Best AI image generator 2025

The rapid rise of AI image generators has transformed digital creativity. AI generators can bring visual ideas to life with unbelievable detail. These tools use machine learning to create visuals based on text prompts and other inputs. Many AI image generators are available today, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

I worked with the Cybernews research team to investigate the most popular AI image generators on the market and rank them. Continue reading to discover the best AI image generators available today for different types of images.

Best AI image generator - shortlist

1. Deep Art Effects – best for transforming photos into artistic images
2. Shutterstock AI – best for high-quality stock images
3. Getimg AI – best for bulk image creation
4. DALL-E 3 – best for realistic and imaginative images
5. Leonardo AI – best for fast image generation

What is an AI Image generator?

AI image generation tools are opening up an entirely new creative avenue by letting users make realistic and artistic images from text. With prompts like “sunlit forest in watercolor” or “neon cityscape at night in the rain,” you can create visuals that reflect your imagination.

AI image generators work through a branch of artificial intelligence called generative AI, which focuses on creating new content. These tools use neural networks trained on enormous image libraries to recreate different art styles. They learn to pick up on patterns, colors, and design elements. Instead of simply repeating what they’ve seen, these models create new, original visuals.

Each AI image tool has its strengths. Neural style transfer lets you mix one image’s look with another, like merging a famous painting with a photo. GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) use two networks working together to produce photo-realistic images. Diffusion models start with random noise and gradually bring an image into focus, similar to how a photo might develop.

I’ve reviewed some of the best AI image generators out there to find the best options for creating different types of images. Whether you want to create life-like images or unique artistic styles, the various AI image generators in this guide can bring your ideas to life.

The Best AI image generator – our detailed list

This section will provide you with in-depth reviews of the best AI image generators.

I highlight the top AI image generators and assess these products in detail so you know what to expect.

1. Deep Art Effects – best AI image generator for transforming photos into art

Starting price:	$2.99/month (iOS app), $9.90/month (desktop)
Best for:	Transforming photos into stylized artwork
Free version:	Yes (limited functionality with watermarked images), includes in-app purchases
Top features:	AI-powered style transfer, offline desktop processing, custom art styles

Visit Deep Art Effects

Launched by a German company founded in 2016, Deep Art Effects is my top AI image generator, thanks to its advanced, user-friendly technology. This software (available on desktop and mobile) allows you to turn photos into art using AI-powered style transfer technology.

Features

Deep Art Effects draws on styles from over 120 famous artists, including Picasso and Van Gogh. I like that the tool leverages neural AI networks rather than basic filters to deliver this intricate artistic detail.

Its key features include an offline mode for desktop users, which enables high-powered processing without dependency on the cloud while storing images locally to ensure privacy and data security. What really sets this tool apart is its unique functions, such as auto-colorizing black-and-white images, 4x image scaling without quality loss, and selective background removal.

Businesses and developers can integrate Deep Art Effects’ powerful filters via API, which is supported by SDKs for Java, .NET, iOS, and Android.

Pricing

Deep Art Effects has free and premium plans, with premium users gaining access to full HD quality, watermark removal, and exclusive weekly styles. The desktop version of this AI image generator costs $9.90 monthly or $129.00 as a one-time purchase. The iOS app starts at $2.99/month or $34.99 annually, and ultra HD image downloads are available for $1.99.

User reviews

User feedback on Deep Art Effects is generally positive, with many praising the app’s ability to quickly create stunning, high-quality artistic images. However, some users note that the mobile app could be improved. The desktop version, however, is praised for its straightforward installation, including video tutorials.

Verdict

I highly recommend Deep Art Effects to artists, photographers, and creative professionals who are seeking a tool that goes beyond regular photo editing.

2. Shutterstock AI – best AI image generator for high-quality stock images

Starting price:	$7.00/month (web-based only)
Best for:	Creating and customizing stock images with licensing rights
Free version:	No, subscription-only
Top features:	DALL E 3 integration, custom stock edits, ethical contributor compensation

Visit Shutterstock AI Image Generator

Shutterstock AI, launched in partnership with OpenAI and backed by Shutterstock’s 700-million-item library, is an AI image generator that allows you to create licensable images on demand.

It is part of Shutterstock Creative Flow, an extensive toolkit that unites image search, creation, and editing. This relatively new AI image generator — launched in 2023 — combines ease of use with professional-grade customization. It allows users to generate and license images quickly.

