28 Best Photorealistic AI Image Generators (I Tried All)

I tested all AI image generators out there to find the most photorealistic ones for you.

In this post, I will show you my results.

I tested each tool with the same three prompts. You can find those here.

But now, let’s start

Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links at no cost to you.

1. Seedream 4.0 (ByteDance)

Seedream 4.0 is a new AI tool for creating and editing images in one place.

It handles tricky tasks well, like following references, reasoning through details, and generating images based on knowledge.

It can make high-quality images up to 4K resolution.

The funny part about this one is that just as we thought Nano Banana would be the best AI image editor/generator, this one came around and is clearly better.

Let me show you my results.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

It took a while to generate these (roughly a minute in total) but the results are insanely impressive.

This AI image generator nails details, like in the first image.
It can create images of humans that look natural and not uncanny at all.
Also, it can create more complex scenes with movements that look natural, too, such as the street view from Tokyo.

But to be honest, this is not even a surprise. The Seedream 4.0 model is said to be the biggest rival of Nano Banana, which was just released too.

The AI art space is going so fast right now!

Even this one might be completely outdated next month.

Try Seedream 4.0

How to Try Them

Did you know you can use all these AI image generator models (except maybe one or two) in one place?

This platform is called OpenArt.

Let me quickly show you how it works, and then we’ll resume with the rest of the generators.

Once you’ve signed up to OpenArt, choose “Image” on the left.

Pick the AI image generator model you want to use.

You can access all major AI image generators in this place.

Isn’t that handy?

👉 Try AI Image Generators on OpenArt

Get 10% off with code “LCbec3UR”

But now, let’s start to go through the AI image generators.

2. Nano Banana (Gemini 2.5 Flash Image)

Nano Banana, part of Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image suite, creates super-realistic images from text or photos.

This model is best known for its ability to edit images. But it’s also a great image generator, and that’s why I added it to this list.

It lets you combine multiple images, make targeted changes, and keep the subject looking consistent across different images.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

Very impressive and high-detail results in just 30–40 seconds.

The iguana image is great, but to be honest, it looks a bit like a painting, instead of a real image. I think Nano Banana is best for editing images, but not necessarily for creating them.
The older lady’s image looks smooth. It’s not as sharp as the one created by Seedream 4.0, but it’s still close.
In the Tokyo image, I like the fact that the faces aren’t completely messed up. Although if you zoom in a bit closer or pay close attention, those still look unnatural.

But as I mentioned, this one is best for editing images. Not creating those.

If you have any images that need a final touch or polishing, this AI image generator model has got your back.

Try Nano Banana

3. Juggernaut Flux Pro (RunDiffusion)

Juggernaut Flux Pro is the top model in the Juggernaut FLUX series by RunDiffusion.

It makes really realistic images with better quality, sharper details, and more natural textures.

It can create high-resolution images up to 1536×1536 pixels.

Let’s see the results I got with it!

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This one was great as well.

Based on these three tests, it actually fares well against the best ones on the list.

The iguana looks realistic. Exactly like one of the stock images you can download from the internet.
The old lady also looks sharp and detailed. In my opinion, this one is just as good as the other top tools on this list.
In the Tokyo image, I wish I had used a higher resolution. But you can still see that it looks like a real image taken in the city at night.

To save me some time (and money), I didn’t use the highest image quality settings with the rest of these models, since the top 5 are already out there.

Try Juggernaut

4. MidJourney

Midjourney is a popular AI tool for creating realistic images from text.

You use it on Discord by describing scenes, objects, or ideas.

It has different models like V5, V6, and V7 that improve detail and realism.

You can refine images with options like — style raw, and use Style or Character References to keep a consistent look.

It can even turn images into short videos for extra creative possibilities.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This one got the loudest “WOW” out of me.

I remember when I heard of this AI image generator for the first time back in 2022. It was crazy impressive then already.

Now that I tested it again, it was even better.

