Is Midjourney Free? 11 Competitors for 2025

If you’ve been eyeing Midjourney to whip up some AI magic, you’re probably asking: Is Midjourney free? 

The short answer: Kind of, but not really — while it’s great for AI-generated art, the free tier feels more like a tiny taste than a full meal.

But don’t stress. Whether you’re trying to save some cash or just want more creative freedom, we’ve got the scoop on how Midjourney works, what it costs, and the best alternatives if you’re over those limits.

We’ll cover:

• Is Midjourney free?
• Midjourney’s subscription plans explained
• The difference between Midjourney’s fast and relaxed modes
• The drawbacks of using Midjourney for free
• The best free Midjourney alternatives in 2025
• What to look for in an AI image generators

Is Midjourney free?

Not exactly. The Midjourney image generator does offer a free trial, but it’s more of a teaser than a long-term solution. The free tier lets you generate a limited number of images to test the waters, but once you hit the cap — you’re out of luck.

Here’s the deal:

• Limited runs: The trial only gives you 25 images before you need to subscribe. That’s barely enough for a creative warm-up.
• Short-lived access: Free trials are sporadic and may not always be available, depending on demand and server loads.
• Pay-to-play after the cap: Once your 25 images are gone, Midjourney locks you out until you upgrade to a paid plan.

What Midjourney subscription plans can you pick from? 

Midjourney isn’t shy about its pricing — and if you’re planning to create regularly, you’ll need to pick a paid plan. There are four tiers, so whether you’re a casual creator or going full Van Gogh (minus the ear stuff), here’s the breakdown:

1. Basic Plan – $10/month ($96/year)

• Fast GPU time: 3.3 hours/month
• Relax GPU time: None — you’ll burn through those hours quickly.
• Perfect for: Hobbyists who need occasional AI art without breaking the bank.
• Limitations: You can’t run too many jobs at once, and once those 3.3 hours are up? Time to top up or upgrade.

2. Standard Plan – $30/month ($288/year)

• Fast GPU time: 15 hours/month
• Relax GPU time: Unlimited — go wild during low-traffic hours.
• Perfect for: Creators who need consistent output without blowing their budget.
• Limitations: While relaxed mode is free, it’s slower — like your grandma on dial-up.

3. Pro Plan – $60/month ($576/year)

• Fast GPU time: 30 hours/month
• Relax GPU time: Unlimited — keep churning out those innovations. 
• Stealth mode: Hide your work from prying eyes (or nosy competitors).
• Perfect for: Artists and freelancers who want more GPU time and private workspaces.

4. Mega Plan – $120/month ($1152/year)

• Fast GPU time: 60 hours/month
• Relax GPU time: Unlimited — because why stop?
• Stealth mode: Included. Keep those big-brain ideas under wraps.
• Perfect for: Power users and big teams pumping out content non-stop.

Extra GPU time: Burned through your hours? You can top up with additional Fast GPU time for $4/hour.

The difference between Midjourney’s fast and relaxed modes

Midjourney splits its image generation into two main modes — fast and relaxed — and they’re exactly what they sound like. 

Here’s how they stack up:

Fast mode – fast, but pricey:

• What it does: Fast mode uses your allocated GPU hours to generate images quickly. It’s the turbo setting for creators who need results ASAP.
• The catch: Once you run out of GPU time, you’ll have to wait for the next billing cycle or pay extra — $4 per hour — to keep things moving.
• Who it’s for: Anyone who needs their art in a hurry or is working on time-sensitive projects.

Relaxed mode – free, but slo’:

• What it does: Relaxed mode generates images without eating into your GPU time, but it’s slower since requests get queued.
• The catch: Only Standard plans and up can access this mode, so Basic subscribers are stuck paying for speed. Plus, priority in the queue is activity-based, so heavy users might end up waiting even longer.
• Who it’s for: Creators who are cool with playing the waiting game to stretch their subscription hours.

Our recommendation? Skip the drama with one of the Midjourney alternatives below, and we’ll start with a 100% free one. 

Please note: The prices listed below are current as of December 2024 and are subject to change. Please confirm the latest prices on the official pricing websites.

1. Weights.gg

If you’re tired of AI platforms pulling the rug out from under you, Weights is here to let you breathe. It’s free, it’s fun, and it gets straight to the point — unlimited image generation without weird limits or head-scratching terms.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• All-you-can-eat creative buffet: Generate as much art as you want without worrying about GPU hours or sneaky paywalls.
• No coding headaches: Weights makes generating media with AI easy for everyone. Just pick a tool, click some buttons, and boom — you’re creating.
• All-in-one vibes: Beyond images, you can train voices, make videos, and even share your masterpieces with the community.

