Stable Diffusion
Verified ToolThe open-source AI image generator that democratized creative AI
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What is Stable Diffusion?
Stable Diffusion broke the mold in 2022 by making high-quality AI image generation free and open source. Unlike closed competitors like DALL-E or Midjourney, you can run it locally, modify the code, and train custom models without subscription limits.
It's perfect for developers, researchers, and creatives who want full control over their AI image generation. You can integrate it into apps, fine-tune models for specific styles, or just generate unlimited images without hitting paywalls.
Three years later, it's still the go-to choice for anyone serious about AI art who values freedom over convenience. Yes, newer models exist, but none match SD's flexibility and community ecosystem.
What's New
Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large Turbo Released
Faster generation with optimized local hardware support in SD 3.5 Turbo
The newest iteration brings faster generation times while maintaining quality. The turbo model is optimized for local hardware and integrates with popular UIs like ComfyUI and Automatic1111.
open_in_newRead official announcementhistoryView all 3 recent updatesKey Features
Open Source Freedom
Full access to model weights, training code, and unlimited commercial use without licensing fees
Local Generation
Run on your own hardware for complete privacy and no internet dependency - your images never leave your machine
Custom Model Ecosystem
Thousands of community-trained models for specific art styles, characters, and use cases available for free
Developer-First API
Full programmatic control with extensive APIs and integration options for building AI-powered applications
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Open Source | DreamStudio (Best Value) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $10/mo |
| Features |
|
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| Get Started | Start Trial |
Pros & Cons
thumb_upThe Good
- checkCompletely free and open source - no subscription limits or generation caps
- checkRun locally on your hardware - full privacy and no internet required
- checkMassive community with thousands of custom models and extensions
- checkFull API access for developers building AI-powered applications
- checkFine-tune models for specific styles, characters, or use cases
thumb_downThe Bad
- closeTechnical setup required - not as plug-and-play as web-based alternatives
- closeModel development has slowed in 2025 compared to peak innovation period
- closeSome newer model versions (SD 3.5) are reportedly harder to train effectively
User Reviews
G2 VerifiedRating based on 180 verified reviews on G2.
What Users Say
Real quotes with sourcesformat_quote“The Stable Diffusion XL version is very cost-effective. Although it lacks semantic understanding and is not very stable, its excellent image performance and rich ecosystem of creators make it very suitable for content tools.”
format_quote“If all you want is a one-off picture, stable diffusion is great. It's very easy to generate something that'll make you go "I'd print this and hang it on my"”
format_quote“But yes, I probably wouldn't only use stable diffusion based models in 2025 (or 2024), but I still think they're a useful tool in the toolbox”
Top Alternatives to Stable Diffusion
Recent Updates
verifiedVerified Dec 2025new_releasesDec 2025LatestStable Diffusion 3.5 Large Turbo Released
Faster generation with optimized local hardware support in SD 3.5 Turbo
expand_more
Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large Turbo Released
Faster generation with optimized local hardware support in SD 3.5 Turbo
The newest iteration brings faster generation times while maintaining quality. The turbo model is optimized for local hardware and integrates with popular UIs like ComfyUI and Automatic1111.
open_in_newView official announcementcampaignDec 2025WAN2.2 Network Integration Discussions
Community discussions around integrating WAN2.2 network capabilities
expand_more
WAN2.2 Network Integration Discussions
Community discussions around integrating WAN2.2 network capabilities
Technical discussions in the community about potential integration of WAN2.2 networking features, though specific implementation details remain unclear
campaignAug 2025Three-Year Anniversary Milestone
Stable Diffusion celebrates three years since original model release
expand_more
Three-Year Anniversary Milestone
Stable Diffusion celebrates three years since original model release
August 2025 marked three years since the groundbreaking release of the original Stable Diffusion model that democratized AI image generation
Common Questions
What is Stable Diffusion?expand_more
Stable Diffusion broke the mold in 2022 by making high-quality AI image generation free and open source. Unlike closed competitors like DALL-E or Midjourney, you can run it locally, modify the code, and train custom models without subscription limits. It's perfect for developers, researchers, and creatives who want full control over their AI image generation. You can integrate it into apps, fine-tune models for specific styles, or just generate unlimited images without hitting paywalls. Three years later, it's still the go-to choice for anyone serious about AI art who values freedom over convenience. Yes, newer models exist, but none match SD's flexibility and community ecosystem.
How much does Stable Diffusion cost?expand_more
Stable Diffusion offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $0/month.