Introduction
AI image generators serve as fundamental resources for designers, along with marketers and digital artists. Users can access many tools at no cost, but most of these services impose usage restrictions and additional hidden fees.
I examined the top free AI image creation tools to determine the number of images you can produce before needing to pay. Several platforms provide unlimited access, while others restrict free image creation to a specific number of uses. This guide outlines the top tools, including free generation limits, pricing details for additional use, and key features to help you choose the best fit.
How I Chose These AI Image Generators
The following criteria determined the selection of the tools below:
- Do these tools produce images that are both high-resolution and visually striking?
- Do these tools provide functionality for non-technical users to operate them effectively?
- What is the maximum number of images that can be generated without incurring costs?
- Do your customization options include multiple styles and resolution options and other variations for adjustment?
We will examine top AI image generators that offer free usage along with information about their pricing models.
1. DALL·E 3 (by OpenAI)
Free images: Only accessible through the ChatGPT platform. Offered for free.
Pricing: Users who subscribe to ChatGPT Plus at $20 monthly gain access to additional DALL-E image creations.
DALL-E 3 is one of the most sophisticated AI image-generation tools available. The AI tool produces artistic photographs with very high resolution and exceptional quality. This AI image tool combines with ChatGPT for easy creative work by users.
Pros:
- Produces professional-looking, high-resolution images.
- Seamlessly integrated with the ChatGPT interface.
Cons:
- For free access, it is minimal.
- Requires ChatGPT Plus for full functionality.
You can also explore it here: https://openai.com/index/dall-e-3/
2. Stable Diffusion (by Stability AI)
Free Images: Unlimited if deployed locally.
Pricing: This service is free of charge, although users might need to pay for third-party online services.
Stable Diffusion is an AI model. People who desire complete creative autonomy can use Stable Diffusion, as it operates as a free open-source model. When you install Stable Diffusion on your device, you avoid fees, although certain online services utilizing Stable Diffusion could incur charges.
Pros:
- 100% free if used self-hosted.
- Deep customization is enabled for power users.
Cons:
- Takes technical expertise to set up.
- Some online sources charge for entry.
You can also explore it here: https://stability.ai/
3. Midjourney
Free Images: Users can access free images for only a few generations before they must pay for continued access.
Pricing: Starting at $10/month for their subscription plans.
Midjourney has gained a reputation for producing the most detailed and artistic images that are AI-generated. Its free access comes with severe limitations and requires usage through Discord.
Pros:
- Stunning, artistic visuals.
- Ideal for stylized digital artwork.
Cons:
- The free version is very basic.
- Requires a Discord account to access.
You can also explore it here: https://www.midjourney.com/home
4. DreamStudio (Stable Diffusion’s Official App)
Free images: New users receive 25 free credits that allow them to download approximately 25 images.
Pricing: Users can start purchasing credits on a pay-as-you-go model at $1.18 for every 100 credits.
DreamStudio represents the officially developed web application for Stable Diffusion. Users can adjust image settings with greater precision in this tool than in many other alternatives.
Pros:
- Plain and easy to use for rookies.
- Fine-tune image settings.
Cons:
- Free credits expire fast.
- Have to pay extra for future use.
You can also explore it here: https://beta.dreamstudio.ai/
5. Microsoft Designer
Free images: Users receive 15 free high-performance image generations daily before image generation slows down.
Pricing: The exact cost of paid plans varies according to different plan options.
Microsoft Designer utilizes AI to create basic DALL-E integrations for rapidly producing visuals suited for social media presentations.
Pros:
- 15 daily free high-speed image generations.
- Flawlessly integrates with the tools of Microsoft.
Cons:
- When users utilize free boosts, the speed of the process diminishes.
- This tool provides fewer customization options than comparable software.
You can also explore it here: https://designer.microsoft.com/
6. Adobe Firefly
Free Images: 25 free generations per month.
Pricing: Paid plans from $4.99/month.
Adobe developed a professional creative AI that combines image-generation power with seamless integration into Photoshop and Illustrator.
Pros:
- Works well with Adobe’s creative suite.
- The product features advanced artificial intelligence tools, which include text effects.
Cons:
- Users can access free use up to a limit of 25 images each month.
- Ideal only for users using Adobe products.
You can also explore it here: https://www.adobe.com/in/products/firefly.html
7. Aitubo
Free images: Unlimited use without limitation.
Pricing: Free forever; no paid plans are required.
Aitubo provides limited AI image generators that all users can access for free without restriction. Though it doesn’t match the advanced capabilities of DALL-E or Midjourney, it remains an excellent option for casual users.
Pros:
- No surprise costs or caps.
- Very intuitive and newbie-friendly.
Cons:
- Paid tools offer more adaptable customization options than this free service.
- An inferior quality AI model.
You can also explore it here: https://aitubo.ai/
You can also check our blog on The Sweet, the Spicy, and the Bitter Truths About Candy AI in 2025
Conclusion
There aren’t many free AI image generators without serious restrictions. To maintain full control over Stable Diffusion, you should run it on your computer. If you want a free tool that works without complications, give Aitubo a try.
- For professional-grade AI image generation, DALL-E 3 and Midjourney stand out as the best options. Usage limitations apply strongly to their free services.
- Adobe Firefly offers great tools for designers yet imposes usage restrictions, while Microsoft Designer provides excellent integration capabilities but also limits user access.
Pick the right one for your use case: Are you looking for high-quality artwork? Unlimited access? Easy-to-use interface? Which of these did you try? Please tell me which option suits you best.
FAQ’s
Aitubo stands out among AI image generators by providing unlimited free image creation without any limitations. Running Stable Diffusion locally allows you to use it for free but demands technical installation steps.
Users receive restricted free access to DALL·E 3 via ChatGPT Free, but unlimited access requires subscribing to ChatGPT Plus at $20 per month.
Midjourney transitioned from providing a free trial to permitting only a few free generations before its paid subscription becomes necessary at $10 monthly.
Midjourney and DALL·E 3 are the top choices for high-quality, artistic AI-generated images. However, both have strict free limits, so they’re best for users willing to pay for extended access.
It depends on the platform. Stable Diffusion and Aitubo both permit commercial usage when used locally, but commercial use of DALL·E 3 and Adobe Firefly depends on their specific licensing conditions. Ensure you review the usage terms prior to using AI-created images for commercial purposes.
