AI Image Generation · Pricing comparison
Canva vs Midjourney: Pricing
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($2.00/mo less), only Canva has a free plan, Midjourney rates slightly higher. Below we break down plans, free tiers, and value so you can decide which fits your budget and workflow.
Last checked September 27, 2026
At a glance
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($2.00/mo less), only Canva has a free plan, Midjourney rates slightly higher.
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Canva vs Midjourney: side-by-side
| Feature | Canva | Midjourney |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Image Generation | AI Image Generation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free plan details | Substantial free tier with limited AI credits. | No free tier; paid plans only. |
| Starting price | $12/mo (Pro, billed yearly) | $10/mo (Basic) |
| Highest known plan | $250/yr per person (Business, ~$20.83/mo) | $120/mo (Mega) |
| Trial of paid plan | No (free plan instead) | No |
| Best for | Marketers who need finished designs, not just generated images | Designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality |
| Team support | Yes | No |
| API access | Yes | No |
| Editor rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
Canva uses a freemium model, starting at $12/mo (Pro, billed yearly). Pro is $144/yr (about $12/mo). Business is $250/yr per person. Enterprise is custom. Its free plan: Substantial free tier with limited AI credits.
Midjourney uses a subscription model, starting at $10/mo (Basic). Basic $10, Standard $30, Pro $60 and Mega $120 per month; annual billing saves 20% (Basic $8/mo). No free trial. It has no ongoing free plan.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, Midjourney wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
Canva: pros and cons
Pros
- Whole design workflow in one tool
- Huge template library
- Strong free tier
Cons
- AI generation weaker than specialists
- Credits capped
- Price increased in 2026
Midjourney: pros and cons
Pros
- Unmatched artistic output
- Unlimited relax generations on Standard
- Predictable flat pricing
Cons
- No free tier
- No official API
- Images public below Pro
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: Canva — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: Canva.
- Best if you need an API: Canva offers API access where the other does not.
- Canva is best for: Marketers who need finished designs, not just generated images.
- Midjourney is best for: Designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality.
Verdict
On price alone, Midjourney is the value pick at $10/mo (Basic). Midjourney edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose Canva if you want marketers who need finished designs, not just generated images, and Midjourney if you want designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality.
Canva vs Midjourney FAQ
Which is cheaper, Canva or Midjourney?
Midjourney has the cheaper entry price — about $2.00/mo less. Canva starts at $12/mo (Pro, billed yearly), while Midjourney starts at $10/mo (Basic).
Does Canva or Midjourney have a free plan?
Only Canva has a free plan (Substantial free tier with limited AI credits.). The other relies on paid plans or a trial.
Is Canva or Midjourney better for beginners?
Canva tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai image generation needs.
Which is better for teams?
Canva is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.