🎨 Which Free AI Art Generator is Best? We Tested 8 to Find Out!

Introduction

AI-created images are everywhere these days—thank you, MidJourney and ChatGPT, for getting the ball rolling. But honestly, those monthly subscriptions are no joke. Lucky for you (and anyone else who likes saving a little cash), I went down the rabbit hole to find the best free AI image generators out there. We’re talking quality images, a variety of customization options, and, most importantly, zero extra cost.

So, if you’re tired of subscriptions piling up, stick around. I’ve tested seven free options that just might be your new go-to for AI-created images, ranking them based on quality, ease of use, customization, and (the holy grail) free access.

Fair warning: I did spend a solid five hours on this, so if you’re ready to save time and find the best picks in minutes, you’re in the right place. Let’s jump in!

1. Seaart.ai: Your Go-To for AI-Created Images with Options

SeaArt.AI might just be your AI-created images bestie if you’re all about having choices. Here’s what you’ll find inside SeaArt and why it might be worth adding to your list of tools.

1.1. Unique Features

• Multiple Models: Each model brings a unique look and feel to your AI-created images.

• Remix Feature: This lets you pull the exact prompt and model from any gallery image you like and recreate it. It’s like getting the secret recipe at your favorite restaurant.

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Access to the Flux Model: High-quality, realistic image generation.

  

• Free Daily Points: 150 points each day (equivalent to around 15 images).

• Advanced Customization: Includes options like HDR and prompt magic for more detailed and polished images.

Cons

• Complex for Beginners: The many settings can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time users.

• Ease of Use: A bit of a learning curve due to the level of customization available.

1.3. Ranking:

A-tier – Great for AI-created images with flair, though it might take some time to get used to.

Why You Might Like SeaArt.AI?

If you’re someone who loves tinkering with details and options, SeaArt.AI’s extensive customization could be your dream come true. But, fair warning: this isn’t your one-click-and-done tool.

How to Make the Most of It

1. Start with the Basics:

   • Try a few default settings and simple prompts to see what each model does.

2. Experiment with Remix:

   • Take a gallery image, hit Remix, and study how the prompts and model work together.

     

3. Adjust Customization:

• Play around with HDR and prompt magic once you’re comfortable to give your images an extra polish.

For AI-created images with a lot of personality, SeaArt.AI might be exactly what you need—if you’re up for a little extra work.

2. Canva: Easy AI-Created Images for the Not-So-Techy Crowd

1.1. Unique Features

• Integrated in the Canva Platform: If you’re already using Canva for design, the AI-created images feature is right there, like a hidden bonus you didn’t know you needed.

• Multiple Styles: Choose from styles like anime, filmic, and watercolor. While it’s not the most in-depth tool, it’s easy enough to get something decent out of it.

  

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Magic Media: You get 50 free AI-created images to play around with, which is a solid way to get started.

  

• Easy to Use: No extra downloads or logins. If you know how to click around Canva, you’ll figure this out in seconds.

Cons

• Image Quality: Let’s be real, it’s not amazing. It doesn’t always follow prompts well, so expect a few “what was that?” moments.

• Limited Free Generations: You’ll burn through those 50 free credits fast if you’re generating a lot of images.

1.3. Ranking:

B-tier – Canva’s AI-created images tool is perfect for quick and easy tasks but lacks the depth and quality you’ll find in other options. It’s great if you’re already using Canva, but not the go-to for high-quality images.

3. Kittl: Perfect AI-Created Images for Your Merch Goals

1.1. Unique Features

• Designed for Merch: If you’re making designs for t-shirts, mugs, or any other merch, Kittl was literally made for you. It’s not trying to be a general image generator; it knows exactly what it’s here for and does it well.

  

• Background Remover: This feature is super handy if you need crisp, clean designs without extra fluff. Say goodbye to that random background stuff you didn’t want anyway.

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Tailored for Merch: For those focusing on products and designs, Kittl is like having a personal assistant who just gets what you need.

• Free Credits: The free plan offers 20 AI-created image credits, which is a solid start. Higher plans give you even more to work with.

Cons

• Limited Scope: It’s focused on merch and design, so if you’re here for anything beyond that, Kittl might not be your match.

1.3. Ranking:

S-tier – For creating AI-created images specifically for merch, Kittl is in a league of its own. It may not cover every image need, but it’s perfect for what it does.

Kittl is like that friend who only knows one dance move but totally owns it. If your goal is AI-created images for merch, Kittl’s got your back, and it’s not wasting time trying to do anything else.

4. Krea.ai: The Reliable Choice for High-Quality AI-Created Images

1.1. Unique Features

• Flux Model for Speed and Quality: Krea.AI uses the open-source Flux model, so you’re getting high-quality AI-created images fast, with incredible detail and accuracy.

  

• User-Friendly Interface: Simple, clear, and straightforward—Krea.AI keeps it easy for anyone to create AI-generated images without a hassle.

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Daily Free Generations: With about 18 images per day, Krea.AI is perfect if you’re looking to create consistently without breaking the bank.

• High Image Quality: The level of detail is seriously impressive, with images that look sharp and stay true to your prompts.

Cons

• Limited Free Generation Time: You get around 3 minutes of free generation time daily, which is solid but not endless.

1.3. Ranking:

S-tier – Krea.AI ranks high for quality, simplicity, and speed. If you need reliable AI-created images and can work within daily limits, Krea.AI has your back.

Krea.AI is that friend who doesn’t overcomplicate things—quick, dependable, and with a straightforward interface that doesn’t need a manual. If you’re after quality AI-created images without the fluff, Krea.AI might just be your new go-to.

