Is Grok Superior to Midjourney? A Comprehensive Comparison of the Two AI Tools

When exploring AI image generators, the options today are abundant. Among the most notable are Midjourney and Grok 2, alongside other well-known platforms like DALL-E, Firefly, and Stable Diffusion. Midjourney is celebrated for producing remarkably realistic images, while Grok 2 is noted for its ability to generate virtually any concept, pushing the boundaries of copyright and societal norms.

Here's what you need to know about each platform.

Pricing and Subscription Tiers

Midjourney

If you're considering these platforms, be prepared to invest, as neither offers a free trial. Midjourney provides four subscription levels that can be billed monthly or annually. The Basic plan is priced at $10/month, offering 3.3 hours of Fast GPU usage. Additional GPU time can be purchased at $4 per hour. The Standard plan costs $30/month, which increases Fast GPU access to 15 hours and includes unlimited “Relax” GPU time. For $60/month, the Pro Plan offers 30 hours of Fast GPU time along with enhanced processing queue slots. The Mega Plan, at $120/month, provides 60 hours of Fast GPU. Companies with annual gross revenues exceeding $1,000,000 must subscribe to either the Pro or Mega plan.

Grok 2

Grok, a chatbot developed by xAI, was created by Elon Musk after his departure from OpenAI, with the initial model, Grok-1, released in November 2023. Grok utilizes a vast network of GPUs and trained on publicly available data alongside X (formerly Twitter) user data. Grok is unique in integrating closely with the X platform, allowing real-time access to information while requiring caution due to potential inaccuracies in its responses.

The latest version, Grok-2, introduced image generation capabilities using the Flux.1 model from Black Forrest Labs. Unlike its counterparts, Grok-2 lacks robust safety protocols, which means it can generate content that may include copyrighted, violent, or harmful imagery.

What is Midjourney, and What Can It Do?

Midjourney is a key player in the AI art scene, launched as an open beta in 2022 alongside other notable image generators. It produces visuals based on natural language prompts through a Discord bot or the web interface. With the ability to create a wide range of artistic styles—from cartoonish images to photorealistic representations—it has become famous for producing a variety of captivating content, including imagery that sparked viral moments.

The latest version, 6.1, was released in late July 2024. Midjourney has established itself as a leader in the field, with its artwork gracing the covers of major publications like The Economist and winning awards, including top honors at the 2022 Colorado State Fair for the piece “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial.”

Midjourney employs an advanced AI content moderation system that, beginning with version 5, allows for more nuanced content generation compared to its previous ban on specific themes. While it now permits the creation of images of public figures like Chinese President Xi Jinping, it still prohibits depicting them in compromising situations—unlike Grok, which does not impose similar restrictions.

With continued advancements in AI technology, both Midjourney and Grok remain at the forefront of digital creativity, offering users innovative tools for artistic expression.