Updated October 7, 2026. This page was first written in 2024. Image AI has changed a lot since, so we rewrote it with current versions. Details come from each maker’s own announcements; see the AI model tracker for sources.
The short answer
- Midjourney if you want a beautiful, stylised result with little effort.
- Flux if you need exact layout control, many references, high resolution or an API.
- GPT Image (OpenAI’s successor to DALL-E) if you want to describe images in sentences, include readable text, or stay in ChatGPT.
- Leonardo AI if you like choosing between several models and tuning results in the browser.
What changed since 2024
- DALL-E has been retired. OpenAI removed DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3 from its API on May 12, 2026 and recommends the GPT Image models. OpenAI’s current image models are GPT Image 2 (April 21, 2026) and ChatGPT Images 2.5 (September 8, 2026). Read what happened to DALL-E.
- Midjourney made V8.2 its default on July 24, 2026 and added an Edit Model on August 27 that uses up to four image references, edits with instructions and supports inpainting and outpainting.
- Flux moved from FLUX.2 (November 2025) to FLUX 3. FLUX 3 Image launched on October 1, 2026 with bounding boxes in the prompt, up to ten references and up to 4K output.
- Leonardo AI now offers its own models such as Phoenix and Lucid Origin alongside third-party models in one platform.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Midjourney | Flux | GPT Image (ex-DALL-E) | Leonardo AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current model | V8.2 + Edit Model | FLUX 3 Image | GPT Image 2, ChatGPT Images 2.5 | Several models in one platform |
| Look | Distinctive, artistic | Neutral engine; style from prompt and references | Follows the written brief closely | Depends on the model you pick |
| References | Up to 4 in the Edit Model | Up to 10 | Image editing in ChatGPT | Image-to-image and editing tools |
| Layout and text | Prompt wording | Bounding boxes; legible text | Improved text rendering and layouts | Varies by model |
| Access | Subscription, no free trial listed in its docs | API per image and many apps | ChatGPT and the API | Browser platform; check current plans |
Midjourney
Midjourney is a finished creative product with a recognisable look. V8.2 focuses on aesthetics, image quality and personalization, which learns your taste from the images you rate. It is strongest when you want atmosphere and style from a short prompt. See the Midjourney review and how to use Midjourney.
Flux
Flux is a model family you reach through an API and many apps. FLUX 3 Image generates and edits from one endpoint, lets you place elements with bounding boxes, combines up to ten references and outputs up to 4K. Black Forest Labs lists API prices per image by resolution, starting at $0.041 at 768 square. Some FLUX.2 variants are open weights, but licences differ. See the Flux review and Midjourney vs Flux.
GPT Image (the DALL-E successor)
OpenAI describes GPT Image 2 as stronger at editing, layouts, text rendering and following instructions, with output up to 2K. You use it in ChatGPT or the API. See the GPT Image review and Midjourney vs GPT Image.
Leonardo AI
Leonardo AI is a browser platform with several models, style controls and editing tools. It suits people who like to experiment and compare models in one place. See the Leonardo AI review and Midjourney vs Leonardo AI.
Which should you use? By project
These are our recommendations, based on each tool’s documented features. Always test one real prompt before you commit.
- Book covers: you need exact title text and layout. Try Ideogram, GPT Image or FLUX 3 Image first, since all three emphasise text and layout. If you want Midjourney’s artwork, generate the art there and set the title in a design tool.
- Product and furniture design: you need the same object from different angles and in different settings. Multi-reference tools help: Midjourney’s Edit Model takes up to four references and FLUX 3 Image up to ten. Nano Banana 2 keeps up to 14 objects consistent, according to Google.
- Mood boards and concept art: Midjourney’s style and personalization features are built for exploring a look. Leonardo AI suits side-by-side model experiments.
- Marketing graphics with text: start with Ideogram or GPT Image and proofread every word.
Frequently asked questions
Is DALL-E still available? No. OpenAI removed the DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3 API models on May 12, 2026 and recommends GPT Image models.
Which is cheapest? It depends on how you use them. Flux is billed per image through its API, Midjourney by subscription and GPT Image through ChatGPT plans or the API. Compare current prices on each maker’s page.
Is there a free option? Midjourney’s docs list no free trial on its site or Discord. Check each tool for current free plans.
Can I use the images commercially? Rights depend on the tool, the plan and the model licence. Read the current terms before commercial use.
Conclusion
In 2026 the question is less “which one is best” and more “which one fits this job”. Many creators use two: one for style and one for control or text. Browse all current image generators and the model tracker.
