13 Best AI Image Generators for Pixel Perfection

The AI art generators molded the design creation process drastically.

While AI has been dominating the content industry in one form or the other, AI image generators posed as a surprise for their ability to carve creative and stunning artistic images.   

“About 40% of consumers agree with the fact that AI serves to improve their lifestyles” quoted in Zyro. Moreover, the unfair advantage of AI image generators is that they can process striking, high-quality images within SECONDS! 

In this article, we aim to review the best AI image generators of 2023 by sharing the output of a few experiments we conducted with these tools. Additionally, we’ll explore the history of AI image generators, how they work, and their future growth possibilities.

13 Best AI Image Generators

1. Canva
2. Jasper Art
3. Art Breeder
4. Starry AI
5. Dream by Wombo
6. Nightcafe
7. Deep Dream Generator
8. Deep AI
9. Fotor
10. Craiyon
11. Photosonic
12. Stable Diffusion
13. Hotpot

What is an AI Image Generator? 

In simple terms,  AI image generators use deep machine learning algorithms and neural networks to create a new image relevant to the prompt given as input.

Users need to provide descriptive, specific prompts to enable AI art generators to create images; you don’t have to spend hours creating detail-oriented and aesthetic images manually. 

History of AI Image Generation 

The history of AI image generators can be traced back to 1973 when a computer scientist named Harold Cohen generated his first ever AI image by programming the artificial intelligence named AARON.

Later in 2014, Ian Goodfellow, a former student of the University of Montreal, discovered a new model named generative adversarial networks (GANs), which revolutionized the way AI image generators work.

Over the years, many researchers and scientists have molded and programmed artificial intelligence to finally arrive at more advanced programs like Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), Deep Neural Networks, and Dalle-E programs. 

With the fast-paced growth of technology, AI image generators have also started to help with the content creation of many brands and companies. Not to overlook the fact, AI art generators are constantly evolving to create human-like creatives that are much more realistic and appealing.

How AI Image Generators Work 

AI image generators run through the entire art database fed to the machine learning algorithm to understand basic art creation processes, patterns, and rules. Later, when a prompt is inserted, the artificial intelligence uses pre-set rules and commands to re-create similar art for the prompts provided.

The key to generating quality images is to provide descriptive prompts to develop more realistic photos close to what you’ve imagined. Some AI art generators use negative prompts to ensure the AI does not render irrelevant art pieces.

Our Favorite List of 13 Best AI Image Generators 

To showcase the real potential of various best AI image generators free, we juxtaposed different outputs produced by multiple tools to help you know the difference and choose the best one for your current needs. 

We used two prompts generated from ChatGPT to test the AI’s response – short-form and long-form. 

Short prompt: 

Generate an image of a whimsical cityscape that features towering buildings with unique and colorful architecture.

Long- prompt: 

Generate an image that captures the essence of a serene mountain landscape. The image should feature a majestic mountain range, with snow-capped peaks reflected in a clear blue lake or river. The landscape should be dotted with lush green trees and foliage, with occasional bursts of wildflowers in bloom. 

The sky should be a bright, clear blue with a few white fluffy clouds, and perhaps the sun setting or rising in the distance, casting a warm glow over the landscape. 

The overall mood of the image should be one of tranquility and calmness, inviting the viewer to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature. Review the generated image based on its composition, color scheme, attention to detail, and overall visual impact.

We have attached the output of two prompts for your reference. However, each tool works well for different types of forms, as some tools respond well to short prompts, whereas others perform exquisitely when long descriptive prompts are provided.  

1. Canva 

Canva is highly known for its ability to simplify the design and editing processes. The sole goal of Canva is to make design accessible to everyone, not just techies.  

Canva rolled out its AI image generator on 15 September 2022. Using this AI art generator tool, you can edit the AI-generated image just like any other image with Canva. You can access all the basic editing features like text addition, effects, elements, and more. 

This AI art generator is ideal for existing Canva users and non-technical content creators who are relatively new to using AI art generators. 

TIP: If you’re going through a creative block, this Canva AI image generator free of cost can help you to get your flow back by allowing you to play around with different designs and pre-build images. 

