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 AI tools with the same image prompt. Notion AI gave the clearest result, Claude was detailed and elegant, Gemini colourful but chaotic, and ChatGPT accurate yet plain. Copilot felt child‑like, Meta AI missed the brief, and Grok failed entirely. For reliable images, choose Notion AI or ChatGPT; for creative flair, try Claude or Gemini.
Which AI should you open when you need to create an image?
Everyone’s talking about AI image generators but 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 devised a simple test: one prompt, seven different AI tools, side-by-side results.
The Experiment
I gave ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Notion AI, Copilot, Meta AI and Grok the same 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
This prompt 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?
The goal was to generate an image with each tool using the same prompt.
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 tool 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: 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 Notion AI. For playful exploration, branch out to Gemini or Claude. The tool that’s already in your kit is the best starting point, so if you’re a Microsoft user then Copilot is the tool for you.
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.
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.
Related Articles
Wondering which AI tool has the most up to date data? Check out The Knowledge Battle: Which AI Has the Freshest Data in 2025?
What about best value for money? Check out The AI Pricing Battle.
Or just getting started with AI? You might need our intro series:
Relatedly: Should I use AI, given its concerning environmental impact?
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