Features

You can use text prompts to create stock images with Shutterstock AI. Beyond that, you can edit stock images directly from Shutterstock’s library. This is one of the main highlights of Shutterstock AI, in my opinion.

You can use tools like Magic Brush for targeted modifications, Background Remover to refine images, and Smart Resize to adjust dimensions. In addition, you can expand images to capture broader backgrounds and generate multiple variations of any chosen image for increased flexibility.

Pricing

Shutterstock AI’s pricing starts at $7.00 per month, allowing up to 400 images to be generated. Each AI-generated image is ready for commercial use under Shutterstock’s license terms, offering peace of mind for businesses and content creators.

User reviews

User reviews are generally sparse on Shutterstock AI, possibly because it's relatively new. However, in the few reviews I found, users cited the lack of a free plan as a drawback by wanting to test the platform before committing.

Verdict

I recommend Shutterstock AI, particularly if you are already in Shutterstock’s ecosystem. It will particularly serve professionals seeking a reliable, cost-effective way to make high-quality, commercially licensable visuals.

Note: Shutterstock AI’s platform stands out for its ethical practices, compensating artists whose work is used to train the AI model, thanks to strategic partnerships with OpenAI, Meta, and LG AI Research. Furthermore, Shutterstock says it built safeguards into its technology to remove bias in datasets, meaning that the tool supports diversity and inclusion

3. Getimg AI – best AI image generator for bulk image generation

Starting price:	$12.00/month (web-based only)
Best for:	Advanced AI editing across digital projects
Free version:	Yes, 100 free images/month (watermarked)
Top features:	Advanced editing, custom AI model training, multiple reference images

Visit Getimg AI

Getimg AI is a sophisticated platform that combines text-to-image generation, image-to-video conversion, and advanced image editing under one web-based interface. Boasting over 70 Stable Diffusion-based (SD) models and advanced editing tools, it empowers creatives, designers, and content creators to transform their ideas into high-quality visuals with relative ease.

Features

This AI image generator offers flexibility with two modes: Essential for easy image generation and SD for fine-tuned control over AI settings.

Some key features of Getimg AI include the ability to use multiple image references simultaneously, allowing creators to retain specific elements like style or character consistency across projects. Tools such as Magic Brush, Background Remover, and AI Canvas further enhance creative control, enabling you to modify images directly within the platform.

Pricing

Getimg AI’s pricing structure starts at $12.00 per month, with tiered plans that offer increased credits and premium features. The free plan allows 100 AI-generated images per month, and paid plans unlock commercial rights and high-resolution downloads, potentially making it a valuable tool for professional use.

User reviews

Based on reviews, users seem to like Getimg’s ease of use and the flexibility to mix different models for diverse visual styles. Many also appreciate the inpainting and outpainting capabilities, noting that Getimg AI has replaced other tools for these tasks thanks to its features that enhance control and streamline complex edits.

However, some users noted that certain features, like masking options, could be more precise, and there’s a learning curve for those new to the platform’s detailed settings. Additionally, high-quality image outputs often require a paid plan for faster processing and commercial rights.

Verdict

Overall, I highly recommend Getimg AI to both beginners and advanced users. It pushes the boundaries of creative design and is a very adaptable tool.

4. DALL·E 3 – best AI image generator for realistic and imaginative images

Starting price:	$20.00/month (web-based and app-based, via ChatGPT Plus)
Best for:	Those already familiar with ChatGPT
Free version:	Yes, available via Bing Image Creator (with watermarks)
Top features:	Precise prompt-following, realistic object positioning, full stylistic control

Visit Dall-E3

DALL·E 3, developed by tech giant OpenAI and launched in 2023, represents a significant advancement in text-to-image generation. Built to improve prompt accuracy, the popular generator interprets complex prompts with high fidelity, even for intricate details and nuanced scenes.

DALL·E 3 is available via OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus subscription, which integrates image generation directly within the chat interface. It’s free to use on Microsoft platforms like Bing Image Creator.

Features

In my opinion, DALL·E 3 excels in handling complex prompts with realism and detail, outperforming previous versions. This latest release addresses previous limitations, allowing precise control over visual details without requiring “prompt engineering.”

You can render scenes with precise spatial arrangements and stylistic diversity via text prompts. Advanced customization lets you refine images with specific tweaks through ChatGPT’s prompt dialogue, making it highly accessible.

