In short
How they differ.
Worked out from the makers' own pages, read Oct 20, 2026. Prices change; check before you pay.
- Only ChatGPT Images has a free plan.
- ChatGPT Images's cheapest paid plan is cheaper: $8 a month against $10.
- ChatGPT Images also has a phone app and computer app.
- Midjourney shipped an update more recently (Oct 8, 2026).
- Lawsuits or complaints on file: ChatGPT Images 0, Midjourney 1.
Side by side
The details.
| ChatGPT Images | Midjourney | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | OpenAI · US | Midjourney, Inc. · US |
| What it says it is | “our new state-of-the-art image model that brings sharper details, more precise editing, and faster generation” | — |
| Free plan | Yes'Limited image creation' on the Free plan (no number given) | NoPlans page mentions no free plan or trial (free GPU time can be earned by rating images) |
| Plans | Free: freeGo: $8 a monthPlus: $20 a monthPro: $200 a monthBusiness (standard seat): $25 a month | Basic: $10 a monthStandard: $30 a monthPro: $60 a monthMega: $120 a month |
| Runs on | web, iOS, Android, desktop, API | web |
| Latest update | Introducing ChatGPT Images 2.5, Sep 8, 2026 | Testing Thinking Mode, Oct 8, 2026 |
| Its terms | “As between you and OpenAI, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, you (a) retain your ownership rights in Input and (b) own the Output.”Who owns what you make · OpenAI Terms of Use | “You own all Assets You create with the Services to the fullest extent possible under applicable law.”Who owns what you make · Midjourney Terms of Service |
| Disputes | None on file | Disney and Universal sued Midjourney for copyright infringement; AP: 'The complaint in a Los Angeles federal court claims Midjourney pirated the libraries of the two Hollywood studios'.Ongoing; in pretrial discovery (a discovery conference was set for 2026-05-22 per Graphic Policy, 2026-05-11, a non-trusted outlet). No ruling or settlement verified. |
| Sources | Prices, Oct 20, 2026 · Description · company-reported | Prices, Oct 20, 2026 · company-reported |
More comparisons