5. Adobe Firefly: When AI-Created Images Meet Endless Customization

1.1. Unique Features

• Built by Adobe: Adobe Firefly brings the same creative power you expect from the makers of Photoshop, but with an AI twist. It’s designed to give you AI-created images that you can fully customize with effects, composition, lighting, and more.

  

• Extensive Customization: You can tweak everything—composition, color tones, effects—basically, you can go as far as your imagination takes you. If you’ve got an eye for detail, this is where you can really show off.

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• High Image Quality: The AI-created images are no joke—sharp, detailed, and very professional-looking, especially when you put all those Adobe tools to use.

• Familiar for Adobe Users: If you’re already comfortable with Photoshop or other Adobe software, the interface will feel like second nature. Plus, you can easily integrate the images into your other creative projects.

Cons

• Limited Free Credits: You get 25 free credits per month, which might feel like just a tease if you’re serious about AI-created images.

• Can Be Overwhelming: The sheer amount of customization options is fantastic—until it’s not. It can feel like trying to make a simple sandwich and ending up in a gourmet kitchen with too many ingredients.

1.3. Ranking:

B-tier – Adobe Firefly is the perfect choice if you love playing with details and don’t mind the complexity. However, the limited free credits and overwhelming options keep it from being a top pick for casual users.

Adobe Firefly is like that overachiever friend who always goes the extra mile. It’s not just here for AI-created images—it’s here to make them look like they belong in a museum. Just be prepared to spend some time getting it all just right (and maybe wishing for a few more free credits along the way).

6. CG Dream: AI-Created Images With a Unique Twist

1.1. Unique Features

• Cool Filters: CG Dream isn’t your average AI image generator. It comes packed with fun filters like "Abstract 3D Fractals" that add a whole new layer to your AI-created images.

  

• Flux Model: It uses the Flux model for creating high-quality base images, which means the results are sharp and detailed, right from the start.

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Stunning Image Quality: The AI-created images here are top-notch, especially when you throw in those unique filters.

• Generous Free Plan: You get 3,000 monthly credits (that’s 100 per day), so you can create to your heart’s content without worrying about running out.

Cons

• Queue Time: Sometimes there’s a bit of a wait due to high demand, but hey, that’s the price you pay for amazing free images, right?

1.3. Ranking:

S-tier – CG Dream stands out for its stunning image quality and creative filters. It’s a go-to for anyone looking to create AI images that have that extra artistic flair.

CG Dream is like that artsy friend who always has something unique going on—whether it’s their style, taste in movies, or, in this case, AI-created images. If you’re into creating visuals that feel a little out of the ordinary, CG Dream might just be your perfect match. Sure, you might have to wait in line for a bit, but the results? Totally worth it.

7. Leonardo.AI: Your Low-Key Option for AI-Created Images

1.1. Unique Features

• Leonardo Phoenix Model: Unlike most other tools, Leonardo.AI uses its own Leonardo Phoenix model, not the popular Flux. This brings a different touch to AI-created images and gives it a unique vibe.

  

• Creative Presets: Options like “cinematic” presets and customizable dimensions make it easy to give your images a stylized, professional look.

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-Friendly: Leonardo.AI is refreshingly easy to use, perfect for those times when you just want something that works without too much fuss.

  

• Decent Free Credits: You get a good amount of free credits to start with, so you can create a fair number of images without paying a cent.

Cons

• Image Quality Could Be Better: The Phoenix model doesn’t always hold up next to Flux, often producing grainy or oddly proportioned images.

• Not the Most Detailed: If you’re a stickler for image precision, Leonardo might leave you wishing for more.

1.3. Ranking:

A-tier – Leonardo.AI has decent features and is easy to use, but its image quality isn’t on par with the very best tools. Still, it’s a good option if you’re looking for a straightforward way to make AI-created images without the extra complexity.

Leonardo.AI feels like that friend who’s always chill, easygoing, and there when you need them—but maybe isn’t the one you’d call if you’re in a “crunch-time” situation. The images are good enough for most tasks, and if you’re not too picky about every little detail, you’ll probably be happy with it. It’s not the star of the show, but it holds its own pretty well.

8. Freepik: AI-Created Images Made Simple and Versatile

1.1. Unique Features

• Wide Selection of Ready-Made Templates: Freepik isn’t just about generating AI-created images from scratch. It offers a huge library of templates, icons, vectors, and photos that can be customized easily.

  

• Accessible to All Skill Levels: Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Freepik’s straightforward editing tools make it easy to create visuals with a few clicks.

1.2. Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-Friendly: Freepik is one of the easiest tools to navigate. You can quickly search, download, and edit templates without needing advanced design skills.

• Free and Paid Options: There’s a decent selection available for free users, and premium subscribers get access to even more content.

Cons

• Limited Customization for Free Users: Some of the more advanced features are only available for premium subscribers.

• Not a Pure AI Image Generator: Unlike dedicated AI image tools, Freepik doesn’t offer AI-generated images from prompts. Instead, it focuses on offering editable, pre-made assets.

1.3. Ranking:

B-tier – Freepik is perfect for quick projects and basic design needs, but if you’re looking for high-end, customizable AI-created images, you may want to explore other tools. However, its ease of use and wide asset library make it ideal for those who want to create simple visuals without the hassle.

Freepik is like that dependable friend who always has just the right thing at the right time. If you don’t have hours to spend designing from scratch, it offers templates and images that can be tailored quickly to your needs.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, if you're searching for AI-created images without a price tag, Kore.AI is the standout pick for speed, ease, and that next-level image quality. But we can’t overlook a couple of honorable mentions: Kittl is perfect if you’re designing for merch, and CG Dream adds artistic flair that’ll make your images pop. Honestly, every tool brings something unique, so you’ve got options depending on what you need most—speed, quality, or creative flexibility. Take these for a spin, find what fits, and if you want to really make the most of these tools, check out our private community for all things AI (support included!).

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