What We Like

• The in-built photo editor allows you to make necessary changes like contrast, background removal and filter modifications in just a click.
• The customisable layout makes it easier to generate visually rich images for various purposes and social channels. 
• Prompt inspiration gives new users an idea of structuring crisp prompts to generate impressive images. 
• It complements well with Canva because you don’t need an extra third-party editing tool to edit the AI-generated picture. 

What We Don’t Like

• Limited style options restrict users from exploring different facets of art and design. 
• Even though you can generate a variety of images for one prompt, the quality of the image could be better. 
• The AI image generator is rife with basic functionalities, while advanced ones still need to be added. 

Pricing

Pro – $12.95 per month
Enterprise – $30 per month 

2. Jasper Art

Jasper Art was launched in Feb 2021 and has 105,000 active global users. This AI tool has a proven record in writing AI-driven content and copy. 

The Jasper Art is a comprehensive tool if you rely highly on AI-driven content. This image generator tool works as an add-on to the Jasper AI writing tool. Surprisingly, you can generate around four variations for one prompt for free.

What We Like

• A pallet of varied styles, including Pixar, Pablo Picasso, Ansel Adams, and more. 
• You have two standard models to create your artwork – basic and free modes. You can make unique images when you combine appropriate styles with the two modes available. 
• The ability to create realistic images is an unfair advantage of the tool. 
• An all-in-one tool to serve all your brands’ content needs, including images, social media content, and copy. 

What We Don’t Like 

• If you include variety of requests in one prompt, the AI will struggle to generate the exact image that complies with the prompt description. 
• The lack of design editing features is a drawback. 
• The free version is sometimes not accessible by users. 
• Sometimes multiple tries are needed to get an AI image one expects. The tool can take time to get used to.

Pricing

Starter – $40 per month
Boss Mode – $82 per month
Business – Custom plan and price

3. Artbreeder

Artbreeder AI is popularly known for its ability to combine images naturally. This AI was launched in 2018 by Joel Simon. With unlimited premium features, the tool went the extra mile by providing stock images for art and prompt inspiration. 

What We Like

• One of the best tools for generating animated images and art.
• Has the ability to produce aesthetic images in high resolution within seconds.  
• Ideal tool to combine images to collage them to get a new art version. 
• You don’t need text-heavy prompts to generate art that you visualize; plenty of drag-and-drop elements make it easier to get your imagination to reality. 
• It makes generating your version of art easier without providing text-heavy prompts. 

What We Don’t Like

• It lacks human-like images because majorly it generates cartoon-like images.
• Lack of realistic or photogenic art outputs. 
• Even the most descriptive prompts generate less realistic photos. 
• Lack of varied styles and layout options. 
• The users need some time to get the hang of the tool as it isn’t intuitive for beginners. 

Pricing 

Free – $0
Starter – $8.99
Advanced – $18.99
Champion – $39.99

4. Starry AI

Starry Ai is a mobile-based AI art generator that caters to the needs of marketers, writers, content creators, and authors. The web-based version allows you to choose different styles; however, their three standard models, named Lyra, Argo, and Argo 2, remain fundamental for all styles. 

What We Like

• Plenty of variations, styles, and modes are available to get the hang of the tool. 
• The free version allows first-time users to test the overall potential of the tool. 
• The mobile app version is also available, allowing you to access it anywhere, anytime.  
• Bulk art creation is handy and possible as the tool is efficient and well-versed at rendering high-quality images.
• You can generate up to 4-8 variations for each prompt with the free version. 

What We Don’t Like

• The image generated is not as colorful as real paintings.
• The lack of features like image editing, background changes, and styles makes it difficult for the users. 

Pricing 

Price starts from $15.99 per month 

5. Dream by Wombo 

Dream by Wombo is created by a Canadian startup highly known for generating images within seconds. This tool has the upper hand in its expertise in creating realistic gaming-level designs. Some free yet unique styles like Cartoonist, Diorama, and festive help creators go beyond their wildest imagination. 

What We Like

• It provides 50+ styles and various models in comparison to Starry AI.
• You can insert images with prompts to give more context to generate the exact output you imagined. 
• Interestingly, you can even use NFT images for reference. 
• Discord support option with a premium subscription to connect with like-minded people and troubleshoot issues. 
• Edit a part of the AI image with simple prompt modification without re-writing the entire prompt. 