The iguana image looks absolutely fantastic. The detail and definition is so crazy. But at the same time, it’s a bit of an artistic one, rather than an ultra-photorealistic one.
The same goes for the image of the old lady. It looks kind of realistic. But at the same time, it’s quite artistic, and also different from the other images I made.
I think the Tokyo image illustrates this perfectly. It’s a mix between a photo-realistic image and a painting/3D rendering.

I noticed MidJourney is not listed as a photorealistic image generator, but more of an AI art generator in a lot of roundups like this. And I definitely agree.

But I wanted to include it on this list because the results are bind-blowingly good, even though AI-generated images are not a new thing anymore.

Try MidJourney

5. ChatGPT (GPT-4o)

OpenAI’s GPT-4o is a multimodal AI that can work with text, video, audio, and images.

It’s good at following prompts, generating accurate text, and using its built-in knowledge to create realistic images.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

The ChatGPT image generator surprised me the most on the list.

The iguana image looks very smooth. However, it looks almost like a 3D render, rather than a real image.
The old lady looks ultra realistic, though. Perhaps even a bit too smooth to be a real photo. But still, very minimal uncanniness.
The Tokyo image is not that great when it comes to photorealism, though. It looks like a painting. Of course, you could prompt it differently, but the point here was to give one attempt for each tool.

ChatGPT is also pretty cool because you can try it for free for a couple of images. Chances are you’re likely using it already, so why not give it a spin with images?

Also, ChatGPT can edit images pretty well. Before Nano Banana and Seedance 4.0, I called it the best AI image editor. And it’s still the top 3 in my opinion.

6. OpenArt PhotoRealistic

OpenArt Photorealistic is OpenArt’s AI model for creating ultra-realistic images from text.

It’s great for marketing, product mockups, storytelling, and more.

The model is fast and easy to use, giving photo-quality images with realistic lighting, textures, and details.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This one was one of the first on the list that did not give great results.

In fact, if you compare all three AI-generated images to any other tool’s corresponding images, you can see they look quite different.

The iguana has weird colors. Never seen one like that!
The lady’s face looks like a wax model, and the curtain behind her looks like a fishnet.
The Tokyo street image looks overly saturated and fake. Almost like a 3D rendered scene. Also, the people are doing funky things with their legs in there.

This one is still great, and would have blown my mind a couple of years ago. But now, it’s just not there anymore.

7. Flux Kontext Max

Flux Kontext Max, made by Black Forest Labs, is an AI model for creating detailed and realistic images from text.

It makes photorealistic visuals that stay consistent, which is great for storytelling, marketing, and other creative projects.

You can give it long scripts or detailed descriptions, and it will generate a series of images that keep the same style and story.

It’s fast and takes care of complicated visual details well.

One of its core features is that it’s very fast. Instead of waiting for 30–60 seconds, this one does it in just a few.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

From this point on, I won’t be commenting on each image separately every time. Especially since the quality of these AI image generators starts to drop a bit.

But considering that this image generator is so fast, it produced really impressive results.

Back in 2022, you would have had to wait for 10–15 minutes to get images like this. Now it just took a couple of seconds.

8. STOIQO NewReality (ALIENHAZE)

STOIQO NewReality is a modern AI model for creating photo-like images.

It lets you capture detailed portraits, beautiful landscapes, and even bring mythical creatures to life.

The results are pretty precise and give a lot of variety.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

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Notes

Here you can clearly see that we’re moving out of the top 10. These images once again would have been crazy impressive 2–3 years ago. But now those just look like cheap AI-generated shots, which they kind of are.

9. AlbedoBase-XL (albedobond)

AlbedoBase-XL (by AlbedoBond) creates photorealistic images from your text inputs.

It captures fine details and natural color gradients really well.

It’s said to be great at making lifelike visuals with accurate lighting and textures.

Let’s see the results, though.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

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Notes

I’d say this one also goes to that “It would be impressive if it were 2022” category.

Yes, the images were generated fast, and this model is very cheap.

But also, these images are nothing compared to the ones that the top tools do.

10. Juggernaut XL (KandooAI)

Juggernaut XL, made by KandooAI, is a photorealistic AI image generator.

