Midjourney vs DALL-E vs Stable Diffusion 2026: AI Image Generators Compared
TL;DR: Midjourney for the best artistic quality. DALL-E 3 for the easiest experience (via ChatGPT). Stable Diffusion for free, customizable, and local generation. Most users: start with DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT.
Midjourney vs DALL-E 3 vs Stable Diffusion: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Midjourney | DALL-E 3 | Stable Diffusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $10/mo | Via ChatGPT ($20) | Free |
| Art Quality | Best | Very Good | Excellent (tuned) |
| Ease of Use | Discord (medium) | ChatGPT (easy) | Technical |
| Text in Images | Poor | Good (best) | Poor |
| Customization | Limited | Limited | Unlimited |
| Commercial Use | Paid plans | Yes | Open source |
| Speed | 30-60s | 15-30s | Varies (local) |
| Consistency | Very Good | Good | Excellent (tuned) |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Midjourney: If you prioritize price at $10/mo and need text in images rated Poor
- Choose DALL-E 3: If you prioritize price at Via ChatGPT ($20) and need text in images rated Good (best)
- Choose Stable Diffusion: If you prioritize price at Free and need text in images rated Poor
Our Verdict
Midjourney for the best artistic quality. DALL-E 3 for the easiest experience (via ChatGPT). Stable Diffusion for free, customizable, and local generation. Most users: start with DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT.
FAQ
Can I use all three?
You could, but most users pick one primary tool and one complementary tool. Using all three would be redundant and expensive. Start with the one that best fits your primary use case.
Which has the best free option?
Among these three, Stable Diffusion typically offers the most generous free tier. However, all three have options to try before committing to a paid plan.
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