AI image generators are shaping the future of content creation. But platforms like MidJourney can be quite pricey. So I did some research, and here are my seven favorite MidJourney alternatives that are completely free to use. I’ll break them down step by step, explaining exactly how they work, what I like about them, and how you can get started with each.
MidJourney Alternatives Overview
| Tool | Free Credits | Key Features | Quality Rating | Performance Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craiyon AI | Unlimited (Free) | No login, 9 images at once, fast, simple UI | 5.5/10 | 9/10 |
| GetIMG.ai | 100 credits | Multiple styles, image references, real-time generation | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Runway AI | 125 credits | Video/audio tools, multiple styles, image-to-video | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Krea AI | ~900 images/day | Real-time canvas editing, drawing support, AI strength adjustment | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| NightCafe | 5 credits | Variety of models (Del3, SD), community prompt inspiration | 8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Leonardo AI | 150 credits/month | Custom models, prompt builder, Alchemy upscaler | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| GPT-4o | Free for GPT-4o users | Hyper-realistic outputs, sketch/image input, instant generation | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Craiyon AI (#7)
Crayon AI is an incredibly simple tool for fast image generation.
- No sign-up required
- Totally free to use
- Beginner-friendly interface
How to Use Crayon AI:
- Go to the Crayon website.
- Type in your prompt (e.g., “a Viking standing on his battleship in the middle of the sea”).
- Choose your style: Art, Photo, or Drawing.
- Optionally, add negative prompts (e.g., “people” if you don’t want people in the image).
- Click Draw.
Features:
- Generates 9 images in under 60 seconds.
- You can upscale images.
- Option to remove the background.
- Buy the image on merchandise like t-shirts.
Ratings:
- Quality: 5.5/10
- Performance: 9/10
GetIMG.ai (#6)
This tool offers higher-quality outputs with more model options.
Free Plan Includes:
- 100 free credits (each image = 1 credit)
How to Use GetIMG.ai:
- Enter your prompt.
- Select a style: Photo Realism V2, Artistic, Anime, etc.
- Choose resolution and aspect ratio.
- Select number of images (e.g., 4) to control credits used.
- Optionally, upload a reference image and adjust similarity.
- Click Generate.
Example Prompt:
- “Golden retriever standing on top of a mountain.”
Features:
- Generates images in real time (~10 seconds).
- Download images or create variations.
- Convert image to video.
Ratings:
- Quality: 6/10
- Performance: 8/10
Runway AI (#5)
Runway AI is not just for images; it’s a full creative suite for text, video, and audio generation.
Tools Included:
- Video-to-video
- Text-to-image
- Image-to-video
- Lip sync
- Generative audio
- Background remover
Free Plan:
- 125 credits
- Each image costs ~5 credits
Steps to Generate an Image:
- Enter your prompt (e.g., “A mason jar filled with a landscape of a small village, lightning strikes inside the jar”).
- Choose a style (e.g., Sci-Fi Art).
- Set resolution (720p available for free users).
- Click Generate.
Features:
- Download or animate your image.
- Use infinite image tool.
- Multiple style options.
Ratings:
- Quality: 6/10
- Performance: 6/10
Krea AI (#4)
This one surprised me with its real-time generation and interactivity.
How It Works:
- Sign up or log in.
- Enter prompt (e.g., “A field with sunflowers”).
- Adjust objects on canvas and AI strength.
- Use real-time generation by simply dragging elements.
Other Features:
- Draw directly on canvas.
- Control AI intensity.
- Multiple concept models.
- Adjustable aspect ratios.
Note:
- Limit: ~900 images/day. Be cautious with usage as each action counts.
Ratings:
- Quality: 7/10
- Performance: 8/10
NightCafe (#3)
NightCafe is a strong contender and offers a wide variety of models and styles.
Steps to Use NightCafe:
- Enter your prompt.
- Choose a style: NightCafe, Cinematic, Realistic, Anime.
- Select model: DreamShaper XL, Stable Diffusion, Del3, etc.
- Click Create.
Credit System:
- 5 free credits to start.
- Half a credit per image with DreamShaper.
- 4 credits for a high-end model like Stable Core.
Bonus Tip:
- View top images for prompt inspiration.
- Click on any image to see how it was made.
Ratings:
- Quality: 8/10
- Performance: 7.5/10
Leonardo AI (#2)
One of the best and most feature-rich platforms I’ve used.
How to Use Leonardo AI:
- Go to the Image Generation section.
- Select a model (e.g., Leonardo Anime XL, Lighting XEL).
- Type your prompt (e.g., “Underwater landscape”).
- Enable settings like Photo Real, Prompt Magic, or Alchemy.
- Ask for prompt help if needed.
- Choose dimensions and aspect ratio.
- Click Generate.
Other Features:
- ~150 credits/month.
- Use Alchemy upscaler for improved quality.
- View and reuse previous generations.
Ratings:
- Quality: 8/10
- Performance: 8.5/10
GPT-4o (ChatGPT-4 Omni) (#1)
Yes, you read that right—GPT-4o is now capable of generating stunning AI images and it’s free for ChatGPT users.
Free for:
- GPT-4o tier users (confirmed by OpenAI)
Steps to Generate an Image:
- Enter your prompt (e.g., “A cat in the shape of butter laying on a piece of French toast, sleeping, cute, hyper-realistic”).
- Wait for the image to render instantly.
- Customize image size.
- Optionally upload your own sketch or drawing and ask ChatGPT to generate from that.
Examples:
- Generated dragon artwork with the same prompt used in NightCafe, with better visual appeal.
Ratings:
- Quality: Insanely detailed
- Performance: Instant generation, very responsive
Final Thoughts
These were my favorite image generator alternatives to MidJourney. Each one has its strengths and limitations, but all of them are usable without spending a dime. From Craiyon’s simplicity to GPT-4o’s hyper-detailed realism, there’s something for everyone.
