7 Best AI Art Generators – I Tested Them All

After dropping nearly $500 on subscriptions and generating over 10,000 images across different platforms, I can tell you that AI art has come a long way. Last week, I created a movie poster that looked so professional, my design team thought I’d hired an illustrator. The week before that, I watched an AI transform my rough sketch into a detailed architectural visualization.

But here’s the thing: not all AI art generators are created equal. Some excel at photorealistic images but completely fumble with artistic styles. Others might be perfect for professional work but cost more than a Netflix subscription for a family of 20.

Understanding the Current Landscape

The AI art world of 2024 looks nothing like it did even six months ago. Midjourney just rolled out their V6, DALL-E 3 has finally figured out hands (mostly), and Stable Diffusion keeps spawning new specialized models every week. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re just starting out.

Here’s what matters right now: image quality has skyrocketed, prices have stabilized, and the tools have become significantly easier to use. Whether you’re a professional artist looking to speed up your workflow or just someone who wants to create cool images for social media, there’s never been a better time to dive in.

1. Midjourney — $30/month

Remember when AI art looked like a melted Salvador Dali painting? Those days are gone. Midjourney’s V6 creates images so crisp and detailed, I’ve started using them in client presentations. Yes, you’ll need to use Discord to access it (which feels a bit like joining a secret club at first), but the results are worth the slight learning curve.

What sets it apart is the way it handles lighting and composition. Last month, I needed a product shot of a futuristic coffee maker. Midjourney not only nailed the product design but created studio-quality lighting that would have taken hours to achieve in a real photo shoot.

2. AI-Pro — $20/month

AI-Pro has become my reliable workhorse. While it might not have Midjourney’s artistic flair, it’s the one I find myself opening first thing in the morning. The interface is refreshingly straightforward – no Discord channels, no complex settings, just type and generate.

What I particularly appreciate is its consistency. When I’m working on a series of images for a project, AI-Pro maintains the same style across multiple generations. Plus, it handles commercial usage rights clearly, which is a huge relief when working with clients. If this is your first time with AI art generators, don’t worry—AI-Pro guides you with helpful prompts and tips to get started with confidence.

3. Stable Diffusion — Free/Self-hosted

This is where things get interesting. Stable Diffusion is like having a professional art studio in your computer – if you’re willing to set it up. I run it on my modest gaming laptop, and while the initial setup took an evening of tinkering, I haven’t paid for image generation since.

The real magic here is customization. Want to train the AI on your company’s brand style? Or create a model that specifically generates images in your artistic style? Stable Diffusion lets you do that. Just be prepared to learn some technical terms and maybe watch a few YouTube tutorials.

4. DALL-E 3 — Pay-per-use

OpenAI’s latest version feels like having a mind reader on your team. While other AIs sometimes play fast and loose with your prompts, DALL-E 3 actually understands what you want. Last week, I asked for “a minimalist Japanese tea room with a single beam of morning light” – and that’s exactly what I got, not a generic Asian-themed room that other AIs might generate.

The pay-per-use model initially put me off, but I’ve found it’s actually cost-effective for specific projects. When I need something precise and don’t want to spend time tweaking prompts, DALL-E 3 is my go-to. Just don’t expect to use it for bulk image generation unless you have a generous budget. This generative AI model is a playful way to turn thoughts into visuals, with plenty of room for customization as you get familiar with it. 

5. Deep Dream Generator — $19/month

Think of Deep Dream as the experimental artist of the bunch. While others try to create perfect, realistic images, Deep Dream embraces the weird. I use it when I need something that looks distinctly “AI” – like for an article about emerging tech or a sci-fi concept.

Its style transfer feature is particularly impressive. Last month, I transformed a basic landscape photo into something that looked like a Van Gogh painting crossed with a circuit board. Not always practical, but perfect for creative projects that need a unique edge.

6. RunwayML — $35/month

RunwayML is what happens when AI art grows up and gets a job in Hollywood. While others focus on still images, Runway lets me animate them. I recently turned a still photo of a cloudy sky into a timelapse that looked completely natural – all in about 10 minutes.

The downside? The learning curve is steeper than Mount Everest. But once you get the hang of it, you can create everything from simple animations to full video edits with AI assistance. Just be prepared to spend your first week watching tutorials.

7. Artbreeder — Free tier available

Artbreeder is the most fun I’ve had with AI art, period. Imagine if Mendel’s genetic experiments worked with images instead of peas. You can take the composition of one image, the color palette of another, and the style of a third to create something entirely new.

The free tier is surprisingly generous, which makes it perfect for experimentation. I’ve spent hours creating “children” of different artworks just to see what happens. It’s not always the most practical tool, but for creative exploration, nothing beats it.

Choosing the Right Generator

After three months of daily use, here’s my practical guide:

• For quick, professional work: DALL-E 3
• For artistic projects: Midjourney
• For bulk generation on a budget: Stable Diffusion
• For video and motion: RunwayML
• For experimentation: Artbreeder
• For consistent style: AI-Pro
• For unique effects: Deep Dream Generator

Future Outlook: Where AI Art Is Actually Heading

Let me cut through the hype for a minute. While everyone’s talking about AI replacing artists (it won’t), the real changes are more nuanced. Last week, I watched Midjourney V6 perfectly capture reflections in a car’s paint – something that was impossible six months ago. That’s the kind of practical progress that matters.

Coming in 2024, we’re seeing:

• Better integration with professional tools (I’m already testing a Photoshop plugin that’s changing my workflow)
• More specialized models (think AI that only does product photography or architectural visualization)
• Improved animation capabilities (RunwayML’s latest update hints at what’s possible)

Practical Tips I Wish I’d Known Earlier

After thousands of generations, here’s what actually works:

• Start with simple prompts and build up complexity
• Save your successful prompts (I keep a Google Doc of them)
• Use reference images when possible (all major platforms now support this)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from my expensive trial-and-error:

• Don’t pay for multiple subscriptions at once – test one platform thoroughly first
• Avoid rushing into commercial use without understanding the rights
• Don’t ignore the community resources (Discord servers and forums are goldmines)
• Use the basic plan for regular work
• Upgrade only for client-heavy months
• Leverage free tools for experimentation

The bottom line? AI art generators have grown up. They’re no longer just toys for creating weird space cats (though they’re still great at that). Pick the right tool for your needs, learn it well, and you’ll have a powerful creative asset at your fingertips.