AI tools clearly explained
Creating AI images: Which generator fits you?
Midjourney, ChatGPT, Gemini or Canva – four ways to turn a text description into an image. But which one fits your daily work? Here you get the comparison without fan goggles: what sets the generators apart, what you can do for free, when paying is worth it and how to get to a usable AI image in four steps.
* Transparency: Individual tool links in this article may be affiliate links. If you take out a subscription through them, we receive a commission – the price does not change for you. This does not influence our assessment.
- Explained for beginners
- Free options first
- Honest assessment
- As of October 2026
The basics
Four ways to an AI image
First things first: all four tools in this comparison do essentially the same thing – they generate images from text descriptions. You type what you want to see and get an image seconds later. The differences lie not in the whether, but in the purpose.
Midjourney is a dedicated tool with a single goal: maximum image quality – the reference when aesthetics come first. ChatGPT and Gemini generate images on the side, in the chat you are already writing in – ideal for trying things out without learning a new program. And Canva generates images right where the finished design is created: in the same interface, the image becomes the social post or the flyer.
That takes the pressure out of the decision: nobody needs all four. It is not about finding the objectively best generator – but the one that fits your purpose and your daily work. That is exactly what the next section helps with.
The decision guide
Which generator for whom?
Brand imagery & campaigns at the top level?
Then there is hardly a way around Midjourney: the quality reference for aesthetics. There is no free version, though – plans start at around 10 $/month.
Just a quick image for an idea?
For that, ChatGPT or Gemini on a free account are entirely enough: type your image request into the chat, look at the result, done – without a new program and without spending a cent.
Refining an image through dialogue?
That is ChatGPT's strength: you simply say "make the background brighter“ – and the image gets reworked. ChatGPT also handles text within images well, for example for signs or graphics.
Photorealism & image editing by text?
Then Gemini is worth it: strong at photorealistic results, editing of existing images with a simple instruction – and embedded in the Google world many people work in anyway.
Social media graphics with text & layout?
That is what Canva is built for: the AI image is created right inside the design tool – and in the same interface it is immediately turned into the social post or flyer.
Moving images instead of stills?
Then video generators are the right place for you: how texts and images become moving clips is explained in our guide to Higgsfield.
For occasional images, the free allowances of ChatGPT, Gemini and Canva are entirely enough – only pay once quality or volume become the bottleneck. Every detail on the individual tools is in our dedicated guides to ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Midjourney.
The most important question
What is free – and when is paying worth it?
Three out of four start free
You do not need a subscription to get started – three of the four generators have a usable free tier:
- ChatGPT: currently around 5 images/day for free
- Gemini: around 15 images/day for free, up to approx. 1024px
- Canva Free: limited overall allowance of around 50 generations
- Enough for tests, drafts and occasional posts
- Midjourney: no free access
Hit the free limit first, then upgrade
Paying is only worth it once the free tier noticeably slows down your daily work – but then with purpose:
- Midjourney from around 10 $/month – if image quality is your calling card
- ChatGPT Plus / Google AI Pro: raise the daily limits considerably
- Canva Pro: for teams that produce designs continuously
- Rule of thumb: hit the free limit first, then upgrade
All allowances and prices are approximate figures – limits change constantly with all providers. The current details on the providers' pages are what counts (this page reflects October 2026).
The path to the result
Four steps to a usable AI image.
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Describe concretely
The more precise the description, the better the image: name the subject, style, lighting and format – "product photo, bright daylight, square“ beats "nice picture“ every time.
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Generate variants
Have several versions generated and compare them instead of clinging to the first image. The first result is rarely the best – variant three or four often is.
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Refine
Refine the best image through dialogue – "make the background brighter“ – or start over with a more precise description. Both are normal and part of the process.
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Check rights & labeling
Before the image goes public: check the provider's usage rights and clarify whether the platform requires an AI label. Two minutes that save you trouble.
A note on the law: do not imitate living artists, do not use third-party logos or trademarks, and only show recognizable people with their consent. Depending on the platform, an AI label may also be required – if in doubt, our guide to eRecht24 can help.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about AI image generators.
Which AI image generator is the best?
None – it depends on your purpose. Midjourney is considered the quality reference for aesthetics, but has no free version. ChatGPT and Gemini generate images right in the chat and are ideal for trying things out. Canva generates images where the finished design is created – practical for social posts and flyers. Choose by use case, not by rankings.
Can I create AI images completely free of charge?
Yes. ChatGPT currently generates around 5 images per day on a free account, Gemini around 15 images per day, and Canva Free offers a total of around 50 generations. For tests, drafts and occasional posts, that is plenty. Only Midjourney has no free access. As of October 2026 – the providers' current details are what counts.
Which AI image generator is best for photorealism?
For photorealistic results, Google Gemini is a strong first choice – also because you can edit images there with a simple instruction. Midjourney delivers impressively realistic images as well, but aims more at polished aesthetics and requires a paid subscription.
Can I use AI images commercially?
In principle yes, but check the usage rights of the respective provider – with Midjourney, for example, commercial rights are tied to the paid plans. There are no guarantees: additionally, make sure not to use third-party trademarks or recognizable people without consent, and label AI images where platforms require it.
What about AI videos?
The four tools in this comparison are not built for that – this is where specialized video generators take over. How to turn texts or images into moving clips is explained in our Higgsfield guide.
Further reading
These guides go well with this one.
Midjourney
The quality reference in detail – plans, strengths and getting started step by step.
Higgsfield
From still image to clip – AI videos from texts and images clearly explained.
Google Gemini
AI right in Gmail, Docs and the Google world – including image generation on the free plan.
All articles at a glance: AI Tools Guides
From trying out to putting to use
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