AI Image Generation · Pricing comparison
DALL-E vs Leonardo AI: Pricing
Leonardo AI is the cheaper option ($8/mo less), only Leonardo AI has a free plan, DALL-E rates slightly higher. Below we break down plans, free tiers, and value so you can decide which fits your budget and workflow.
Last checked January 15, 2026
Leonardo AI is the cheaper option ($8/mo less), only Leonardo AI has a free plan, DALL-E rates slightly higher.
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DALL-E vs Leonardo AI: side-by-side
| Feature | DALL-E | Leonardo AI |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Image Generation | AI Image Generation |
| Pricing model | Usage Based | Freemium |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free plan details | Limited access can appear in free ChatGPT tiers, but reliable use needs a paid plan or API credits. | Daily free token allowance that refreshes each day. |
| Starting price | $20/mo via ChatGPT Plus | $12/mo Apprentice (billed yearly) |
| Highest known plan | Usage-based API pricing per image | $60/mo Maestro |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | ChatGPT users and developers who want prompt-accurate images | Indie creators and game artists wanting free daily credits |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
DALL-E uses a usage based model, starting at $20/mo via ChatGPT Plus. Two paths: a ChatGPT subscription for casual use, or per-image API billing for apps. It has no ongoing free plan.
Leonardo AI uses a freemium model, starting at $12/mo Apprentice (billed yearly). Token-based; higher plans grant more daily tokens and faster generation. Annual billing discounts. Its free plan: Daily free token allowance that refreshes each day.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, Leonardo AI wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
DALL-E: pros and cons
Pros
- Great prompt following
- Available via API
- Bundled with ChatGPT
Cons
- Less stylized than Midjourney
- Casual use tied to ChatGPT plan
Leonardo AI: pros and cons
Pros
- Generous free daily credits
- Many model choices
- Has an API
Cons
- Token math can confuse
- Quality varies by model
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: DALL-E.
- DALL-E is best for: ChatGPT users and developers who want prompt-accurate images.
- Leonardo AI is best for: Indie creators and game artists wanting free daily credits.
Verdict
On price alone, Leonardo AI is the value pick at $12/mo Apprentice (billed yearly). DALL-E edges ahead on our editor rating. For most people, choose DALL-E if you want chatgpt users and developers who want prompt-accurate images, and Leonardo AI if you want indie creators and game artists wanting free daily credits.
DALL-E vs Leonardo AI FAQ
Which is cheaper, DALL-E or Leonardo AI?
Leonardo AI has the cheaper entry price — about $8/mo less. DALL-E starts at $20/mo via ChatGPT Plus, while Leonardo AI starts at $12/mo Apprentice (billed yearly).
Does DALL-E or Leonardo AI have a free plan?
Only Leonardo AI has a free plan (Daily free token allowance that refreshes each day.). The other relies on paid plans or a trial.
Is DALL-E or Leonardo AI 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?
DALL-E is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.