AI Image Generation · Pricing comparison
DALL-E vs Midjourney: Pricing
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($10/mo less), 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 January 15, 2026
Midjourney is the cheaper option ($10/mo less), Midjourney rates slightly higher.
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DALL-E vs Midjourney: side-by-side
| Feature | DALL-E | Midjourney |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Image Generation | AI Image Generation |
| Pricing model | Usage Based | Subscription |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free plan details | Limited access can appear in free ChatGPT tiers, but reliable use needs a paid plan or API credits. | No free plan; entry plan is the cheapest way in. |
| Starting price | $20/mo via ChatGPT Plus | $10/mo Basic |
| Highest known plan | Usage-based API pricing per image | $120/mo Mega |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | ChatGPT users and developers who want prompt-accurate images | Artists and marketers wanting the most striking image quality |
| Team support | Yes | No |
| API access | Yes | No |
| Editor rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.5 / 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.
Midjourney uses a subscription model, starting at $10/mo Basic. Plans differ mainly by fast-GPU hours and concurrency. Annual billing discounts ~20%. 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.
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
Midjourney: pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent aesthetic quality
- Strong community and styles
- Low entry price
Cons
- No free tier
- No official API
- Learning curve on prompts
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: Midjourney — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: DALL-E.
- Best if you need an API: DALL-E offers API access where the other does not.
- DALL-E is best for: ChatGPT users and developers who want prompt-accurate images.
- Midjourney is best for: Artists and marketers wanting the most striking image quality.
Verdict
On price alone, Midjourney is the value pick at $10/mo Basic. Midjourney 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 Midjourney if you want artists and marketers wanting the most striking image quality.
DALL-E vs Midjourney FAQ
Which is cheaper, DALL-E or Midjourney?
Midjourney has the cheaper entry price — about $10/mo less. DALL-E starts at $20/mo via ChatGPT Plus, while Midjourney starts at $10/mo Basic.
Does DALL-E or Midjourney have a free plan?
Neither offers an ongoing free plan, though a trial may be available.
Is DALL-E or Midjourney better for beginners?
Midjourney 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.