DALL-E vs Midjourney: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between DALL-E and Midjourney comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
DALL-E
OpenAI's image generation AI available via API
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • DALL-E is OpenAI's AI image generation model that creates images from text descriptions
- • It generates original artwork, edits existing images, and creates variations in multiple styles
Midjourney
AI image generation
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Premier AI image generator known for artistic, high-quality outputs
- • Subscription from $10/month for 200 images, accessed via Discord
| At a Glance |  DALL-E |  Midjourney |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Graphic Design |
Rating | 86/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | DALL-E | Midjourney |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 92 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsAI Image Generation | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
How DALL-E and Midjourney Compare
DALL-E
OpenAI's image generation AI available via API
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Midjourney
AI image generation
Paid · 92/100 score
DALL-E is a api tools tool. Midjourney is in graphic design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
DALL-E has a free tier. Midjourney is paid only.
Go with: DALL-E
Want the highest-rated option?
DALL-E: 86/100. Midjourney: 92/100.
Go with: Midjourney
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Midjourney
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
DALL-E is freemium. Midjourney is paid. DALL-E lets you start free.
What's your use case?
DALL-E is a api tools tool. Midjourney is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Midjourney scores higher: 92/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Midjourney
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 86
- Our pick for this comparison
DALL-E
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Midjourney (92/100) is our pick. DALL-E has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DALL-E or Midjourney better?
Midjourney scores 92/100 in our evaluation. DALL-E is freemium and Midjourney is paid.
What are DALL-E and Midjourney used for?
DALL-E: OpenAI's image generation AI available via API. Midjourney: AI image generation.
What does DALL-E cost vs Midjourney?
DALL-E is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Midjourney is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.