OpenAI has prioritized ethics, including safety protocols, to prevent the system from generating harmful or biased content. For instance, it avoids creating images in the style of living artists and will not allow inappropriate content. These ethical safeguards and OpenAI’s continuous improvements make DALL·E 3 a responsible choice for content creators.

Pricing

There are two ways to access DALL·E 3. The first option is via ChatGPT Plus ($20.00/month), which allows you to generate up to 50 images daily with commercial use rights. You can also access the AI image generator via Microsoft’s free Bing version, but you can only generate watermarked images.

User reviews

Users praise DALL·E 3’s ability to generate complex and specific visuals in any style, such as realistic object positioning and embedded text. However, some users said they’ve noticed occasional text distortion in images.

Verdict

Overall, I recommend DALL·E 3 for anyone who wants advanced image generation. With its integration into ChatGPT, it’s accessible to all, including professionals who value both precision and ethical guidelines in their AI tools.

5. Leonardo AI – best AI generator for fast image creation

Starting price:	$12.00/month
Best for:	High-quality, real-time design
Free version:	Yes, with limited daily tokens, in-app purchases
Top features:	High-quality Phoenix model, negative prompts, advanced canvas tools

Developed by a team of AI and creative tech experts, Leonardo AI is an advanced art generator platform that debuted in 2022. This tool is particularly useful for artists, marketers, and designers.

Features

Leonardo’s user-friendly interface allows for image and video creation with a focus on real-time adaptability and customization. It supports standard image generation and offers unique features like inpainting as well as extra avenues like motion videos and 3D texture applications.

Though it is web-based, the app (iOS and Android) also provides a range of models, from general options to specialized community models. Its standout features include the Realtime Canvas, which allows you to sketch and let the AI fill in the details, and advanced editing modes for image modification.

With its negative prompt feature, you can remove unwanted elements, giving you more control over the final image. Leonardo AI also supports Motion video generation and 3D texture application on OBJ files.

Pricing

Leonardo AI offers a free tier with 150 tokens daily, while the cost of its paid plans ranges from $12.00 to $60.00 monthly, increasing token limits and model training capabilities for power users. I also found that API access is available starting at $9.00 per month (3,500 API credits).

User reviews

From what I’ve read, users are generally satisfied with Leonardo AI’s design and editing prowess, though some complained about prompt misinterpretations and minor glitches in image and motion editing. While Leonardo AI seems to be continually improving, it’s still too early to compete with established giants like OpenAI’s offerings.

Verdict

In my opinion, Leonardo AI’s strength lies in its adaptable interface, specialized tools like the Realtime Canvas, and diverse model selection. The platform is accessible to beginners yet offers depth for more advanced users. Users can work with Leonardo’s foundation Phoenix model for prompt fidelity or use diverse community models (such as Lightning XL) to achieve unique effects like anime imagery.

The best AI image generators compared

To compare the AI image generators above, I’ve created this table highlighting key features like their starting price, output speed, accessibility, quality, and free version. This way, you can make an informed choice.

AI image generator	Best for	Starting price	Output speed	Accessibility	Quality	Free version	Primary AI model
Deep Art Effects	Transforming photos into stylized artwork	$2.99/month (iOS), $9.90/month (desktop)	Moderate	Web-based and app	Medium	Yes (limited, watermarked)	Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
Shutterstock AI	Creating and customizing stock images with licensing rights	$7.00/month	Moderate	Web-based	Medium	No	DALL·E 3 (Transformer-based Model)
Getimg AI	Bulk image generation for digital projects	$12.00/month	Fast	Web-based	High	Yes (limited, watermarked)	Stable Diffusion (Latent Diffusion Models)
DALL·E 3	Realism and detail, ChatGPT integration	$20.00/month	Fast	Web-based and app	High	Yes (via Bing, watermarked)	Transformer Architecture
Leonardo AI	High-quality, real-time design	$12.00/month	Fast	Web-based and app	High	Yes (limited)	Latent Diffusion Models

I recommend Deep Art Effects for anyone who wants to turn photos into works of art. With its CNN-based style transfer, it captures the essence of artists like Van Gogh and Picasso — and at just a few dollars a month on mobile, it’s affordable.

Shutterstock AI is the go-to for professionals. Powered by DALL·E 3, it lets you generate licensable stock images right within the Shutterstock ecosystem, which feels like a creative playground.

Then there's Getimg AI, which shines in bulk image generation. It offers multiple Stable Diffusion models for advanced control.

