# Images

> “Generate images with AI”. Ranked by expert consensus and what people use now; affiliate links never change the order.

AI image tools differ less in raw quality than in the job each one suits. Midjourney makes striking, artistic images for moodboards and concepts, with no free plan. Ideogram puts clear text inside the picture, which helps with posters and thumbnails, and Adobe Firefly trains on licensed content and sits inside Photoshop. Canva's AI is the quick route for non-designers making social posts in their brand colours.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

## Ranking

1. **[ChatGPT](https://suiteintent.com/t/chatgpt?m=GB)**: OpenAI's general-purpose AI assistant. · Best for: Daily writing, research and quick answers · Free plan
2. **[Midjourney](https://suiteintent.com/t/midjourney?m=GB)**: AI image generator with an artistic style. · Best for: Concept art and moodboards · Pricing on request
3. **[Canva Magic Design](https://suiteintent.com/t/canva?m=GB)**: AI design tools inside Canva. · Best for: Small businesses doing their own marketing · Free plan · Free for nonprofits ([Deals](https://suiteintent.com/deals/canva))
4. **[Ideogram](https://suiteintent.com/t/ideogram?m=GB)**: AI images with readable text. · Best for: Posters, logos and images with text · Free plan
5. **[Adobe Firefly](https://suiteintent.com/t/adobe-firefly?m=GB)**: Adobe's generative AI for images, video and vectors. · Best for: Commercial work that needs licensed AI output · Free plan
6. **[Krea](https://suiteintent.com/t/krea?m=GB)**: AI images and video on a real-time canvas. · Best for: Designers sketching ideas with instant feedback · Free plan

## Side by side

| Tool | Price | Ease of use (1-5) | Team size |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ChatGPT | Pricing on request | 4 | solo, small team, growing team |
| Midjourney | Pricing on request | 4 | solo, small team, growing team |
| Canva Magic Design | Free plan, Canva Pro free for nonprofits | 4 | solo, small team, growing team |
| Ideogram | Pricing on request | 4 | solo, small team, growing team, large team |
| Adobe Firefly | Pricing on request | 4 | solo, small team, growing team, large team |
| Krea | Pricing on request | 4 | solo, small team, growing team, large team |

## Why these picks

- Independent reviews: [Zapier](https://zapier.com/blog/best-ai-image-generator/) (Last checked: 2026-10-02)
- Prices last checked: 2026-10-06
- Ranked by expert consensus and what people use now; affiliate links never change the order.

## Head to head

- [Canva vs Gamma: which AI tool builds better decks](https://suiteintent.com/compare/canva-vs-gamma)
- [ChatGPT vs Claude: which helps you prep interviews](https://suiteintent.com/compare/chatgpt-vs-claude)
- [ChatGPT vs Gemini: which AI assistant for a team](https://suiteintent.com/compare/chatgpt-vs-gemini)
- [ChatGPT vs Julius: which to analyse your data](https://suiteintent.com/compare/chatgpt-vs-julius)
- [ChatGPT vs Copilot: for Microsoft 365 users](https://suiteintent.com/compare/chatgpt-vs-microsoft-copilot)
- [ChatGPT vs Mistral Vibe: US giant or French pick](https://suiteintent.com/compare/chatgpt-vs-mistral-vibe)
- [ChatGPT vs Perplexity: assistant or AI search](https://suiteintent.com/compare/chatgpt-vs-perplexity)
- [Midjourney vs Ideogram: AI designs for your merch](https://suiteintent.com/compare/midjourney-vs-ideogram)

## Rules that apply

- [EU AI Act: chatbot and AI content labels](https://suiteintent.com/compliance/eu-ai-act-chatbots): Using a chatbot or AI images on your site in the EU? See what Article 50 of the AI Act asks of you, who must label what, and the dates that apply.

## Questions

### Can I use AI-generated images commercially?

Most paid plans allow commercial use, but read each tool's terms for the plan you are on. Adobe trains Firefly on licensed content, which matters when you sell the result or use it for a client. Avoid prompts that copy a living artist, a brand or a real person's likeness. Under the EU AI Act you also need to disclose realistic AI images that could pass as real photos.

### Which tool gets text and logos right inside the image?

Ideogram is known for clear, legible text in the picture, so posters, social graphics and thumbnails come out readable. Its style presets set the look, and an editor lets you fix a result. For a logo you will trademark, treat the AI output as a sketch and finish it as a vector. Adobe Firefly also makes vector graphics inside Illustrator.

### Is there a decent free option to start with?

Ideogram, Adobe Firefly and Krea each have a free tier or plan for trying them out. Krea also gathers several leading image models in one account, so you can compare results without switching apps. Midjourney has no free plan. Start free, then pay for the one whose style you keep choosing.

### Do I need Midjourney if I already pay for ChatGPT?

ChatGPT generates images alongside writing and research, which covers quick illustrations and simple social visuals. Midjourney focuses on images alone and has a more artistic, distinctive style. Designers use it for concept art and moodboards where look matters most. If your visuals are occasional, one subscription is usually enough.

### Can I edit a real product photo with AI instead of generating from scratch?

Yes, and for product shots it is often the safer route. Adobe Firefly's Generative Fill in Photoshop adds or replaces parts of an existing image. Canva's AI edits photos and resizes one design for each channel. Krea upscales and enhances images, useful for lifting a low-resolution phone shot.