pros who live on Midjourney. Allows for 12 fast jobs, 3 relaxed ones, and 10 in the queue. 
• Mega Plan ($120/month): 60 hours of fast image generation + unlimited relaxed mode + priority access. This one’s for the pros who live on Midjourney. Also allows for 12 fast jobs, 3 relaxed ones, and 10 more in the queue.

Extras: 

• More GPU time = $4/hr on every plan.
• You can rate images to get free GPU time — although people who loathe forced social media stuff may break out in allergies at the thought. 

Best for

Midjourney is the pick for anyone who wants art that’s as extra as they are. If your thing is bold visuals, unique styles, and pushing boundaries, this is where you’ll feel at home.

Who’s gonna feel this: 

• Artists and designers: Love playing with surreal styles or over-the-top details? Midjourney is your dream AI tool.
• Fantasy and sci-fi fans: Whether it’s a glowing dragon or a galaxy-spanning city, this is the AI for building worlds that don’t exist yet.
• Content creators: Want YouTube thumbnails or TikTok covers that scream “click me”? Midjourney’s here for it.
• Tech-savvy creators: If you’re cool with tweaking prompts, Midjourney will let you show off those skills. There’s also the option of going on Discord. 

Not ideal for

Midjourney might be a beast for creative visuals, but it’s not perfect for every situation. If you’re looking for simple, photorealistic images or hate extra steps, this isn’t the AI for you.

Who might skip it:

• Marketers who crave that photorealism:  If you’re making ad-ready visuals or product shots, Dall-E does it cleaner and faster.
• Beginners: The learning curve is real. If you just want to type and go, Midjourney might feel like too much work.
• Fast-and-simple users: Need instant results? Midjourney’s customization options are great but take time to master.

Functionality: How each platform simplifies access

Gone are the days when you had to juggle a million tools just to get an AI image. Both Midjourney and Dall-E have leveled up their accessibility game, making it easier than ever to dive into image generation.

Let’s break down how each platform gets you creating: 

Midjourney AI image generator interface

The Midjourney team finally gave in to the “not everyone loves Discord” crowd and launched a slick web interface in August 2024. 

Now, you can also create images straight from your browser, skipping the whole bot-command thing. The web setup lets you manage your creations, tweak settings, and even browse community art without downloading anything. Just log into Midjourney and start creating. 

Still, if you’re a Discord loyalist, the classic setup is there for you. Both options offer the same creativity-packed experience, but now you can pick the style that suits you.

Developers beware: There is no official Midjourney API available. At the time of this writing, any Midjourney APIs available were created by 3rd party groups and could violate the official terms of service of Midjourney. 

Dall-E’s platform versatility

Dall-E doesn’t like sitting in one spot — it shows up where you need it. 

Here’s how you can access it:

• ChatGPT integration: If you’re already using ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise, Dall-E 3 is built right in. Just type what you’re imagining, and it’ll generate images on the fly — no extra apps, no wasted time. 
• Bing Image Creator: Want to cook up visuals while Googling (well, Bing-ing) stuff? Dall-E powers Microsoft’s Image Creator, so you can multitask without gritting your teeth. 
• OpenAI API: Developers, this one’s for you. With the API, you can plug Dall-E 3 into your own apps and ready-made flows, which gives you full control over how you use it. Remember that this has a cost per image, though, and it can easily get expensive. 

10 quick questions to help you choose Dall-E vs. Midjourney

Still on the fence? Let’s break it down with some rapid-fire questions to help you pick the platform that actually deserves your heart. 

Onwards and upwards: 

1. Do you prioritize photorealistic images over artistic styles?

Yes: Dall-E is the clear winner if you want images that look like they were shot with a DSLR. It’s ideal for creating realistic product photos, professional marketing assets, or anything where accuracy is the real winner. 

No: If you want bold, artsy designs that lean into surrealism or creativity, Midjourney is where you’ll find your groove. It’s perfect for conceptual art, fantasy tones, and experimental visuals.

2. Are you comfortable using Discord for image generation?

Yes: If you’re already familiar with Discord or don’t mind learning a few bot commands, Midjourney’s community-driven setup will feel natural. Plus, the whole collaboration thing is a bonus if you like sharing and learning from others. But, also mind that Midjourney’s web UI is also a real life-saver. 

No: If Discord sounds like a hassle, or you just want something simple without logging into Midjourney’s UI, Dall-E is for you. It works right inside ChatGPT — no extra apps, no new interfaces, just type and go.

3. Do you want the ability to edit or expand existing images?

Yes: Dall-E is your buddy-buddy here. With its inpainting and outpainting tools, you can edit specific parts of an image or expand its borders to add more detail. It’s perfect for tweaking visuals or building larger compositions.

No: If editing isn’t a priority and you’re more into creating complete, stylized images from scratch, Midjourney has all the creative tools you’ll need and then some. Its focus is on generating art, not reworking it.

4. Are you looking for a tool that’s easy to learn and quick to start?

Yes: Dall-E wins for simplicity. If you can type a sentence, you can use it. Built into ChatGPT, it’s ridiculously easy, even if you’ve never touched an AI tool before.

No: Midjourney is better if you’re willing to learn Discord commands and spend time tweaking prompts. It’s not plug-and-play, but it’s worth it for the creative freedom.

5. Do you need highly stylized, imaginative, or fantasy-like images?

Yes: Midjourney lives for this stuff. From glowing dragons to surreal sci-fi worlds, it’s basically an artist trapped in an AI. If bold and all-out is your thung, this is where you go.

No: For a more grounded, pro tone, Dall-E is better. The point is photorealism — think product shots, polished marketing visuals, and clean, believable designs.

