Hi, I'm Dima and, like many, I've been using neural networks to create images for many years. But over the last year and a half, the market for generative models has changed so much and become so huge that it's impossible to try all the models. However, the question of which neural network is the best still remains. Benchmarks are poorly suited for a real assessment of creativity and cost, so I've gathered 10 models in one place, what they are best suited for, and what the price is (or rather, the free limit). I hope this helps you choose the most optimal neural network for your tasks.
Below is an honest rating based on quality, realism, convenience, and price.
1. Nano Banana — precision and working with references
This model from Google is one of the best when you need to 'reassemble' an image from an example. Nano Banana excels at tasks where you need to transfer an object from one picture to another or adapt an object to a new environment.
It doesn't just 'understand' the prompt — it interprets composition, light, and structure.
It is especially powerful when paired with Veo 3, when you need to create a short video from an image. It is available for free and without limits in Whisk by Google.
From these guys I found a mega-collection of 110+ prompts and application methods that will help you understand all the capabilities of Nano Banana. This neural network seems capable of anything...
2. Recraft — intuitive and fast
Recraft is a tool that consistently stays at the top due to its convenience.
Here you can choose the style in advance: 3D, illustration, realism, graphics. The interface is minimalistic, and generation is fast.
The free plan offers about 15 images per day. This is enough to test ideas. The results are visually slightly inferior to Midjourney, but are excellent for social media, presentations, and marketing.
3. Seedream — a Chinese alternative to Nano Banana
Seedream creates high-quality images but is sensitive to the length and accuracy of the prompt. If the prompt is vague, the result will be mediocre. If you describe everything in detail, the model delivers almost studio-level accuracy.
The limit depends on the platform you are using (usually from 20 to 50 generations per day). On the CapCut website, the model is free.
It excels at architecture, interiors, and fashion scenes.
4. Hailuo — generation with a focus on animation
Hailuo can not only draw images but also animate them. This makes it an interesting tool for video production and creating promotional teasers.
Upon registration, you get 200 credits for 3 days (about 50 images).
The images themselves are not bad, but it's clear that the model was trained more on motion than on static images.
5. Perplexity Create — a new competitor with intelligence in prompts
Perplexity recently launched the Create module, where you can generate images directly from the interface of their AI search engine.
The main feature is the intelligent interpretation of the prompt. The model doesn't just 'read' the text but tries to understand the context and imagine the scene.
For now, the quality is lower than Nano Banana's, but the approach is promising: the frames look 'smarter' than those from typical generators.
Up to 20 images per day are available for free.
6. ReveAI — strong in stylization
ReveAI focuses not on realism, but on artistry.
If you need to create an illustration, art, or a poster in a specific aesthetic, this is one of the best tools. It works especially well with prompts like 'in the style of Van Gogh' or 'art by Studio Ghibli.' It's less suitable for photorealism but generates unique styles and color schemes. In the free version, you can create 100 images one time and then 20 more per day.
7. Kandinsky — Sber's neural network
Kandinsky is a neural network from Sber AI that has evolved in recent versions from a simple 'text-to-image drawer' into a full-fledged tool for designers and marketers.
The model is trained on a mixed database of Russian and English data, so it understands both languages equally well. You can safely write prompts in Russian without distorting the meaning.
The main feature of Kandinsky is the combination of realism and artistry. It can produce images that look like photographs but with a neat artistic touch. It is particularly good at handling scenes where emotions, atmosphere, and color are important.
8. Shedevrum — a Russian neural network from Yandex
Shedevrum is one of the most convenient tools for Russian-speaking users.
It works directly in the browser, understands prompts in Russian, and has ready-made templates for social media and advertising.
The generation quality is lower than that of Midjourney or Nano Banana, but for creative tasks and content marketing, it is more than sufficient.
A plus is the built-in editor and a gallery with quick styles.
9. Grok Imagine — has potential, but realism is lacking
This model is still building its database, so it often gets 'lost' in complex descriptions. It sometimes confuses characters and objects. But if you use short prompts with clear objects, the result is decent. Unlimited creation.
The advantage of Grok Imagine is its simplicity: open the site, write a query, and get 12+ images without adjusting any parameters.
10. ChatGPT (DALL·E 3) — stability and predictability
The ChatGPT graphics module produces neat, soft images. All images have a characteristic 'warm' tint, as if a filter has been applied.
Photorealism is still weak, but ChatGPT is ideal for concept illustrations, sketches, and prototypes.
You can write prompts in a conversational form: 'Make a retro-style poster where a robot is holding an umbrella in the rain' — and the model will understand everything. There is a limit of 10 images/day.
11. Midjourney — still the benchmark for photorealism
Midjourney is the gold standard in image generation.
It produces frames that can easily be mistaken for photographs. The level of detail, lighting, and style is on par with cinematography.
Pros: It has an excellent understanding of artistic styles and composition, especially in prompts with 'film photo,' 'cinematic,' and 'realistic.'
Cons: There is no free plan; generations are only available via subscription.
Ideal for designers and production agencies.
Final Conclusion
The most popular neural network is not always the best. Midjourney remains the champion of photorealism, Nano Banana of precision, and Recraft of convenience. But new players are quickly appearing on the horizon: Perplexity, ReveAI, Shedevrum. And they are growing faster than Midjourney once did.
Each of these models solves its own task: some are for advertising visuals, others for illustrations, and still others for video.