We asked seven leading AI tools to create the same image. Some nailed it, some missed the mark entirely—and one seriously surprised us.
Summary: We tested seven leading AI tools with the same creative prompt to see which ones actually deliver images you’d want to use. Spoiler: the results might surprise you.
The real question: Which AI should you open when you need an image?
Everyone’s talking about AI image generators, but here’s what no one tells you: they’re wildly inconsistent. Some nail photorealism but can’t handle creative concepts. Others have artistic flair but give you something you’d never actually use.
We cut through the marketing noise with a simple test: one prompt, seven different AI tools, side-by-side results. No fluff—just practical answers for anyone who needs images that actually work.
Our testing method
The prompt:
“I need a visual mock up to go into this article: https://www.producingparadise.com/tools/the-knowledge-battle-which-ai-has-the-freshest-data-in-2025/
Graphic title: AI Knowledge Freshness: Who Knows the Most (2025)
Graphic content:
AI Model Real-Time Data Access Knowledge Cut-Off Date Microsoft Copilot Yes N/A (continuously updated) Grok Yes December 2024 (grok 3) Claude No November 2024 (3.7 Sonnet) Google Gemini No August 2024 (2.0 Flash) Meta AI No December 2023 ChatGPT No October 2023 (GPT-4o) Notion AI No June 2023 (self-reported) Real-time data access could use a tick instead of yes/no.
Freshness score could be a forth column given a star rating based on 5 stars for most recent and live browsing, 4 stars for live browsing less recent, 3 stars with or without live browsing and middle range recent, 2 stars for almost least recent and no live browsing, 1 star for least recent and no live browsing.
Brand style can be found in CSS for the linked article.
Key brand colour palette: PP purple #260d36, bg-colour #fffce1, New hot pink accent: #c02c95
Extended palette: PP pink #ffb8e6, PP light blue #ade7ff, PP blue #6791cb, PP light green #78fdc9″
Why this prompt?
It tests three critical things:
- Complex instruction following: Can it handle multi-part, detailed requirements without dropping anything?
- Data visualisation skills: Can the AI create professional-looking charts and tables?
- Brand consistency: Will it follow specific colour palettes and styling instructions? How do they look?
We generated an image with each tool using the exact same prompt for each.
Want to see how these same AI models stack up for knowledge freshness (real-time data and cut-off dates)? Check out the companion article: The Knowledge Battle: Which AI Has the Freshest Data in 2025.
The results: How each AI performed
Notion AI
- Powered by: Notion’s built-in assistant
- Style: Clean and structured
- Strengths: Nailed clarity and readability; visually simple but perfectly functional
- Weaknesses: No strong creative flair—looked very “template-based”
- Best for: Quick, functional internal assets where speed matters more than style
Surprise hit of the test: perfectly clear and fit for purpose.
Claude
- Powered by: Anthropic
- Style: Elegant, thoughtful detail
- Strengths: Attention to small elements like a legend for the freshness score
- Weaknesses: Slightly muted colour use; didn’t fully match brand palette
- Best for: Data-heavy visuals that need careful interpretation
That freshness score legend? Unreal attention to detail.
Google Gemini
- Powered by: Gemini 2.0 Flash
- Style: Bright, slightly over-coloured
- Strengths: Clear understanding of layout and hierarchy
- Weaknesses: Heavy-handed with secondary colours, slightly chaotic in styling
- Best for: Concept boards and quick stakeholder visuals
Fine overall, but too colourful for strict brand work.
ChatGPT (GPT‑4o)
- Powered by: OpenAI
- Style: Balanced and neutral
- Strengths: Followed the brief accurately; got all content and structure correct
- Weaknesses: Design felt basic—accurate but not visually appealing
- Best for: Functional graphics where accuracy is more important than wow-factor
Not my favourite, not my least favourite. A safe middle-ground choice.
Microsoft Copilot
- Powered by: DALL‑E 3
- Style: Playful and slightly cartoonish
- Strengths: Easy to prompt, fast output
- Weaknesses: Overused bright secondary colours; felt “child-like” in style
- Best for: Early-stage creative brainstorming where polish isn’t critical
Looked like it was designed for kindergarten kids.
Meta AI
- Powered by: Meta’s image model
- Style: Basic, borderline clip-art
- Strengths: Quick turnaround
- Weaknesses: Misunderstood several brief elements; low design quality
- Best for: Placeholder images or quick internal drafts only
Laughably bad for this use case.
Grok
- Powered by: Tesla
- Style: Experimental (in a bad way)
- Strengths: Understood the task conceptually
- Weaknesses: Execution was so poor it looked like a parody image
- Best for: Honestly? Skip it for image work.
Worst performer—it would have been better to say it couldn’t do it, let alone provide two options. I had to show you both.
What this means for your workflow
- If you need one reliable tool: Go with ChatGPT (GPT‑4o). It gives consistent, accurate results, even if the styling is plain.
- If you’re budget-conscious: Notion AI is included with many Notion plans and delivered surprisingly clear, functional output.
- If you’re exploring creative concepts: Claude or Google Gemini offer more flair and willingness to experiment, though expect to tweak the outputs.
- If you’re experimenting just for fun: Try Meta AI or Grok—you won’t get production-ready assets, but you might get unexpected inspiration (or a good laugh).
The bigger picture
This space is evolving at breakneck speed. Six months ago, some of these tools didn’t even exist, and others have dramatically improved or changed direction.
The lesson: stop searching for the perfect tool and start focusing on which tools match your use cases. For client work or polished professional content, stick with ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot. For playful exploration, branch out to Gemini or Claude. The tool that’s already in your kit is the best starting point.
Practical next steps
- Start small: Pick one tool that best fits your typical workflow and master its quirks before branching out.
- Manage costs: Paid tiers (ChatGPT Plus, Microsoft Copilot Pro) produce the best quality, but check free options before committing.
- Review licensing: Most tools allow commercial use but with different fine print—always double-check.
- Run your own test: Try your own brief (ideally one you’ll actually use) and compare results side by side.
Curious how these same AI tools handle knowledge instead of images? Read the companion article: Which AI Has the Freshest Data in 2025.
Streamline your creative workflow
Experimenting with AI tools is exciting—but it also adds complexity fast. If you’re juggling clients, experiments, and content creation, you need a way to keep it all organised.
Our Organised Creative OS Notion template gives freelancers and creative professionals one central hub for projects, client communication, and tool testing. Fewer tabs, less chaos, and more time to focus on the work you actually care about.
FAQ
Do I need paid subscriptions for good AI images?
Free tiers work for casual use, but professional-quality output typically requires paid access. ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft Copilot Pro are the best value right now.
Can I use these images for client work?
Usually yes, but always check the licensing terms of each tool. Rules change, and some limit commercial use or redistribution.
Why do AI images sometimes look weird?
AI is great at composition and style but still struggles with fine details (like text or complex objects). Always review before publishing.
How often should I retest these tools?
Every quarter, or sooner if you notice big announcements or see competitors using new tech. This space moves fast—your “best tool” can change quickly.