AI Image Generation · Pricing comparison
Leonardo AI vs Midjourney: Pricing
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($2/mo less), only Leonardo AI 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 ($2/mo less), only Leonardo AI has a free plan, Midjourney rates slightly higher.
We may earn a commission if you subscribe through our links — at no extra cost to you.
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 (Apprentice) | $10/mo (Basic) |
| Highest known plan | $60/mo (Maestro) | $120/mo (Mega) |
| Free trial | No | 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 (Apprentice). Annual billing saves ~30%. Tokens don't roll over. Paid plans make images private. Its free plan: Free plan with 150 tokens/day (roughly 5-10 images).
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.
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.
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 Leonardo AI if you want game developers and designers who want control and a free tier, and Midjourney if you want designers and creators who prioritize aesthetic quality.
Leonardo AI vs Midjourney FAQ
Which is cheaper, Leonardo AI or Midjourney?
Midjourney has the cheaper entry price — about $2/mo less. Leonardo AI starts at $12/mo (Apprentice), 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.