AI image generators
Stable Diffusion: review, pricing, data and alternatives
Stable Diffusion produces images from text or existing images through an API. It serves people who want to create images, modify selected areas or enlarge their visuals. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $0.01 pay as you go. Access and transparency score: 75/100, #4 of 38 in its category.
What is Stable Diffusion?
Stable Diffusion produces images from text or existing images through an API. It serves people who want to create images, modify selected areas or enlarge their visuals.
According to its documentation, Stable Diffusion lets you:
- produce images from text
- create a new image from an existing image
- modify selected areas of an image
- enlarge images
We file it under AI image generators, the category of tools to create images from text, and it also overlaps with aI photo editing and model APIs and platforms. The category lists 38 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Stability AI Ltd., based in United Kingdom. The service launched in 2022, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: graphic designers, developers, and marketers. The need it covers is simple to state: create images from text.
Stable Diffusion is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does Stable Diffusion cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $0.01 pay as you go (SDXL 1.0 API, starting at 0.9 credits per generation; 1 credit equals USD 0.01. Recent versions have different rates), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in several regions depending on the plan.
No export feature is documented: keep a copy of your content elsewhere.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
Stable Diffusion runs on: API.
Interface languages are not specified.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
How we scored it
Our 75/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 25/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 10/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 40/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
Stable Diffusion against other tools in the aI image generators category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stable Diffusion | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 75 |
| RunDiffusion | Yes | $8.79 per month | Yes | 81 |
| Krea | Yes | $5 per month | Yes | 78 |
| Ideogram | Yes | $15 per month | Yes | 75 |
| Adobe Firefly | Yes | $9.99 per month | Yes | 73 |
| FLUX | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 73 |
| Leonardo.Ai | Yes | $12 per month | Yes | 71 |
| Scenario | Yes | $15 per month | Yes | 71 |
Verdict
Stable Diffusion is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Established since 2022
Limitations
- Data export not documented
Avoid if…
- You need to easily retrieve your full history
Alternatives
- RunDiffusionfree tier
- Kreafree tier
- Ideogramfree tier
- Adobe Fireflyfree tier
- FLUXfree tier
- Leonardo.Aifree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is Stable Diffusion free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $0.01 pay as you go.
Where is Stable Diffusion data stored?
According to the publisher, in several regions depending on the plan.
Does Stable Diffusion have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to Stable Diffusion?
In the same category: RunDiffusion, Krea, Ideogram, and Adobe Firefly.
Stable Diffusion or RunDiffusion: which one to choose?
Stable Diffusion starts at $0.01 pay as you go, RunDiffusion at $8.79 per month and our score is 75/100 for Stable Diffusion and 81/100 for RunDiffusion. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score