AI Image Generation Showdown: Leonardo AI, MidJourney, and DALL-E

A detailed comparison of the top three AI image platforms—features, ease of use, and output quality.


In Just One Year, 15 Billion AI-Generated Images Were Created

AI image generation's explosive growth has given businesses a unique opportunity to ride trends, enhance brand identity, and offer more personalized experiences to customers and clients.

But which image platform is the best?

That’s a tricky (and, to be honest, ridiculous) question—because no single AI image generator can meet everyone’s needs. Each platform has its strengths, making the idea of one AI Image Generator to Rule Them All impossible.

Instead, let’s examine three leading platforms—Leonardo AI, Midjourney, and DALL-E—to see what each brings to the table. We'll compare them on ease of use, output quality, and innovation.

Overview

MidJourney



Midjourney burst onto the scene with stunning photorealistic images. Initially hosted on Discord, users generate images using the /imagine command. Additional commands like --ar (aspect ratio) and --seed (consistent outputs) allow for further customization.

In August 2024, MidJourney expanded its accessibility by enabling image generation directly on its website, midjourney.com.

DALL-E



OpenAI introduced DALL-E in early 2021, and while initial results were basic, subsequent updates—DALL-E 2 (2022) and DALL-E 3 (2023)—marked dramatic improvements. The platform now excels in prompt adherence, stylization, and seamless integration with ChatGPT.

DALL-E is widely used across industries, both as a standalone tool and within aggregate platforms like Magai. Its availability through ChatGPT further boosts its convenience for paid users.

Leonardo AI



Launching in December 2023, Leonardo AI gained a dedicated user base with its comprehensive suite of tools for creators. Initially, its image quality lagged behind competitors, but the platform made significant strides by introducing advanced models like Alchemy, Absolute Reality, and Phoenix.

Phoenix in particular has placed Leonardo in direct competition with Midjourney for high-quality imagery while maintaining ease of use.

Which Platform is Easier to Use?

Midjourney

MidJourney’s initial reliance on Discord could be off-putting for some users. Creating private spaces or learning commands requires patience, though those with programming experience may adapt more easily.

Despite the learning curve, the platform’s powerful capabilities and stunning image quality make it worth the effort for dedicated users.

Getting Started:
Sign up via Discord or the midjourney.com site.
A free trial includes 25 credits; after that, paid plans start at $10/month.

DALL-E



DALL-E is surprisingly accessible, with many platforms integrating its capabilities. Paid users of ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) can generate images within the platform, though functionality is somewhat limited compared to standalone tools.



The integration offers excellent value, combining ChatGPT, DALL-E, and limited access to the Sora text-to-video platform.

Getting Started:
Requires a paid ChatGPT subscription.
Offers inpainting (editing) capabilities and its own dedicated threads.

Leonardo AI

Leonardo AI welcomes users with an intuitive interface, displaying all available features in a clear layout. From image generation to real-time brainstorming, the platform caters to creators of all levels.

The Forever Free tier (150 tokens/day) provides ample access to features like Image-to-Image and the Canvas Editor. Paid plans unlock private generations and additional capabilities.

Getting Started:
Free tier includes 150 tokens daily.
Paid plans start at $12/month.



Output Quality

AI image platforms have advanced significantly since 2021, each excelling in different areas. Now, I don't have a Midjourney account so I'll be using prompts and Midjourney source renders from Pumpedu.  I generated those my own images in DALL-E and Leonardo. 

Here’s how the three platforms interpret these three prompts of prompts:

Prompt 1: Create picture: Slide background for artificial intelligence neural networks. Image perceptrons in input layer hidden layers and output layer black background and illuminating neural network.

Summary: 

Midjourney: Provides four highly detailed renders, perfect for cropping.
DALL-E: Delivers a professional, stock-photo style result with good lettering
Leonardo: Creates a sleek, wallpaper-like image, which I can see in a proposal setting

My preference: Midjourney for beauty, DALL-E and Leonardo for utility.

Prompt 2: Create picture 16:9 of a god on the cloud giving divine powers -- ar 16:9
Summary:
Midjourney: Stunning, Sistine Chapel-like artistry.
DALL-E: Rich, illustrative style that is pretty common for the app to produce
Leonardo: A polished marble deity holding a power ball. It really looks angelic

My preference: Midjourney for artistry, Leonardo for its clean and unique look.

Prompt 3: Generate photo 16:9 of artificial intelligence sitting in the security room and watching multiple screens with CCTV. Functioning as security officer guarding shopping mall camera feeds. On the screens there are to be pictures from the shopping mall. Room small and dark.

Summary:
MidJourney: Standard stock photo look which is fine
DALL-E: Oversized robot fits a thematic style, so it depends on what message you're conveying
Leonardo: A robot in uniform, exuding an eerie yet fascinating vibe. 
My preference: Leonardo’s eerie creativity stands out. I like the creepy factor A LOT!

Key Use Cases

Each platform has unique strengths that cater to different industries and workflows:

MidJourney:
Favored by architects (like ZHA) and educators for creating stunning visuals, such as design mockups or learning materials.

DALL-E:
Excels in generating marketing assets, book covers, and mockups for artistic projects. There a restaurant in Minnesota that used it when creating custom art mockup they planned to display!

Leonardo AI:
Ideal for video game design, real estate rendering, and photorealistic edits.

Choosing the Right AI Image Platform

For those of us without drawing skills (*raises hand*), AI image generation is a help we always hoped for. These tools bring ideas to life, sometimes surpassing expectations.

Ultimately, the best platform is the one you enjoy using. Whether it’s DALL-E’s integration, MidJourney’s jaw-dropping quality, or Leonardo’s versatile tools and free tier, there’s something for everyone.

Which platform do you use when inspiration strikes? MidJourney, DALL-E, or Leonardo AI?

FAQs:

Which AI image generation platform is best for beginners?

Leonardo AI is a great option for beginners with its intuitive layout and free tier offering basic tools to start creating.

How does MidJourney compare to DALL-E in terms of image quality?

MidJourney produces stunning, photorealistic images, often excelling in artistry, while DALL-E provides versatile outputs ideal for marketing and illustrative purposes.

Can I use DALL-E for free?

No, DALL-E requires a paid subscription to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month), which includes limited image generation capabilities.

What makes Leonardo AI unique compared to MidJourney and DALL-E?

Leonardo AI stands out for its extensive tools, including the Canvas Editor, and its Forever Free tier, making it accessible to users at all levels.

Do I need technical skills to use MidJourney?

Some familiarity with Discord and text commands can help, but with practice, MidJourney becomes easier to navigate.

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