Midjourney and Stable Diffusion prominently emerged into the landscape of Artificial Intelligence Image Generation in mid-2022. Both aimed to simplify the process of image generation from natural language. In this article, we will discuss Midjourney vs Stable Diffusion. How both are different and which one could be a better choice for you. I will also share a step-by-step guide for getting started on both of them. So without waiting anymore, let’s get started.
Midjourney Vs Stable Difusion – Key Differences and Comparison
Here are the key differences comparing both image-generative AI models.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: License Model
Midjourney works as a business-for-profit organization. It was launched by a private team of 11 people back in 2022. It uses a proprietary machine-learning model.
On the other hand, Stable Diffusion was launched by a startup company, Stability AI. So it does not operate as a private business or profit organization. Moreover, it works under an open-source license.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Medium of Usage
To use Midjourney, you need to have a Discord account. It is the only way to access this AI image generative model.
Contrarily, Stable Diffusion, can either be accessed through their Discord server or can be installed and used on your own machine if it meets the system requirements. It can also be used in many online and offline apps.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Pricing Models
As it works for profit, Midjourney offers a paid model. You need to pay some bucks to generate images from this AI image model. It is worth noting that even with the paid Midjourney subscriptions, you get a limited amount of image generations. High-tire plans may offer unlimited generations under relaxed hours.
However, you can use Stable Diffusion totally free of cost. Whether you are using it in its discord server, or on your own machine, you can generate unlimited images. But using Stable Diffusion for free may require some effort.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Custom Models
Midjourney offers a limited number of custom models which you can use online.
On the other hand, Stable Diffusion comes with 1000+ online models which you can download and run on your PC, totally free of cost.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Ease of Use
Midjourney may seem to be easier to use for its small number of customization buttons.
Nevertheless, Stable Diffusion offers advanced features and customizations, once you have mastered its usage.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Art Models
Midjourney offers anime based art model which can be used using the ” –niji ” parameter.
However, Stable Diffusion offers tens of different art models in its online variant. Moreover, its downloadable custom models are trained with different styles which can be utilized to generate different art model images.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Image Prompts
In Midjourney, you can use images as a part of your prompt. The image generative model will consider both your text and image prompt to generate the desired results.
Stable Diffusion, however, only accepts text-based commands at of writing of this article.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Censorships
Midjourney strictly prohibits the generation of explicit content. Your account can be banned without warning if your prompts contain explicit content or aggressive language.
Stable Diffusion follows similar guidelines in their online servers. However, you may have some flexibility in working around these limitations when using custom models.
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: Image Quality
Now let’s look at some real-world examples by comparing the images generated with the same command, to help you choose between the two models.
For the following example, the prompt was “a large white serpentine dragon perched atop a rock watching the horizon”. You can already see the quality difference between both of the image generative model’s results.
Picture Credit: Android Authority
In our second example, realism clearly popped up in the results of Midjourney. If you are looking for more realistic images, Midjourney is your way!
Picture Credit: Android Authority
Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion: How to Start?
If you have chosen between the two models, here is how to start using your desired one.
For both AI image models, you need to have a Discord account. If you don’t already have a Discord account, click here to create one.
Getting Started with Midjourney
- Join their discord server by clicking here.
- Click Accept Invite.
- To subscribe to a Midjourney plan, go to the “newbies” channel
- Type “/subscribe” in the text box and hit enter.
- Choose your desired pricing plan and click subscribe.
- Start generating your first image by entering “/imagine [your prompt here]”
Getting Started with Stable Diffusion
- Join the Discord server by clicking here.
- Click Accept Invite
- Navigate to any of the “bot” channels.
- Start generating your first image by entering “/dream[your prompt here]”
Conclusion
Midjourney and Stable Diffusion are two prominent players in the game of AI image generation. Yet both have different characteristics. Midjourney works as a business for-profit organization, while Stable Diffusion works as an open-source model. Midjourney can only be accessed online while Stable Diffusion can be accessed online or on your own machine. Midjourney offers paid plans for utilizing its image generation capabilities, while Stable Diffusion is totally free of cost. Both AI image generative models produce totally different image quality and concepts. Consider all the differences before choosing one.
Hope you enjoyed this Midjourney Vs Stable Diffusion comparison. Don’t forget to check out the other AI stories we covered.
