What's the difference between Midjourney and ChatGPT Images (formerly DALL-E)?

Question

Accepted Answer

DALL-E has been retired. OpenAI replaced it with ChatGPT Images: the DALL-E API closed on May 12, 2026, and the DALL-E GPT left ChatGPT on August 30, 2026. Here's how Midjourney compares with ChatGPT Images:

**Midjourney** excels at:
- Artistic, stylized imagery
- Concept art and illustrations
- Aesthetic consistency
- Style tools such as moodboards and personalization

**ChatGPT Images** excels at:
- Text rendering in images
- Following complex instructions
- Editing an image by describing the change
- Being built into ChatGPT

**Key differences:**
- Midjourney runs in its own web app (Discord is optional); ChatGPT Images runs inside ChatGPT or through the API
- Midjourney needs a subscription ($10-120/month); ChatGPT Images works on every ChatGPT plan, including Free, with higher limits on paid plans
- Midjourney has more artistic "style"; ChatGPT Images is more literal

Choose Midjourney for art and illustration. Choose ChatGPT Images when you need accurate text, precise prompt following, or quick edits.