What We Don’t Like

• Few core features are gated for the premium version. 
• Lack of specificity in prompts churns out poor images. 
• Lacks advanced features like in-built image editor, prompt database, and art inspirations are missing. 

Pricing 

Monthly – $9.99
Lifetime – $169.99 ( one-time payment) 

6. Nightcafe – (Dale -E algorithm)

Nightcafe powered by Dale- E helps print-on-demand businesses to create printable, high-quality, and realistic designs. With added functionality like image editing and design templates, Nightcafe acts as a comprehensive advanced AI image generator.  

What We Like

• Churns out four variations for a prompt automatically.  
• Nightcafe has an engaging discord community where you can sort out your doubts 24/7.
• You can choose various models of algorithms like Stable Diffusion and Dale-E. 
• 20+ styles, including anime, modern comics, characters, oil painting, and more.
• You can generate up to 16 variations for each prompt. 

What We Don’t Like 

• Premium version users are disappointed with the ads displayed in their dashboard while working on Night Cafe. 

Pricing 

AI Hobbyist – 200 credits – $9.99/ month
AI Enthusiast – 500 credits – $19.99/ month
AI Artist – 1400 credits – $49.99/ month
AI Professionals – 2500 credits – $79.99/ month

7. Deep Dream Generator

Deep Dream is a text-image generator that serves as a tool of assistance to artists. This AI can generate images that are artistic while using basic and standard features. Deep dream generator provides high credit points for their new users, i.e., you can use up to 100 credits while charging five credits for each time you generate an art. 

What We Like

• Diversified style option for all tiers of users. 
• Quality customisation functionality to support different needs 
• The negative prompt feature helps you to give specificity to the image generated 
• The random prompt option allows you to play around with the tool to test it. 
• With modifiers, you can add default prompts to make it easier to work with. 

What We Don’t Like 

• Limited editing features control the users from editing the images. 
• The interface needs can be made more appealing for first times users. 
• More styles should be added to the list. 

Pricing 

Advanced – $19 per month
Professional – $39 per month
Ultra – $99 per month 

8. Deep AI

Deep AI is the best AI image generator with standard layout and style features to create basic to advanced-level AI art. With an art feed and art database to seek inspiration, Deep AI becomes a handy tool for content creators.

What We Like

• More than five layout options make the designs generated accessible to all social media platforms. 
• 30+ style guides to explore various forms of art and develop relevant ones. 
• Zero restrictions with free versions make it easier for all tiers of users to explore the real potential of the tool. 
• Affordable tool if you’re planning on generating content in bulk 
• The ability to make minor changes in prompts helps you to edit images into different forms. 
• You can seek inspiration from the art database if you need help figuring out where to start.  

What We Don’t Like

• Limited freemium styles 
• API access and style library are gated for the premium version

Pricing 

Starts from $10 per month 

9. Fotor

Fotor is a mini version of Canva, founded in 2012. There are a lot of similar functionalities between Fotor and Canva. It is an ideal tool for generating images for social media, where quality and creativity play a significant role. Additionally, with Fotor, you’re just a click away to start editing the generated AI image.  

What We Like

• With descriptive prompts, you can generate realistic images in seconds that are worth using in your premium content. 
• High-quality picture generation adds a classic look to your web and social media content. 
• Additional functionalities like object remover, AI image enlarger, and background remover come in handy to create an image you visualize. 
• Details, composition, and light effects are customisable features that you can modify according to your specific needs, ultimately making the tool super flexible.  

What We Don’t Like

• Your credits are limited because you only have one shot to test the tool. 
• Limited styles compared to other popular AI tools. 

Pricing 

Pro – $8.99 per month
Pro + – 19.99 per month 

10. Craiyon

AI art generator Craiyon is a text-to-image converter that is top-rated for generating aesthetic images within seconds. 

This tool’s output solely depends on the style and prompt you use. A well-structured prompt can increase the chances of generating high-quality photogenic pictures. 

