AI image generation is a rapidly growing field, and two of the most popular AI image generators are MidJourney v5.2 and Stable Diffusion XL 0.9. Both generators have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
In this article, we will compare MidJourney v5.2 and Stable Diffusion XL 0.9 in terms of image quality, features, and pricing. We will also provide a side-by-side comparison of the two generators, so you can see for yourself which one produces the best results.
Midjourney v5.2
Midjourney introduces a number of new features, including the “Zoom out” feature, the “/shorten” command, improved image quality, etc.
Stable Diffusion XL (SDXL) 0.9
Stable Diffusion on the other hand, focuses on improving image quality and composition. The new model uses a larger dataset and a more powerful algorithm, resulting in images that are sharper, more realistic, and more cohesive.
Midjourney 5.2 vs Stable Diffusion XL
Below given some image generation differences of Midjourney and Stable Diffusion. The same prompts were used in both applications and you can see the differences in various aspects.
Anime
Prompt: a nostalgic image of an anime character walking away down a dimly lit city street at night, with low resolution graphics and muted colors reminiscent of 90s anime, creating a moody and atmospheric scene full of mystery and intrigue.


Looking at the pictures, SDXL represents the 1990s style with its low-quality look better than MidJourney. While MidJourney’s image is nice to look at, it doesn’t really match the old-fashioned style I was aiming for.
Commercial Products
Prompt: color photo of a Pepsi product, a refreshing image of a cold can of Pepsi, perfectly chilled and beaded with condensation, with vibrant colors and a clean aesthetic that perfectly captures the brand’s classic and timeless appeal.


After comparing the images, it is clear that the SDXL image better matches our desired outcome. Regrettably, the MidJourney image did not generate the image I was expecting.
Animals
Prompt: color photo of a fluffy cat, a cute and cuddly image of a round and fluffy feline with soft and silky fur, sitting on a cozy blanket or playing with a toy, with warm and gentle lighting that perfectly captures the cat’s adorable and endearing nature


SDXL and MidJourney images look very similar. But when you take a closer look, you can see that MidJourney’s version stands out because it looks more realistic.
Fashion
Prompt: color photo of aesthetically fashion, a beautifully curated image of a fashionable outfit with a neutral color palette, minimalist design, and simple yet striking details, set against a backdrop of natural textures and soft lighting that creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for showcasing the beauty of understated and elegant fashion.


The SDXL image has a unique and visually appealing style, with a stunning background. However, it seems to lack a certain detail. on the other hand, I personally prefer the MidJourney image, even though it differs from SDXL.
Food
Prompt: color photo of a cake, a mouth-watering image of a freshly baked cake with moist layers, creamy frosting, and a beautiful decoration on top, with warm and inviting lighting that makes you want to reach out and take a bite, perfect for any celebration or special occasion.


Without a doubt, SDXL is clearly the better option, as its image displays an impressively realistic look. On the other hand, MidJourney looks quite distinct from SDXL and fails to generate the desired image as expected.
Features
Both MidJourney v5.2 and SDXL 0.9 offer a wide range of features, but they have some key differences. MidJourney v5.2 has a more user-friendly interface, and it offers more control over the generated images. This is because MidJourney has a more intuitive interface, and it allows you to specify more details about the images you want to generate.
SDXL 0.9 is more powerful, and it can generate more complex images. This is because Stable Diffusion XL 0.9 uses a larger model, and it has more parameters to tune. However, SDXL 0.9 is also more difficult to use, and it can be more difficult to get the results you want.
Pricing
MidJourney v5.2 is a paid service, while SDXL 0.9 is free to use. MidJourney offers a monthly subscription plan, as well as a lifetime subscription. Stable Diffusion XL 0.9 is funded by donations, and it is supported by a community of users.
Overall
Both MidJourney v5.2 and SDXL 0.9 are excellent AI image generators, and they offer a wide range of features. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the best image quality, then MidJourney v5.2 is the better choice. If you are looking for a more powerful generator with more features, then Stable Diffusion XL 0.9 is the better choice.
Below given some key differences of MidJourney and Stable Diffusion
Additional Features
In addition to the features listed above, MidJourney v5.2 and SDXL 0.9 also offer some additional features.
MidJourney v5.2
Zoom out: With the new Zoom Out feature in MJ 5.2, you can now control the image zooming. When you zoom out, the AI expands the original image while maintaining its details. The AI automatically fills in missing elements to improve visual clarity and preserve important details.
Custom Zoom: In MJ 5.2, you can zoom in and out with precision using the Custom Zoom feature. It lets you manually adjust the zoom ratio between 1.0 and 2.0. If you try to set a value above 2.0, an error message will appear, asking you to choose a value within the valid range.
Shorten Command: In Midjourney, people often think that using long and wordy prompts will give better results with more details. But that’s not always true. In reality, lengthy prompts can sometimes lead to bland outcomes because the important words get lost in the mix.
Variation Mode: Midjourney introduces a cool new feature called “Variation Mode.” You can activate it using the “/settings” command and choose “High Variation” or “Low Variation” mode.
Make Square: The update also brings a new feature called “Make Square.” This feature allows you to convert rectangular images into square shapes without losing any details from the original image. The arrows next to the button show you the direction of resizing.
If you want to know more about MidJourney v5.2’s new features, read our blog, “MidJourney v5.2: New Features and Tools“.
Stable Diffusion XL 0.9
Style customization: Stable Diffusion XL 0.9 has a “Style customization” feature that allows you to change the style of the generated images.
leap forward: The release of SDXL 0.9 marks a significant advancement for Stability AI in generating hyperrealistic images for creative and industrial uses. The new model surpasses its predecessor with major improvements in image and composition detail, as claimed by the company.
Higher parameter count: The new version boasts a higher parameter count, with 3.5 billion for the base model and 6.6 billion for the model ensemble pipeline, surpassing the beta version’s 3.1 billion parameter count.
Which One is Right for You?
The best AI image generator for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the best image quality, then MidJourney v5.2 is the better choice. If you are looking for a more powerful generator with more features, then SDXL 0.9 is the better choice.
If you are not sure which one is right for you, I recommend trying both of them out and seeing which one you prefer. You can also read the reviews of other users to get their opinions.
Also Read: How to Use Stable Diffusion XL 0.9 in Clipdrop to Create Stunning Images
Conclusion
In conclusion, MidJourney v5.2 and SDXL 0.9 are both powerful AI image generators with their own strengths and weaknesses. MidJourney v5.2 has better image quality and a more user-friendly interface, while SDXL 0.9 is more powerful and can generate more complex images. MidJourney v5.2 is a paid service, while Stable Diffusion XL 0.9 is free to use. We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
MidJourney v5.2 vs Stable Diffusion XL 0.9: Features, and Pricing