THE VERDICT
● ChatGPT Images when the image contains text that must be readable. Notably stronger there.
● Gemini for the most capable free tier of the major assistants, and $4.99 if you need more.
● Neither needs a separate subscription, which is the whole argument against paying for a dedicated tool unless output quality is the deliverable.
Head to head
| ChatGPT Images | Gemini |
|---|
| Free tier | Yes, all tiers | Yes, most capable of the majors |
| Text inside images | Notably stronger | Weaker |
| Cheapest paid step | Go $8, Plus $20 | AI Plus $4.99 |
| Where images live | Dedicated gallery, Images tab on mobile | In conversation |
| API available | Yes, gpt-image models | Yes |
THE DALL-E RETIREMENT CHANGED THE DEFAULT
The official DALL·E GPT was retired on 30 August. ChatGPT Images is the replacement, so a lot of people are now using it without having chosen it.
Worth knowing that images made through the old GPT were subject to a download recommendation, and OpenAI never said what happens to them afterwards.
Which one
| If you need... | Pick |
|---|
| Readable text in the image | ChatGPT Images |
| The best free tier overall | Gemini |
| Images organised separately from chat | ChatGPT Images and its gallery |
| Best aesthetic quality regardless of cost | Neither. Midjourney from $10, no free trial |
FAQ
Is ChatGPT Images free?
Yes, on all tiers including free accounts. The variant with visible reasoning steps is limited to Plus, Pro and Business.
What happened to DALL-E?
The official DALL·E GPT was retired from ChatGPT on 30 August 2026. Image generation continues through ChatGPT Images, and custom GPTs with image generation are unaffected.
Which is better for text in images?
ChatGPT Images, by a clear margin. It is the most common reason to prefer it over alternatives.