Side-by-side comparison of the top models based on key image generation factors: accuracy, prompt understanding, speed and text generation
With diverse AI models available for generating images, it can be challenging to determine which suits the designer's needs. This page gives you a clear, side-by-side comparison of the top models based on key image generation factors like accuracy and prompt understanding, speed, text generation, ease of use, and whether they offer free user access or provide API services for the developers.
Here are described top models following the criteria used on Hugging Face’s industry-leading Text-to-Image Model Leaderboard by Artificial Analysis, focusing on how well each model performs with specific prompts. The company uses the following metrics to track quality, performance, and price for text-to-image models.
Text also points out unique features, like background remover, upscaler, style control, AI eraser, inpainting, outpainting, mockup generation, text generation of any size and integrating this text into designs no matter the size and length — something not every model can do.
AI image generators have become vital tools for designers, marketers, and content creators looking to produce high-quality visuals quickly. Whether working on a website, social media campaign, or branding project, generative AI can elevate the quality of design teamwork and save time.
Let’s compare leading AI image generators with Hugging Face’s industry-leading Text-to-Image Model Leaderboard by Artificial Analysis:
The Recraft V3 model outperforms all other models in the image generation space.
Recraft, a leading AI tool for professional designers, has just released its latest model, setting a new standard for AI-generated creatives. At the core of this release is a breakthrough in text generation quality. The model guarantees flawless results with every prompt, a feature exclusive to Recraft. It’s the best model worldwide for generating highly accurate, professional-grade text.
In terms of image quality, measured by ELO scores in the Image Arena, the FLUX1.1 [pro] model from Black Forest Labs tops the charts and secures 2nd place with an impressive score of 1139.9. This indicates that FLUX consistently generates high-quality images that rank highly among users, outperforming several competitors.
Ideogram v2 excels in quality, as indicated by its high ELO score 1098.1. Ideogram v1 has a lower ELO score compared to the newer v2 models, reflecting its slightly older technology.
Midjourney has become one of the most well-known names in AI image generation, but how does it compare to other top tools when it comes to quality? Let's deep dive into Midjourney’s performance across its latest versions, v6.1 and v6, and compare them to other AI models.
With Midjourney v6.1 boasting an impressive Quality ELO score of 1098.2 and Midjourney v6 close behind at 1084.1, both models are positioned near the top of the leaderboard.
To put this in perspective, Midjourney's closest competitors include Recraft V3 - the SOTA in image generation space, with an ELO rating of 1172 and a win rate of 72%, FLUX1.1 [pro], and Ideogram v2. While FLUX1.1 edges out Midjourney in overall image quality, Midjourney still ranks in the elite category, making it a go-to choice for creators who prioritize high-level visual output.
Stable Diffusion, developed by Stability.ai, continues to be one of a major players in the AI image generation. It may not always grab the top spot in rankings, but with a range of models designed for different needs, it offers impressive flexibility for users.
Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large Turbo is top-performing by the Stability.ai team.
DALL-E 3 HD by OpenAI stands out as one of the most recognized AI image generation models, offering a balance of high-quality results and competitive pricing. While it may not hold the top spots in the leaderboard for ELO scores, it remains a strong competitor with a solid ranking, highlighting its reliability and creative potential.
DALL-E 3 HD holds an ELO score of 984.1, reflecting its ability to produce detailed, high-quality visuals.
This analysis of top AI image-generation tools explores their key strengths and potential challenges.
Recraft V3 offers features that many other popular AI image-generation tools simply don’t have. This table shows that Recraft V3 includes every key function, from background removal and positioning control to vector image generation, inpainting, AI mockups and more.
While competitors like Adobe, Midjourney, OpenAI, Ideogram, Flux, and Stable Diffusion each have some strengths, none of them provide all these features in one place. Recraft V3 combines tools for creative flexibility, whether you need to adjust styles, upscale images, or expand an image with outpainting. This all-in-one functionality made for professional designers and thinks in design language.
