Midjourney vs Topaz Labs (2026): Which Is Better?
Winner
Midjourney is the better pick for most people as of September 2026, rated 4.5/5 versus 4.3/5 for Topaz Labs. Only Topaz Labs has a free plan. Topaz Labs is the better choice for upscaling low-resolution photos/video.
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Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of Midjourney and Topaz Labs, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
Midjourney vs Topaz Labs: side-by-side
| Criterion | Midjourney | Topaz Labs |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Starting price | $10/mo | $99/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Ease of use | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Features | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Output quality | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Value for money | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | Web | Mac, Windows |
| API access | No | No |
| Best for | Concept art and illustration | Upscaling low-resolution photos/video |
| Company | Midjourney, Inc., 2022 | Topaz Labs LLC, 2007 |
Strengths and weaknesses
Midjourney
- Distinctive, high-aesthetic image quality
- Strong style consistency and remix tools
- Active community and prompt-sharing culture
- Web app with built-in editor
- No free tier
- Less precise text rendering than some competitors
- Learning curve for prompt style and parameters
Topaz Labs
- High-quality AI upscaling and enhancement
- One-time purchase rather than mandatory subscription
- Strong for rescuing low-resolution or noisy media
- Separate specialized apps for photo, video, and upscaling
- Requires a capable local machine, ideally with a strong GPU
- Upfront cost per app can add up if you need multiple
- Major version upgrades may require an additional payment
Key features
Midjourney
- Text-to-image generation
- Image upscaling and variation
- Style tuning and character consistency
- Web-based editor
- Community image feed
Topaz Labs
- AI photo upscaling (Gigapixel AI)
- AI video enhancement and upscaling
- Noise reduction and sharpening
- Frame interpolation and stabilization
Which should you choose?
Choose Midjourney if you need:
- Concept art and illustration
- Marketing visuals
- Creative exploration
- No free plan needed (from $10/mo)
Choose Topaz Labs if you need:
- Upscaling low-resolution photos/video
- Noise reduction and sharpening
- Restoring old footage or images
- A free plan (paid plans from $99/mo)
Frequently asked questions
Is Midjourney better than Topaz Labs?+
For most people, Midjourney comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.5/5 against 4.3/5 for Topaz Labs. Topaz Labs is still the better fit for upscaling low-resolution photos/video.
Which is cheaper, Midjourney or Topaz Labs?+
Midjourney is cheaper, starting at $10/mo versus $99/mo for Topaz Labs. Only Topaz Labs has a free plan.
Do Midjourney and Topaz Labs have free plans?+
Midjourney has no free plan. Topaz Labs has a free plan (free trial with watermarked or limited exports).
What is the main difference between Midjourney and Topaz Labs?+
Midjourney is best for concept art and illustration, and its standout strength is distinctive, high-aesthetic image quality. Topaz Labs is best for upscaling low-resolution photos/video, with high-quality AI upscaling and enhancement as its biggest advantage.