AI Image Generation · Pricing comparison
Leonardo AI vs Midjourney: Pricing
Leonardo is cheaper to start and has a real free tier. Midjourney costs from $10 but still leads on artistic quality.
Last checked September 27, 2026
At a glance
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($2.00/mo less), only Leonardo AI has a free plan, Midjourney rates slightly higher.
Our take
Midjourney has no free tier: Basic is $10/mo ($8 billed yearly), Standard $30, Pro $60 and Mega $120. Leonardo gives 150 free tokens a day, and paid plans are Essential $12, Premium $30 and Ultimate $60 per month.
For light use, Leonardo's free tier can cover everything. It also includes tools Midjourney doesn't, like custom model training and a canvas editor, which matter for game assets and consistent characters.
Midjourney's case is quality. If images are the product itself (client work, art prints, editorial), the difference in aesthetics is worth the subscription.
- Choose Leonardo AI if you want free daily generations, model training or an editing canvas.
- Choose Midjourney if image quality is what you're paying for and you'll use it regularly.
Watch out: Leonardo's free images are public, and so are Midjourney's below the Pro plan. Pay attention to privacy if you work on client projects.
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Leonardo AI vs Midjourney: side-by-side
| Feature | Leonardo AI | Midjourney |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Image Generation | AI Image Generation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free plan details | Free plan with 150 tokens/day (roughly 5-10 images). | No free tier; paid plans only. |
| Starting price | $12/mo (Essential) | $10/mo (Basic) |
| Highest known plan | $60/mo (Ultimate) | $120/mo (Mega) |
| Trial of paid plan | No (free plan instead) | No |
| Best for | Game developers and designers who want control and a free tier | Designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality |
| Team support | Yes | No |
| API access | Yes | No |
| Editor rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
Leonardo AI uses a freemium model, starting at $12/mo (Essential). Individual plans: Essential $12, Premium $30, Ultimate $60 per month, up to 20% off yearly. Team plans start at $24/seat. API is pay-as-you-go. Its free plan: Free plan with 150 tokens/day (roughly 5-10 images).
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.
Leonardo AI: pros and cons
Pros
- Best free tier in the category
- Model training included from $12
- Broader toolset than rivals
Cons
- Free generations are public
- Token math takes learning
- Aesthetics trail Midjourney slightly
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: Leonardo AI — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: Leonardo AI.
- Best if you need an API: Leonardo AI offers API access where the other does not.
- Leonardo AI is best for: Game developers and designers who want control and a free tier.
- Midjourney is best for: Designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality.
Verdict
Leonardo is cheaper to start and has a real free tier. Midjourney costs from $10 but still leads on artistic quality. Choose Leonardo AI if you want free daily generations, model training or an editing canvas; choose Midjourney if image quality is what you're paying for and you'll use it regularly.
Leonardo AI vs Midjourney FAQ
Which is cheaper, Leonardo AI or Midjourney?
Midjourney has the cheaper entry price — about $2.00/mo less. Leonardo AI starts at $12/mo (Essential), while Midjourney starts at $10/mo (Basic).
Does Leonardo AI or Midjourney have a free plan?
Only Leonardo AI has a free plan (Free plan with 150 tokens/day (roughly 5-10 images).). The other relies on paid plans or a trial.
Is Leonardo AI or Midjourney better for beginners?
Leonardo AI 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?
Leonardo AI is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.