AI Image Generation · Pricing comparison
DALL-E / GPT Image vs Midjourney: Pricing
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($10.00/mo less), only DALL-E / GPT Image 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 ($10.00/mo less), only DALL-E / GPT Image has a free plan, Midjourney rates slightly higher.
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DALL-E / GPT Image vs Midjourney: side-by-side
| Feature | DALL-E / GPT Image | 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) |
| Trial of paid plan | No (free plan instead) | 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 / GPT Image uses a freemium model, starting at $20/mo (via ChatGPT Plus). DALL-E 3 was retired on May 12, 2026 and replaced by GPT Image 2, launched April 21, 2026. It is included in ChatGPT Free (limited), Go ($8), Plus ($20) and Pro ($100–$200). The API uses token-based pricing for gpt-image-2. Its free plan: Limited free generations inside ChatGPT's free tier.
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.
DALL-E / GPT Image: 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
- DALL-E 3 itself is retired
- 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 / GPT Image — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: DALL-E / GPT Image.
- Best if you need an API: DALL-E / GPT Image offers API access where the other does not.
- DALL-E / GPT Image is best for: ChatGPT users who want images without another subscription.
- 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 DALL-E / GPT Image 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 / GPT Image vs Midjourney FAQ
Which is cheaper, DALL-E / GPT Image or Midjourney?
Midjourney has the cheaper entry price — about $10.00/mo less. DALL-E / GPT Image starts at $20/mo (via ChatGPT Plus), while Midjourney starts at $10/mo (Basic).
Does DALL-E / GPT Image or Midjourney have a free plan?
Only DALL-E / GPT Image has a free plan (Limited free generations inside ChatGPT's free tier.). The other relies on paid plans or a trial.
Is DALL-E / GPT Image or Midjourney better for beginners?
DALL-E / GPT Image 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 / GPT Image is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.