6. Are you already using ChatGPT for other purposes?

Yes: Then Dall-E is a no-brainer. It’s already baked into ChatGPT, so you don’t have to jump between tools. Everything happens in one place, easy-peasy.

No: If ChatGPT isn’t your thing, Midjourney’s got its own dedicated tribe on Discord. It’s made for creators who want a totally separate space for experimenting and creating.

7. How important is advanced customization for you (e.g., controlling image quality, aspect ratio)?

Yes: Midjourney gives you full control. You can mess with aspect ratios, lighting, styles, and basically every detail in your prompts. It’s perfect if you’re the type who loves tweaking things until they’re just right.

No: Dall-E skips the customization overload. It focuses on generating sharp, realistic visuals without making you work for it. Perfect for when you want something quick and reliable.

8. Do you prefer monthly subscriptions with relaxed generation modes?

Yes: Midjourney’s subscription plans give you a relaxed mode, so you can create as much as you want without stressing over limits. Plans like Standard and Pro are solid for heavy users.

No: Dall-E isn’t really “free” either, with 3 free images a day through ChatGPT — that’s weaksauce. If you’re not generating a ton of content, this simple approach might work better than committing to a monthly fee, though. But really, three images? Come on! That being said, Dall-E isn’t hard-capped when you use the paid plan. User limits change from month to month depending on the total number of people making images, though. 

9. Do you need images for professional marketing or product design?

Yes: Dall-E thrives in this space. It nails realistic visuals that look polished and professional, perfect for ads, product shots, or anything that needs to impress.

No: If your focus is more on creative, out-there visuals, Midjourney’s stylized art will catch more eyes. It’s not for photorealism but it nails those unique, head-turning designs.

10. Are you using AI-generated images for commercial purposes?

Yes: Dall-E keeps it simple for businesses. You get clean access through Open AI’s image generation licensing, so there’s no confusion about who owns what. It’s perfect for companies that need to pump out ads, product visuals, or high-level content without stressing over the fine print.

And yes, Midjourney lets you strut your stuff commercially too: If you’re part of a business that makes over a billion bucks annually, you’ll need to use the Pro or Mega plan to sell your output, though. 

Fine print: If you upscale someone else’s output on Midjourney, they’ll still own it. Don’t try to get sneaky, now.

FAQs

Which is better for photorealism: Dall-E or Midjourney?

Dall-E 3 dominates photorealism: It’s a virtual photographer on tap. This tool handles lighting, textures, and details like no other — think ad-quality product shots, lifelike portraits, or hyper-realistic environments. If you need something that could fool someone into thinking it’s a photo, Dall-E’s definitely where it’s at. 

Midjourney leans more toward artistic interpretation and creative flair, so if realism is your top priority, you’ll notice the difference.

Can I use both Dall-E and Midjourney for free?

Dall-E gives you three free image generations daily through ChatGPT. If you ask us, that’s pretty “meh”. If you want access to more images per month (it changes month-to-month)  you’ll need to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus for $20/month.

Midjourney offers paid GPU time with subscriptions. The Basic plan starts at $10/month and goes up to $120/month. 

Is Midjourney harder to use than Dall-E?

Yes, Midjourney’s Discord-based setup has a learning curve. You’ll need to get comfy with bot commands, navigating different channels, and figuring out its quirks. They’ve also recently created a Web UI to make things easier for using it online without Discord. 

Dall-E, by contrast, is as simple as instant ramen. It’s integrated into ChatGPT, so if you know how to text, you know how to use it. No extra apps, no steep learning curve — just type and go.

Can I sell images generated by Dall-E or Midjourney?

Yes, you can sell images made on both platforms, but there are rules. With Dall-E, OpenAI gives you full ownership of the images you generate — no weird exceptions, even if you’re using the free plan. That means you’re good to go for merch, ads, or whatever else you’re selling.

For Midjourney, you need a paid plan to unlock commercial rights if your business makes over $1.000.000/year. In that case, you’re going to need to use one of the higher-tier plans. 

What’s the max resolution I can get with Dall-E or Midjourney?

Dall-E’s resolution is solid but not groundbreaking — you’re looking at around 1024×1792, 1792×1024 pixels per image at most. It’s great for web use or smaller projects but might not cut it for large-scale printing.

Midjourney levels up with much higher resolutions, especially if you’re using advanced prompts or tweaking settings with its custom upscalers. Perfect for posters, banners, and other big visuals that need to pop.

Are there any restrictions on what I can generate?

Yes, both platforms have rules. Dall-E won’t let you generate anything violent, explicit, or politically charged — OpenAI has strict filters to keep it clean.

Midjourney has similar content restrictions, but the enforcement feels a little less intense. That said, both platforms actively block harmful or inappropriate content, so don’t try to get edgy.

Weights: The totally free no-limits image generator

Let’s break it down: Dall-E vs. Midjourney comes down to what you need. Dall-E dominates for photorealism and is ridiculously easy to use through ChatGPT, but it’s not great for artsy-fartsy images or customization. 

Midjourney? It’s centered on creativity, with crazy-stylized visuals and total control, but the Discord setup isn’t everyone’s thing.

Now meet Weights, the alternative that combines the best of both — no subscriptions, no limits, no drama.

Why Weights hits different:

• 100% free: Forget daily caps or paid plans. Weights gives you unlimited image generation for zero dollars.
• More than images: Create voices, videos, chat with AI, and even train your own AI models — all on one platform. You get pretty much everything that’s fun about AI in a single place. 
• Simple and stress-free: You don’t need a manual (or Discord). Just dive in, click a few buttons, and create. Even that one relative who swore off on technology after a toaster accident can create in seconds. 
• Community-powered: Share your work, discover others, and level up your inspiration with a creative squad that gets it.

Don’t overcomplicate things with paid platforms – start creating with Weights right now.