Which AI image generator is better: Midjourney or Stable Diffusion? Both these AI art generators are amazing at transforming text prompts into eye-catching art. However, to help you choose the best tool for your artistic needs, we need to analyze factors like pricing models, image sizes, customization, and more.
In this article, we will round up the key features of Stable Diffusion vs. MidJourney and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of these powerful AI image generation models.
What You’ll Learn
- What is Midjourney?
- What is Stable Diffusion?
- What is the cost of Midjourney vs. Stable Diffusion?
- What are the key features of MidJourney vs Stable Diffusion?
- What are the pros and cons of Midjourney vs. Stable Diffusion for AI image generation?
- How to choose the best AI generator model for your work
1. What Is MidJourney?
Midjourney is an AI art generator founded in San Francisco, California, by David Holz. It entered into open beta in July 2022. Midjourney is a text-to-image AI image generator known for adapting basic art styles and generating remarkably vivid images.
Midjourney is a machine-learning model that allows users to generate images based on text prompts.
1.1 How to Access Midjourney
Step 1
Wondering how to use Midjourney? Currently, Midjourney is only accessible through the Discord chat app. To get started with it, you will need to create a Discord account. Once you’ve done that, head over to Midjourney‘s landing page and Sign In with your Discord account.
Step 2
To start generating images, you need to Purchase a subscription plan. After that, click on Community to connect to the Midjourney server.
Step 3
Midjourney has its own Discord server, so once you join the Midjourney Community, you will need to accept the Discord invitation by pressing the Accept Invite tab, to access and connect to the Midjourney server. When you’ve gained access to the server, you can enter one of the ‘newbies’ channels to start creating images.
Type in the /imagine
command to get started, and enter a text prompt to generate the image you want.
If you’d like to know a little more about the process, you can check out this new article on Envato Tuts+:
2. What Is Stable Diffusion?
Stable Diffusion is an AI image generator model that was developed and released by Stability AI on 22 August 2022. This tool was built to convert textual prompts into visual outputs, using algorithms based on machine learning, state-of-the-art deep learning, computer vision, and natural language descriptions.
Stable Diffusion can produce a multitude of artistic styles, ranging from anime to photorealistic art, in a matter of seconds.
2.1 How to Access Stable Diffusion
If you’re wondering how to access Stable Diffusion, you should know that Stable Diffusion is entirely open-source and free for commercial and non-commercial use. The software allows everyone to access it, modify it, and use it.
There are several ways users can gain access to Stable Diffusion. One is by installing the mobile app Dreamer. Another method is through the web app Stable Diffusion Web, and there are several other ways, both online or offline, by installing the software to a hard drive.
To find out more ways to use Stable Diffusion, check out this article:
3. What Is the Cost of Midjourney vs. Stable Diffusion?
3.1 What Is the Cost of Midjourney?
Is Midjourney free? Midjourney has moved from offering free trials to being a tiered paid service. A Midjourney subscription offers a limited number of hours for free image generation each month. For example, a Basic Plan subscription is billed annually at $96 ($8/month) and allows 3.3 hours/month. A Mega Plan annual subscription cost is set at $1,152 ($96/month) and offers 60hours/month.
Here’s a look at the current Midjourney prices and subscription plans available for Basic, Standard, Pro, and Mega:
3.2 What Is the Cost of Stable Diffusion?
Stable Diffusion is currently free and also offers a paid credit plan for its software, starting at $29. Users can access its free basic features without needing licensing or subscription fees. The free version of Stable Diffusion allows users to perform limited edits and experiment with art styles. On the other hand, if you are looking for advanced image editing or processing, you will need to subscribe to a Premium Plan.
Stable Diffusion offers three pricing plans: Basic, Standard, and Premium. They are different in features, speed, cost, and capabilities.
4. What Are the Key Features of Midjourney vs. Stable Diffusion?
Midjourney and Stable Diffusion are both powerful AI image generators. Let’s take a look at the key features and benefits of Stable Diffusion vs. Midjourney by comparing image quality, accessibility, ownership, and customization options.
Image Quality
- Midjourney creates high-quality images up to 1024 x 1024 pixels.
- Midjourney’s generated images have more aesthetics and finer details.
- The tool requires minimal effort and a fast rate of one minute of GPU time to produce high-quality images.
