DALL-E review
OpenAI’s AI image generation system — bundled into ChatGPT, not sold as a standalone product. Generate images from text prompts via ChatGPT subscriptions or the API. DALL-E 3 remains available alongside newer GPT Image 1 and GPT Image 1.5 models as of 2026.
DALL-E is integrated into ChatGPT rather than offered as a separate subscription. If you use ChatGPT Free, Plus, or Pro, you already have image generation access. There is no dedicated DALL-E plan to buy. For developers who need image generation at scale, the OpenAI API provides usage-based access to all image models billed per image.
Text-to-image generation
Generate high-quality images from natural language prompts. Supports photorealistic, artistic, and illustrated styles.
Image editing (inpainting)
Edit specific areas of an existing image by describing changes in natural language. Available in ChatGPT Plus and above.
GPT Image 1.5 (latest API model)
OpenAI’s most capable image model as of 2026. Low/Medium/High quality tiers. $0.009 to $0.20 per image depending on quality.
Conversational iteration
Refine images through natural language follow-up in ChatGPT without re-prompting from scratch.
DALL-E 3 API
Previous-generation model, still widely used. $0.04 standard, $0.08 HD per 1024×1024 image. Reliable and well-documented.
Commercial usage rights
Images on paid ChatGPT plans and paid API tiers include commercial rights. Free tier is personal use only.
Important: DALL-E is not a standalone product. If you only need image generation, dedicated tools like Leonardo AI (free tier) or Midjourney ($10/month) offer more creative control at comparable or lower cost than paying $20/month for ChatGPT Plus.
Via ChatGPT Free
$0/mo
Limited image generation. Personal use only.
- Limited images/month
- DALL-E 3 basic access
- Personal use only
- No commercial rights
Via ChatGPT Plus
$20/mo
Full image generation suite. GPT Image models, editing, commercial rights.
- Generous image quota
- GPT Image 1.5 access
- Inpainting/editing
- Commercial usage rights
- Ad-free
Via ChatGPT Pro
$200/mo
Near-unlimited image generation, highest quality models.
- Near-unlimited images
- Highest quality models
- All ChatGPT Pro features
- Commercial rights
API — DALL-E 3
$0.04/image
Standard 1024×1024. HD $0.08/image. For developers building image generation into apps.
- $0.04 standard (1024×1024)
- $0.08 HD quality
- Up to 1792×1024 resolution
- Pay per image, no subscription
API — GPT Image 1.5
$0.009/image
Latest model. Low/Medium/High quality tiers. $0.009 to $0.20 depending on settings.
- Low: $0.009/image
- Medium: $0.034/image
- High: $0.133-$0.20/image
- Best prompt following
DALL-E shares ChatGPT’s ethical profile: strict content filters, commercial rights clarity on paid plans, and documented content policy enforcement. The primary governance concern is forced bundling — you cannot access DALL-E without a full ChatGPT subscription, which bundles features many image-focused users do not need.
A full Ethics Score review is in the Ethical AI Reviews queue.
QUESTIONS
Is DALL-E free?
Limited free access via ChatGPT Free, with restrictions on volume, quality, and commercial rights. Full access requires ChatGPT Plus at $20/month. The free tier is useful for evaluation only.
Can I subscribe to DALL-E separately?
No. DALL-E is bundled into ChatGPT subscriptions. Developers can access DALL-E 3 and GPT Image models via the OpenAI API on a pay-per-image basis without a ChatGPT subscription.
What is the difference between DALL-E 3 and GPT Image?
DALL-E 3 is OpenAI’s previous-generation image model, still available and reliable. GPT Image 1 and 1.5 are newer with better prompt following, more quality tiers, and improved editing. On the API, GPT Image 1.5 is the current flagship.
Do I own images generated by DALL-E?
On paid ChatGPT plans and paid API tiers, commercial usage rights are granted. Free tier is personal use only. Verify current terms at openai.com as policies may change.