Who’s it for?

Anyone who wants results without the overthinking. Whether you’re a casual creator, TikTok junkie, or just want to play around with AI tools, Weights lets you dive in stress-free.

Pricing:

Free. No catches, no tricks; it’s all free forever with no paywalls. 

2. Playground AI

Playground AI is exactly what it sounds like — a no-fuss platform for creating cool art, fast. It’s beginner-friendly, browser-based, and lets you experiment without the Discord drama.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Simple and speedy: No downloads, no sign-ups — just jump in and start creating straight from your browser.
• Flexible options: Mix up styles, tweak outputs, and even layer your creations to get the exact vibe you want.
• Free credits: Playground AI gives you up to 15 free images every 3 hours, so you can really go wild.

Who’s it for?

Great for casual users who want clean results without complicated tools or constant payment reminders. Just don’t expect pro-level control or deep customization.

Pricing:

• Free: 15 images every 3 hours
• Pro Design: $15/month or $12/month billed annually
• Custom: Contact for enterprise pricing. 

3. Leonardo.Ai

Leonardo.Ai is like Midjourney’s got more complexity and flexibility for fine-tuning your work. It’s packed with features.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Fine-tuned precision: Leonardo.Ai lets you control every detail, from style consistency to brush strokes.
• Training options: Upload your own datasets to train AI models that match your exact creative vision.
• Layered editing: Unlike Midjourney, you can refine your creations as much as you like, directly on the platform.

Who’s it for?

Perfect for artists and creators who want to geek out over precision tools and customization. Beginners might feel a little overwhelmed, but if you’re ready to level up, this is it.

Pricing:

• API Basic: $9/month
• Standard: $49/month
• Pro: $299/month
• Custom plans are also available.

4. Bing AI Image Creator

Bing might not scream “cool” at first glance, but its AI image creator — powered by DALL·E — delivers decently good results for a tool that’s 100% free. Just don’t expect greatness. 

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Totally free: No subscriptions or credits. Bing gives you a legit AI image generator that won’t ask for your credit card.
• Built-in simplicity: It’s as easy as typing in a prompt and hitting enter. No learning curve, no fuss.
• DALL·E power: Bing taps into OpenAI’s DALL·E engine, so you’re getting good results without paying a cent.

Who’s it for?

Great for casual creators who want quick, polished images without dealing with subscriptions or advanced tools. Ideal for everyday projects, memes, or light content creation.

Pricing:

Free as a bird. 

5. Craiyon

Craiyon (formerly DALL·E Mini) is like the scrappy underdog of AI image generators. It’s simple, free, and while it might not always nail “realism,” it’s perfect for quirky, meme-worthy creations.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Free and unlimited: Craiyon is 100% free with no caps, so you can experiment as much as you want.
• Meme factory: Its slightly chaotic results make it ideal for generating images that are equal parts weird and hilarious.
• No sign-up needed: Open the site, type in your prompt, and start creating. Zero barriers.

Who’s it for?

Anyone who loves experimenting for fun. If you’re into memes, bizarre art, or just want a laugh, Craiyon’s unpredictability makes it a great place to get creative. 

Pricing:

• Free: Unlimited generations
• Supporter: $10/month
• Professional: $20/month.

6. NightCafe

NightCafe is the AI art tool that feels like a cozy creative hangout — easy to use, fun, and surprisingly robust for a free-tier option.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Super accessible: Whether you're a casual doodler or an art pro, NightCafe’s interface makes generating art feel like a walk in the park.
• Daily credits, no wallet pain: Every user gets free daily credits, which means you can create without constantly thinking about upgrades.
• Multiple algorithms: Play around with different styles and outputs, from DALL·E to Stable Diffusion, all in one place.

Who’s it for?

Perfect for hobbyists who want to dip their toes into AI-generated art without getting overwhelmed by complexity or subscription plans.

Pricing:

The free tier includes daily credits. Paid plans start at $4.99/month, with tiers up to $37.49/month for power users. 

7. DALL·E 3 by OpenAI

The big name that kicked off the AI art craze is back with a new and improved version. DALL·E 3 combines OpenAI’s cutting-edge tech with polished, detailed results that rival anything Midjourney can do.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• ChatGPT integration: You can generate art directly from ChatGPT, making it super intuitive for brainstorming and creativity.
• High-level precision: DALL·E 3 nails prompts with hyper-realistic, detailed results that wow every time.
• Free credits for ChatGPT Plus users: If you’re already using ChatGPT Plus, you get bonus access to DALL·E without paying extra.

Who’s it for?

