DALL-E
OpenAI's image generation model accessible via ChatGPT and API
DALL-E scores 7.5/10 overall in our independent testing. It's best for developers, ChatGPT users, marketers. Paid plans start at $20/monthly (ChatGPT Plus).
Pricing & features last verified 21 Sep 2026
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Plans start at $20/monthly.
Score Breakdown
DALL-E Pricing
ChatGPT Plus
Image generation included with ChatGPT Plus subscription
API (GPT Image)
Pay-as-you-go ~$0.005-$0.25 per image by model & quality; DALL-E 2/3 removed from API (May 2026)
Pros
- +Seamlessly integrated into ChatGPT Plus subscription
- +Excellent at understanding natural language prompts
- +Strong API access for developers building image apps
- +Good at realistic and photographic styles
- +No separate account needed if you already use ChatGPT
Cons
- −Image quality not as artistic as Midjourney
- −Limited control over fine-grained image details
- −API costs add up at scale
- −No standalone free tier without ChatGPT subscription
Best For
Frequently asked questions
What is DALL-E?
OpenAI's image generation model accessible via ChatGPT and API. In our testing it scores 7.5/10 overall.
How much does DALL-E cost?
Paid plans start at $20/monthly (ChatGPT Plus).
Is DALL-E worth it?
DALL-E scores 7.5/10 overall in our testing, including 7/10 for features and 7/10 for value for money. It is best for developers, ChatGPT users, marketers.
What are the best alternatives to DALL-E?
Midjourney (7/10) is the top-rated alternative in our catalog, followed by Canva (8.75/10). See the full ranking on our DALL-E alternatives page.
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Plans start at $20/monthly.