What We Like

• An excellent tool for those who are into animation, cartoons, and paintings.
• Handy tool for storytellers who need to sketch their characters to complement their content.
• Descriptive prompts help you fetch the exact image you want.
• Being as descriptive as possible can render you better output. 
• Entertainment-based social media channels can also utilize this tool to add visual elements to the content.
• Affordable to all tiers of content creators 

What We Don’t Like

• Ads and video interruption while using the freemium version are quite annoying. 
• You cannot claim full rights over the images you generated.  

Pricing 

Supporter – $5 per month
Professional – $20 per month 

11. Photosonic 

Photosonic is powered by a widely known AI tool Writersonic, a key player in the AI writing industry. This is a basic-level AI image generator which serves social media content creators. 

What We Like 

• 5+ styles, including photo, 3D, illustration and character anime and more. 
• Plentiful credits to try out different styles of images to know the tool’s ability. 
• Get access to other user-generated images to seek inspiration.  
• The premium version provides full-fledged advanced features, including background and watermark removers. 

What We Don’t Like

• Lacks photogenic approach or realism in the image
• Limited freemium features.
• Freemium users get watermarks on their art while generating end output. 
• One-line prompts may not generate relevant images as you expect. You need to provide descriptive prompts to create realistic images. 

Pricing 

Basic – $10 per month
Unlimited – $25 per month 

12. Stable Diffusion 

Stable Diffusion is a growing AI image generator website launched on 22 August 2022. If you’re looking for a free AI image generator to test the AI’s ability, Stable Diffusion can be your ideal choice. 

What We Like

• The prompt database is an unfair advantage of this tool, which helps users who struggle to develop a prompt. 
• A one-word search in the prompt database will showcase prompts relevant to your intent. 
• The database showcases the output generated for each prompt, allowing you to understand how to structure prompts to develop a high-quality image. 
• With advanced settings, you can set a guidance scale to assist the AI in generating relevant images.

What We Don’t Like

• Image-generating time is high when compared to other tools. 
• Limited features, and no style or layout options, are pretty disappointing. 

Pricing 

Basic – $9 per month
Standard – $49 per month
Premium – $149 per month 

13. Hotpot 

Hotpot is an AI image generator is mainly used by authors’  who write visually appealing books that are high on concept explanations and character-based stories. However, the tool still needs to evolve and be designed to meet different needs. 

What We Like

• 50+ highly aesthetic artistic styles to choose from – some of the available styles are rare to be found 
• You get a 15-credit limit for each day to allow users to play around with the tool until they find it suitable.
• With the custom style feature, you can customize a style that suits your specific demands or needs. 
• Cartoon-like images come in handy for creative users. 

What We Don’t Like

• You need to buy the premium version to use the generated image for commercial purposes. 
• If you’re using the images for commercial use without the premium version, you’re supposed to give credit to the brand. 

Pricing 

1000 credits per month – $10 per month
2500 credits per month – $25 per month
5000 credits per month – $50 per month

Can AI Image Generators Replace Traditional Artists? 

“…Almost every artist that I’ve interviewed on this very podcast that has used AI in a serious capacity doesn’t see it as a threat. Because they know there is so much more to good art than just rendering, and that’s why I think that reframing technology as an opportunity rather than threat…” says Andrew in his The Andrew Price Podcast 

AI image generators can replace basic or intermediate-level traditional artists in some cases. However, these AI pose as an assisting tool to help artists explore various aspects of their imagination and creativity. 

The fact that almost all AI works on the prompt given by humans makes it impossible to replace humans for now. These AI art generations work on pre-set rules and commands, making it elusive to think in an artistic way to be creative. 

Ultimately, AI is both an opportunity and a threat to traditional artists. The use cases determine the role of AI art generators and traditional artists. 

The Future of AI Image Generators 

In general, AIs are still a work in progress. They are in their evolving stage and still need to be fully capable of performing all human tasks. However, we must recognize that AI has the potential to revolutionize how humans work. 

In the AI art industry, many gaps are yet to be filled by AI image generators. Some possible growth that can happen in the future is the emergence of AI generators based on emotion, feeling, or music. 

Moreover, AI image generators act as an aiding tool for artists in providing art inspiration and models. Ultimately, AI art generators have more potential to change the art industry profoundly. 

FAQs

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