It creates highly detailed and accurate images with enhanced realism.

It works well for all kinds of creative projects.

Let me show you my results with this AI image generator.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This one isn’t that photorealistic to me, to be fair.

The last image looks like a painting. I already saw images like this 2–3 years ago.

Also, the lady’s face is 3D-like or looks like it’s made out of wax. Not realistic at all.

11. Realistic Vision V5.1 (SG161222)

Realistic Vision V5.1, made by SG161222, is known for ultra-realistic images.

It’s great for anyone who wants highly detailed, lifelike AI-generated visuals and images.

It is said to deliver top-notch quality and realism.

But now, let me show you my results with this AI image generator.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

Other than the last image, these generations look pretty good to me.

Yes, the definition is missing because I didn’t use AI upscaling on this one. If I did, the results would look slightly better.

However, you can still clearly see it’s not even close to being the best one out of the bunch.

12. epiCRealism (epinikion)

epiCRealism, made by epinikion, creates lifelike images with accurate details and realistic lighting.

It works well for both artistic and commercial projects.

It focuses on photorealistic rendering and maintaining consistent visuals.

Let me show you my results with this AI image generator.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

Other than the last image, these AI-generated images turned out pretty good.

All of them look a bit blurry because I didn’t use AI upscaling.

If I had, it would look a little sharper.

Even so, it’s clear this one isn’t the best of the bunch.

13. CyberRealistic (cyberdelia)

CyberRealistic, made by cyberdelia, focuses on photorealistic images of natural and urban scenes.

It highlights texture and clarity.

It’s great for creating realistic visuals with a cyberpunk vibe.

But now, let’s see if it actually delivers.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

Here, the results are otherwise good, but the uncanniness kicks in in every one of them.

The iguana has a weird look and posture, which instantly gives it away.

The lady looks realistic otherwise, but her earrings are very strange.

And then we have the classic with the Tokyo image. When there are lots of people (or objects in general), the older AI image models would start to “round some corners” and make them look weird.

14. RealVisXL V4.0 (SG161222)

RealVisXL V4.0, made by SG161222, creates lifelike images with consistent realism.

It pays close attention to lighting and textures.

It works well for realistic visuals across different subjects and scenes.

But now, let me show you my results with this AI image generator and see if it’s actually as good as advertised.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

It’s fast. It’s very cheap. But the results just aren’t good.

The iguana image is the best out of the 3, it looks the “most realistic” out of the three. But still, it’s not even close to be fair.

15. Crystal Clear XL (WarAnakin)

WarAnakin’s Crystal Clear XL makes crisp, highly detailed images.

It’s perfect for photorealistic compositions and professional-quality visuals.

It gives extra clarity and realism in every image.

Let me show you my results with this AI image generator.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This one feels like “just another cheap AI image generator”.

It’s fast and affordable. But the results just aren’t there anymore.

If it were 2022, the results would be impressive. But today, you can name at least 10 AI generators that are better by leaps and bounds.

16. Absolute Reality V1.6 (Lykon)

Absolute Reality V1.6, made by Lykon, focuses on realistic textures, natural lighting, and fine details.

It creates lifelike images for all kinds of scenes. It’s built for photorealistic rendering and visual accuracy.

But now let’s see how well it performs in my hands.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

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Notes

This also feels like “just another basic AI image generator”.

Yes, it got things done fast and cheap.

But at the same time, it’s not good at all.

Especially, the last result is not like a real image at all.

17. Realistic Stock Photo (PromptSharingSamaritan)

This model, made by PromptSharingSamaritan, is great at creating photorealistic stock images.

It works well for commercial use. At least that’s what they say.

It delivers high-quality visuals with realistic details and compositions.

Let me show you my results with this AI image generator.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

The first image looks like a 3D character.

The second one feels like a wax cabinet doll.

The third one looks like a painting.

Not good!

18. Am I Real (lostdog)

Am I Real, made by lostdog, creates hyper-realistic images that look like real photos.

