AI Image Generation · Pricing comparison
DALL-E (ChatGPT) vs Midjourney: Pricing
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($10/mo less), only DALL-E (ChatGPT) 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 July 24, 2026
At a glance
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($10/mo less), only DALL-E (ChatGPT) has a free plan, Midjourney rates slightly higher.
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DALL-E (ChatGPT) vs Midjourney: side-by-side
| Feature | DALL-E (ChatGPT) | Midjourney |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Image Generation | AI Image Generation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free plan details | Limited free generations inside ChatGPT's free tier. | No free tier; paid plans only. |
| Starting price | $20/mo (via ChatGPT Plus) | $10/mo (Basic) |
| Highest known plan | $200/mo (ChatGPT Pro, higher caps) | $120/mo (Mega) |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | ChatGPT users who want images without another subscription | Designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality |
| Team support | Yes | No |
| API access | Yes | No |
| Editor rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
DALL-E (ChatGPT) uses a freemium model, starting at $20/mo (via ChatGPT Plus). No standalone plan; capacity scales with your ChatGPT tier. Its free plan: Limited free generations inside ChatGPT's free tier.
Midjourney uses a subscription model, starting at $10/mo (Basic). Annual billing saves 20%. Standard and above include unlimited Relax-mode generations. 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.
DALL-E (ChatGPT): pros and cons
Pros
- Included in a subscription you may already pay
- Easiest workflow of any generator
- Solid text-in-image
Cons
- No standalone cheaper plan
- Fewer style controls
- Daily caps vary by tier
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: DALL-E (ChatGPT) — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: DALL-E (ChatGPT).
- Best if you need an API: DALL-E (ChatGPT) offers API access where the other does not.
- DALL-E (ChatGPT) is best for: ChatGPT users who want images without another subscription.
- Midjourney is best for: Designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality.
Our call
Verdict
On price alone, Midjourney is the value pick at $10/mo (Basic). Midjourney edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose DALL-E (ChatGPT) if you want chatgpt users who want images without another subscription, and Midjourney if you want designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality.
DALL-E (ChatGPT) vs Midjourney FAQ
Which is cheaper, DALL-E (ChatGPT) or Midjourney?
Midjourney has the cheaper entry price — about $10/mo less. DALL-E (ChatGPT) starts at $20/mo (via ChatGPT Plus), while Midjourney starts at $10/mo (Basic).
Does DALL-E (ChatGPT) or Midjourney have a free plan?
Only DALL-E (ChatGPT) has a free plan (Limited free generations inside ChatGPT's free tier.). The other relies on paid plans or a trial.
Is DALL-E (ChatGPT) or Midjourney better for beginners?
DALL-E (ChatGPT) 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?
DALL-E (ChatGPT) is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.