The new model Recraft V3, trained in-house from scratch, offers several advanced features, addressing common pain points in AI design. Recraft offers improved image generation quality through superior prompt understanding, leading to more accurate visual representations of the designer’s intent. At the core of this release is a breakthrough in text generation quality. The model guarantees flawless results with every prompt, a feature exclusive to Recraft. Now, designers can generate text of any size, no matter the complexity or length of the prompt.
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Pricing: Designers can start with a free plan that offers 50 images per day, or upgrade to the Basic plan for $10, Advanced for $27, or the Pro plan for $60 per month, which includes 8,400 images.
DALL-E 3 is a text-to-image AI image creator developed by OpenAI. It is used primarily by creatives and non-designers who need quick, AI-generated images for marketing, web content, or creative brainstorming. It is popular for turning simple text prompts into high-quality raster images.
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Part of Stability AI’s suite of tools, Stable Diffusion is used by developers and tech-savvy designers who want to create custom, AI-generated images. Its open-source nature allows for deep customization, making it a better fit for users that prefer customizability rather than ease of use.
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Midjourney is perhaps the most well-known AI image generator on the market.
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Ideogram also as Recraft, is used by designers and marketers who need accurate text generation and typography within AI-generated images. It's great for designing posters, advertisements, and branding materials.
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Flux.1 is used by designers and creatives looking for a simple, free AI image generation tool for inspiration and high-quality raster images.
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The diversity of AI art tools drives healthy competition and pushes boundaries. Since the launch of DALL-E and Midjourney, many new tools have appeared. Some are from tech giants aiming to keep pace in the AI race, such as Adobe Firefly 3 with ELO score 971, and some are pure-play AI art generators.
Early pioneers invested much time, money, and research into developing their capabilities. For example, Midjourney’s latest AI image generator model, V6, was trained over nine months to deliver better text-to-image rendition and more literal prompt interpretation.
Recraft's team trained a new state-of-the-art model from scratch, setting a new standard for excellence in image generation in just 8 months.
The sector is seeing rapid change, and new trends are emerging. Many providers aimed to give users more control over the images they create, blending generative AI technology with modern design tools, and improving quality.
Here are some of the top AI image generation trends:
These AI image generation trends show the direction of travel for these tools. Developers are finding new ways to push the boundaries of AI-generated image creation, including speed, accuracy, and customization while taking steps to minimize misuse.
Finding the right AI image generator is about matching its strengths to workflow — whether that means prioritizing efficiency, creative flexibility, or seamless integration into the design process. In the end, the right tool will not only save time but also push creative boundaries and enhance visual projects. The AI design market is offering exciting and user-friendly tools for different needs and budgets.
Using an AI image generator opens up a world of creative possibilities. Instead of spending hours on detailed design work or searching for the perfect stock image, users can generate custom, one-of-a-kind visuals tailored exactly to their vision. These tools are perfect for professionals who need to streamline their process and for anyone looking to experiment with art and design.
AI image generators use advanced algorithms to create AI images based on a text prompt or existing visual, making it easier to deliver detailed and creative designs. These tools have become a crucial component in the workflow of many creatives, offering unparalleled efficiency for images generated.
Each AI image generator has its own strengths and specialties. Some are built for pure creativity, letting explore artistic styles and push boundaries, while others are more focused on precision, giving high-quality results with exact details. Some tools are perfect for quick, casual use, while others offer more in-depth controls for designers who want to fine-tune every aspect. The best tool really depends on what you're looking for — whether it's speed, creative freedom, or the ability to handle complex prompts and deliver intricate, polished visuals. Today, Recraft V3 model is outperforming all other models in the image generation space.
To choose the best AI image generator, think about what matters most to creator. Are they focused on speed, artistic control, or high-quality details? Some tools excel at quickly generating images with minimal input, while others offer deeper customization options for style, composition, or even color. It’s also worth considering the pricing and accessibility of each platform. Testing a few tools and seeing which aligns with a workflow and creative vision is the best way to find a perfect match.
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