The results are often hard to tell apart from actual photography.

It focuses on photorealistic rendering and maintaining authentic visuals.

But now, instead of reading from the online reviews, let me show you my results with this AI image generator and see if it’s actually any good.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This is another one of those pre-2022 AI image generators, or at least that’s what it feels like.

These images would have been impressive 5 years ago for someone who hadn’t heard of AI image generators.

But today, I’m not even sure why it’s listed on OpenArt’s catalog.

19. majicMIX realistic (Merjic)

majicMIX realistic, made by Merjic, combines realism with creative control.

It creates lifelike images with a smooth, consistent finish.

It gives photorealistic results while letting you be creative.

Let me show you my results with this AI image generator and whether they live up to the hype.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

Here, the face image of the lady was the best one. With some upscaling, it would look like a real image.

But the Tokyo image and the iguana images are just not there.

20. epiCPhotoGasm (epinikion)

epiCPhotoGasm, made by epinikion, creates photorealistic images with a cinematic feel.

It adds extra detail and makes visuals really striking.

It focuses on high-quality rendering and strong visual impact.

That’s at least what’s promised.

But now, let me show you my results with this AI image generator.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This felt like a good image generator that is stuck in time.

The results would have been cool a couple of years ago.

But now there are just too many uncanny things going on in the iguana and Tokyo images.

But the old lady looks pretty good. With some slight AI upscaling, it would be a usable image.

21. AWPortrait (DynamicWang)

DynamicWang’s AWPortrait focuses on realistic portraits.

It captures facial details and natural lighting really well.

It’s promised to be great for making lifelike portraits with accurate features and expressions.

Let me show you my results with this AI image generator.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

Especially with the lady image, everything is so messed up. Her posture is very awkward, and the pose is uncanny.

The iguana looks kind of cool, especially with some AI upscaling.

The Tokyo street image is also dope from a distance, but the closer you look at it, the less realistic it looks.

22. HassanBlend 1.4 (hassanblend)

HassanBlend 1.4 promises to create highly detailed, photorealistic images.

It gets lighting and colors looking natural. It’s great for realistic visuals with precise details.

Let me show you the results.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

Prompt 3:

Notes

This one is not great at all.

The images would have been cool 5 years ago. But now they’re just weird and awkward.

23. epiC35mm Lora

epiC35mm Lora recreates the look of 35mm photography.

It makes lifelike images with realistic depth and texture. It gives a vintage photo feel with modern image quality.

Let me see if this lives up to the expectations.

My Results

Prompt 1:

Prompt 2:

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Notes

Is there a zipper in the face of the old lady?

Nonetheless, this one is definitely not the best one out there.

What’s funny to me is that the iguana images seem to be decent with most of these lower-quality generators, even.

24. SDXL Film Photography Style

SDXL Film Photography Style focuses on realistic film-like textures, depth, and lighting.

It gives images a cinematic look while keeping them photorealistic.

This on paper sounds like a good idea. But let’s see how well it does this compared to the other tools on the list.

My Results

Prompt 1:

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Notes

On paper, this sounded like a good one.

But the results are just not there. It’s either an older model that hasn’t been developed anymore or an abandoned project you shouldn’t use.

25. Deliberate (XpucT)

Deliberate, made by XpucT, creates controlled, realistic images.

It focuses on both the subject and the environment.

It’s great for generating realistic visuals with precise details.

This one uses an older technique to create the images, and I can tell you in advance that you can see it from the images. This was impressive some time ago, but no longer is.

My Results

Prompt 1:

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Notes

This one gets the job done fast and cheap, but the results look pre-2022 era to me.

I think you could have created something like this 5 years ago already, which is like the Stone Age of AI image generation.

But to be fair, this must be an older model that has just gotten stuck in time.

26. RPG (Anashel)

RPG, made by Anashel, creates realistic scenes for gaming, storytelling, and immersive visuals. It focuses on lifelike environments that help tell a story.

This one is stuck in time heavily, but I still added it to the list since a lot of people are talking about it still.