DALL·E 3 is a transformer tech marvel in its own right. If you’re already familiar with ChatGPT, you’ll feel right at home with this tool. Finally, Leonardo AI is a quick and versatile option for a high-quality design with its diffusion tech.

Our methodology for testing AI image generators

Working with the Cybernews research team, I went beyond simple product specs to explore how well each AI image generator serves users. While I didn’t test these products myself, I pulled data from user feedback and official product pages. Here’s how I selected these tools as the best AI image generators:

Output quality: Visuals are the heart of image generation. So, I checked the resolution, realism, and abstract quality of generated images.

Ease of use: A user-friendly interface is essential. I looked at how easily people navigate each tool, from setting prompts to tweaking images, and paid particular attention to users’ experiences.

Pricing: I considered how these platforms are priced and whether users feel the cost matches the value they get in creative options, image quality, and additional features.

Speed: I believe creativity shouldn’t be held up by waiting for an image to process, so I checked how fast these tools generated images.

How do you use AI image generators?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with any AI image generator. The process is relatively straightforward:

1. Choose a platform: Choose from one of the best AI image generators outlined above.
2. Sign up or log in: Visit the generator’s official website or download the app. Create an account or sign in.
3. Enter your prompt: Write a detailed prompt that describes your desired image. Be specific about key elements like style, characters, and the setting.
4. Customize settings: Some generators allow you to adjust style or make iterative changes. Some platforms may also allow you to choose templates or reference images to start with.
5. Generate the image: Hit the “Generate” button and wait for the AI to process your prompt.
6. Refine or download: Adjust your generated image or add/change elements. Once satisfied, you can usually download your image.

What's the future for AI image generators?

I think we’ll see impressive advancements in output (image) quality. As these models improve, the level of realism they can produce should be jaw-dropping.

These generators will get better at reading even the most specific prompts (as generative algorithms become more complex), so artists and designers may have much more control over what they create.

There's also the exciting prospect of real-time content tweaking. For example, you can probably adjust images in real time, like changing the colors, repositioning objects, or adding new elements. This means much quicker iterations and a much smoother workflow for creators in fast-paced industries like marketing.

Also, text-to-video generation is right around the corner and will undoubtedly be a game-changer for the media industry. Companies like OpenAI (Sora) and Stability AI (Stable Video), among others, are already well on their way to creating generators that turn text into incredibly realistic video content.

Then, there’s 3D modeling. Soon, you’ll be able to create 3D scenes and models with just a few lines of text.

But as with anything groundbreaking, we need to address ethical concerns. Deepfakes are an obvious worry, and as AI tools become more sophisticated, there will be plenty of debates around copyright. With all this creative freedom, we’ll need strong regulations to ensure that AI is used responsibly and that creators’ intellectual property is protected.

Factors to consider when choosing the best AI image generator

Here are a few critical factors I think you should consider when choosing an AI image generator:

• Output quality: The quality of the images you get should be your top priority when picking an AI image generator. If you want crisp, life-like images, or a more stylized, creative look, make sure the generator delivers that.
• Customization: A basic generator won’t always cut it. Look for tools that let you fine-tune the output, such as adjusting colors, changing styles, or adding textures. Some platforms allow you to upload your images or images from the web as references, which is great if you want the AI to follow your vision more closely.
• Ease of use: The last thing you want is to spend hours trying to figure out how to use an AI image generator. That’s why you need to pick a generator with an easy-to-navigate and neat interface. Simplicity and a smooth workflow can make a difference, especially if you want to create several images in one session.
• Pricing: Cost is always a factor. However, free versions of AI image generators will almost always be less capable than paid versions. You may only be able to access certain features or get faster processing times as a premium subscriber. This doesn’t mean free plans can’t be useful. I recommend you always check for a free trial to test the waters before investing.

The most renowned AI image generator isn’t necessarily the best solution for your specific needs, as newcomers are constantly raising the bar in AI image generation.

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Other AI tools you might be interested in:

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A final word on the best AI image generator

AI image generators are revolutionary. They are reshaping how we create and offering unprecedented creative freedom.

For instance, Deep Art Effects excels at transforming your photos into amazing artistic pieces, while Shutterstock AI creates stock images that can be licensed. Getimg AI stands out for its bulk image generation, while DALL-E 3 remains the popular solution for photorealism and precise detail. Leonardo AI is fast, customizable, and built for high-quality, real-time design.

Choosing the best one among these top contenders depends entirely on your needs. I recommend experimenting with a few options to find your perfect match.

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