Creators who want both casual art generation and serious project-level quality in one package. It’s perfect for anyone already hooked on ChatGPT or OpenAI’s ecosystem.

Pricing:

Free with limited credits for ChatGPT Plus users ($20/month). Standalone pricing varies by usage, and it gets ultra-complex depending on the type of model and amount of tokens you need. 

8. Stable Diffusion

Stable Diffusion is open-source, very customizable, and perfect for anyone who wants full control over their creations.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Custom everything: Modify models, tweak settings, or even dive into the code if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Runs locally: Unlike Midjourney, Stable Diffusion lets you keep things offline for maximum privacy.
• Free to use: No subscription fees; just download the software and get started.

Who’s it for?

Tech-savvy creators who love the freedom to experiment. If phrases like “command-line interface” excite you, this is a good option. 

Pricing:

Free. Some third-party tools for Stable Diffusion may charge fees for advanced features. 

9. Adobe Firefly

Adobe Firefly is the premium pick for creators already immersed in the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem. Think Photoshop, but smarter and more creative.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Creative Cloud integration: Seamlessly add AI-generated elements to your existing projects in Photoshop or Illustrator.
• Text-to-vector magic: Firefly specializes in turning text prompts into editable vector art, saving time and boosting creativity.
• Enterprise-ready: Its pro-level tools are perfect for teams working on polished, large-scale projects.

Who’s it for?

Designers and professionals who already use Adobe tools and want to elevate their workflows with AI.

Pricing:

Included with Adobe Creative Cloud plans, and $4.99/mo as a standalone. 

10. Lexica

Lexica is an AI art generator and search engine wrapped into one. If you’ve ever wanted a tool to both inspire and create, this one’s for you.

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Prompt database: Browse through thousands of prompts to find inspiration or refine your ideas.
• Sleek interface: Its clean design makes it easy to search, tweak, and generate art quickly.
• Fast and free: No waiting around — you can create polished results without hitting paywalls.

Who’s it for?

Creators that want a balance between inspiration and execution. It’s ideal for anyone who struggles with writing the perfect prompt.

Pricing:

A free tier is available. Paid plans start at $10/month for advanced features and scale up to $60/month.  

11. Jasper Art

Jasper Art brings the same user-friendly vibe as Jasper AI to image generation. It’s designed to create professional-grade visuals for marketing, branding, and more. 

Why it beats Midjourney:

• Business-focused: Perfect for teams creating visuals for ads, blogs, and social media campaigns.
• Brand customization: Fine-tune your outputs to align with your brand’s style and tone.
• Easy collaboration: Share, edit, and get feedback from teammates, all within the platform.

Who’s it for?

Businesses and content creators who need polished visuals fast. If you’re already using Jasper AI, this tool is a no-brainer.

Pricing:

It starts at $49/month as part of Jasper’s AI suite and goes up to $69/mo, with custom plans also available. 

What to look for in Midjourney alternatives

If you’re swapping out Midjourney, you’ll want to make sure the next AI tool checks all the right boxes. 

Here’s what a good alternative should offer you: 

• Affordable options: The dream? Free plans or budget-friendly subscriptions that won’t make your wallet cry. Bonus points for tools like Weights that keep core features free forever.
• Simple and beginner-friendly: Not everyone’s trying to get a PhD in prompt engineering. Look for platforms with clean, intuitive UIs that let you create without overthinking.
• Features that go above and beyond: Cool extras — like video editing, collaborative tools, or built-in presets — can make all the difference when you’re fine-tuning your creations.
• Scalability that grows with you: Whether you’re a solo creator or running a full team, your AI platform should have flexible plans that scale as you do.
• Easy integrations: Cross-platform support, compatibility with your favorite tools, and workflows that don’t need a tech manual? Yes, please.

Other features worth keeping an eye out for: 

• Built-in templates for faster outputs
• Support for collaborative projects
• Regular updates and active community support
• Outputs in multiple formats — PNG, SVG, MP4, you name it

Discover how Weights is a truly free AI image generator

Since Midjourney is not entirely free, and if their limits have you side-eyeing your screen, then it’s time to check out Weights. This platform is built for creators who want freedom, fun, and results without the strings.

Why Weights is the “Why didn’t I try this sooner” pick: 

• F R E E: No weird trials or sneaky restrictions. You can generate unlimited AI images at zero cost.
• Beyond just images: Create voices, make videos, and train your own models — all from one platform.
• No stress, no setup: You don’t need coding skills or endless tutorials. Just hop in, click, and start creating.
• Community-minded: Share your work, collaborate with other creators, and get inspired by the endless possibilities.
  
  

Start creating with Weights right now