- By default, Stable Diffusion creates images up to 512 x 512 resolution and can go up to 4096 x 4096.
- Stable Diffusion offers an array of artistic styles from photorealistic to pixel art, so users get more creativity and diversity when generating images.
- Midjourney image formats are JPEG and PNG.
- Stable Diffusion formats are PNG, JPEG, and GIF.
User Interface
- Midjourney is accessed through an internet connection and a Discord account.
- Stable Diffusion can be accessed through various frameworks, online/offline, on a mobile app, and on your computer’s hard drive.
Copyright/Ownership
Both Midjourney and Stable Diffusion allow you ownership of the images you create, with no branding or watermark. However, with Midjourney, it depends on which paid tier you have, as you have more rights with higher tiers.
Stable Diffusion, on the other hand, claims no rights to the images generated and allows users to distribute and sell their AI images. For further information, read their license and terms.
Customization
Stable Diffusion has more flexibility and customization when it comes to art styles, image size, negative prompts, adjusting the prompt parameters, and the number of images generated.
5. What Are the Pros and Cons of Midjourney vs. Stable Diffusion for AI Image Generation?
Both AI art generators have their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons and how to use Midjourney and Stable Diffusion.
5.1 Midjourney
Advantages
- Has an active community.
- Produces high-quality images, with details.
- Has a reasonable subscription price.
- You can browse other users’ generated images.
- Use Midjourney when you need high-quality images with intricate details or photorealistic images.
- It’s a great AI generator for creating stunning backdrops and backgrounds, fantasy-themed images, sci-fi content, powerful scenes, or images with dramatic lighting.
- Use Midjourney for video games.
Disadvantages
- More complicated to use.
- Lots of users on the platform, so your image generations get buried under other generations.
- Requires a Discord account.
- Paid-only platform.
- Midjourney cost based on subscription tiers.
- There is no privacy—your creations can be viewed and downloaded by other users on the server.
- Offers a few customizable models.
- Requires a commercial license.
5.2 Stable Diffusion
Advantages
- High image quality.
- You have more control over the customization of image parameters.
- Offers a broader range of art styles for its users.
- Has a user-friendly interface and is an easy-to-use image generator.
- Free to experiment with.
- Stable Diffusion has thousands of AI models available for download.
- Allows users to create their own AI models by training them with their own images, which is not available on Midjourney.
- Free for non-commercial use, and commercial licenses are available.
- Stable Diffusion is great for industries that are focused on content creation, virtual content, or digital marketing.
- Go for Stable Diffusion when you need images for e-commerce, scientific research, product design, or digital art creation.
- Use Stable Diffusion to create gaming assets, cover art, backgrounds, characters, etc.
- Freelancers or beginners can access the free version, but professionals should get the paid version without limitations.
Disadvantages
- Requires more technical knowledge and expertise to achieve fine-grained image results.
- Paid versions run out of credit.
6. How to Choose the Best AI Generator Model
When choosing which AI generator is the best for your work, it comes down to your individual preferences and needs. You should consider factors like what type of images you want to create, how much control you want to have over customization, your budget, and your comfort level in using the technology.
For beginners: Midjourney shines with the Discord interface and minimal customization, making it a gentle dip into the AI art pool. Stable Diffusion, while offering deeper control, demands steeper technical learning to obtain finer results.
Cost considerations: Midjourney starts with a paid subscription, while Stable Diffusion boasts a free downloadable version. However, the premium features on both platforms come with additional costs.
Copyright quandaries: Both platforms have evolving copyright guidelines. Midjourney retains commercial rights, while Stable Diffusion allows personal and non-commercial use with proper attribution.
Exploring the depths: Midjourney excels at generating unique, dreamlike compositions, while Stable Diffusion offers precise control over existing images with tools like inpainting and outpainting.
The ultimate test: Consider your needs. Do you value ease and quick bursts of inspiration? Midjourney might be your muse. Do you crave meticulous control and endless tinkering? Stable Diffusion awaits your sculpting touch.
Ultimately, the best AI tool is the one that sparks your creative fire. So dive in, experiment with both, and let your digital dreams take flight!
Learn More About AI Image Generation
Would you like to learn more about Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and alternative AI image generators? Check out these articles from Envato Tuts+: