List of 5 Best AI Design Tools - Comprehensive Comparison

List of 5 Best AI Design Tools - Comprehensive Comparison

List of 5 Best AI Design Tools - Comprehensive Comparison

Written by Mo Kahn on

March 13, 2025

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AI tools can streamline design tasks that once took hours and turn concepts into stunning design visuals in minutes. You can generate logos, select color schemes effortlessly, and handle repetitive tasks.

However, you might feel lost among the countless AI design tools in the market.

In this blog, we’ll compare the 5 best AI design tools. We’ll also give tips on choosing the best tool for you. Whether you’re a professional designer or a beginner, there’s AI software for you. 😃

Discover the best AI tools to turn your design dreams into reality. 

TL;DR - List of AI Design Tools

In a nutshell, here are our top 5 AI graphics design tools, which we’ll tackle in detail later in one of the sections:

  1. starryai
  2. Looka
  3. Canva
  4. Leonardo
  5. Adobe Firefly

All these AI design software platforms can help you take your design game to the next level. 

However, starryai stands out as the best AI design tool.💪 Our tool gives you access to over 1,000 unique design styles and has advanced editing tools, empowering you to bring your design concepts to life. The best part is that you can get started by creating 20 AI art for free!😃

So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your creativity with starryai today!

Cybernetic virtual reality portal emerging from a high-tech monitor.

🤷‍♂️Why Designers and Creators Use AI Tools Today

An increasing number of visual artists are moving to Artificial Intelligence tools. Let’s look at the main reasons for this shift:

  • 🤖Automating Design Tasks: Designers use AI software to automate tasks such as image editing, resizing images, and applying filters.
  • 💡Generating New Ideas: AI helps UX/UI designers simplify prototypes and analyze design patterns.
  • 📈Increased Efficiency: AI design tools help streamline and automate time-consuming tasks, such as generating logos, making the creators more efficient.
  • 🖼️ Quality Image Production: Creative AI tools can assist in post-production processes, allowing artists to deliver professionally graded photos.
  • 🎮Realistic Designs: AI design apps like starryai can help develop realistic gaming worlds and characters.
Artificial intelligence creating and editing sci-fi digital artwork.

🕵️‍♀️Applications of AI in Graphic Design

AI design tools are changing the game, from generating stunning visuals to creating websites.

Check out the key applications of AI in graphic design:

  • ®️Logo Design: With AI, creating a logo can be as easy as answering a few questions about your company, eliminating the need for a pricey designer.
  • 📩Email Templates: Some AI design tools offer many templates you can customize to match your brand’s vibe.
  • 📊Custom Graphics: AI design software can simplify the process if you need a vibrant poster for your marketing campaigns or eye-catching infographics.
  • 🌄Upscaling Images: AI design tools like starryai can upscale your images up to 4k for impressive print visuals.
A sophisticated black cat in a tuxedo and top hat stands in a sunlit church interior, exuding elegance and charm.

🧰Types of AI Design Tools

AI Design tools complement your workflow, allowing you to focus on what you do best. 

Check out some of the popular types of these tools:

  1. Text-to-Image Generators: With software like starryai, you can create high-quality images by simply describing your imagination through words or uploading an image. Your AI generated AI will have no watermarks (even on the free plan) and our tool gives you 100% commercial rights to your creations. 

Ready to put your creativity to the test? Get started with the text-to-image generator today!

  1. User Interface (UX) Design Tools: Graphic AI tools like Figma let you quickly design apps and websites. You can explore ideas by suggesting design arrangements and visual elements like buttons and icons to customize the look and feel of your designs.
  2. Logo Generators: You can create unique and professional logos within minutes using software like Looka. You can provide basic information like your company name, industry, and style preference to get unique logos.
  3. Graphic Design Tools: Tools like Canva help you speed up repetitive tasks, brainstorm new ideas, and experiment with different concepts. You can design posters, social media posts, and presentations with a few clicks.
  4. AI Color Tools: AI can enhance your design process by helping you combine complementary colors. Creative AI tools like Khroma analyze trends, user preferences, and the psychological impact of colors, ensuring you choose colors that are relevant and appealing to your target audience.
A surreal scene featuring a large wolf-like creature in a mirror, while a woman holds a paintbrush, blending reality and imagination.

⚔ 5 Best AI Design Tools—Comparison

How do AI-powered design tools like starryai, Looka, Canva, Leonardo, and Adobe Firefly compare?

Below is an exhaustive comparison based on the features:

🌟Definition

Understanding the primary purpose of each tool helps you know which one best suits your needs. 

Check out the breakdown of what each tool does:

  • starryai: An all-in-one AI tool for creating appealing images for social media, flyers, logos, and more.
  • Looka: An AI design app made specifically for creating brands and designing logos.
  • Canva: An AI-powered online graphic design tool.
  • Leornado: An AI graphic design tool that helps you enhance your design practice.
  • Adobe Firefly: An AI design software that can make custom graphics through editing.

🎨User Interface and Accessibility

A seamless and intuitive interface allows you to work efficiently without a steep learning curve.

Here’s how each tool compares:

  • starryai has a simple, user-friendly interface.
  • Looka has a generally beginner-friendly interface.
  • Canva has a well-organized interface that’s easy to use.
  • Leonardo has an intuitive user interface.
  • Adobe Firefly has a user-friendly interface integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Creative digital art of a giraffe emerging from an iMac screen in an office.

🖼️Image Quality and Styles

The results of your final output depend on the quality of the generated images and the styles available. 

Check out what each tool offers:

  • starryai gives high-quality designs and supports 1000+ styles.
  • Looka focuses on logos and branding styles.
  • Canva has decent image quality with comparatively fewer styles.
  • Leonardo produces photorealistic designs.
  • Adobe Firefly generates quality images.

📱Mobile Support

You want flexibility in your design process where you can create designs on the go. Here’s how each tool compares in their mobile support:

  • The starryai app supports both Android and iOS.
  • Looka lacks mobile support.
  • Canva has a mobile app for Android and iOS.
  • Leornado is compatible with Android and iOS.
  • Adobe Firefly also has an iOS and Android app.
A futuristic cityscape with towering skyscrapers, glowing neon lights, and crowds of people amidst sleek, futuristic vehicles.

🚀Updates and New Features

You want a platform that undergoes frequent updates and introduces new features to meet your evolving demands and incorporate modern designs. 

Here’s how each tool compares here:

  • starryai has regular updates and new features.
  • Looka has only a few updates.
  • Canva has frequent updates and improvements.
  • Leornado has regular updates and improvements.
  • Adobe Firefly is constantly developing.

🎛️Customization and Control

A tool with plenty of customization options allows you to fine-tune your designs and have more control over your project.

Check out how each tool compares here:

  • starryai offers a lot of customization options like aspect ratios and styles. You have 100% ownership over your creations.
  • Looka has limited customization options.
  • Canva offers a good level of customization.
  • Leornado offers adequate control over your designs.
  • Adobe Firefly provides some customization options.
A fluffy silver cat with golden eyes gazes thoughtfully amid pink blossoms, illuminated by warm, soft sunlight.

🎁Free Trial

A software with a free trial lets you explore its capabilities before committing to the paid plans. 

Let’s see how each AI design tool compares:

  • starryai has a free trial that allows you to generate up to 20 images with full ownership rights.
  • Looka is free for logo creation.
  • Canva has a freemium model
  • Leonardo offers 150 free tokens but without any ownership rights.
  • Adobe Firefly offers 25 free generative credits monthly.

💸Starting Price

Price is a significant factor when choosing an AI design app. Check out how much each of these tools costs:

  • starryai starts at $15 monthly
  • Looka has a $20 one-time purchase fee for a low-res file
  • Canva has a fee of $6.50 every month
  • Leornado starts at $4.99 each month
  • Adobe Firefly begins at $4.99 each month
A serene forest scene with a rustic cabin by a calm lake, surrounded by autumn foliage and ducks swimming in the water.

📞Customer Support

You must make sure you receive support when you face technical issues or need further guidance.

Let’s explore how each tool compares in their customer support: 

  • starryai has 24/7 customer support via email or phone.
  • Looka offers live support via chat.
  • Canva has slow response times from customer support.
  • Leornado customer support is available via email.
  • Adobe Firefly has an Adobe Virtual Assistant.

🏆Best For

When you know the ideal user for each of these AI design tools, you can choose a tool that matches your creative goals.

Check out the ideal user for each platform:

  • starryai is best for professional designers as well as casual users who want access to 1000+ AI image capabilities.
  • Looka is ideal for businesses looking to create and customize their logo.
  • Canva is best for individual graphic designers and design teams to develop logos, presentations, and various other designs.
  • Leornado is ideal for individuals looking to save time when selecting and pairing colors correctly.
  • Adobe Firefly is best for anyone who wants to create simple designs.
Adorable red squirrel standing on a forest path surrounded by lush green vegetation.

💁How to Choose the Best AI Design Tools for Your Needs

This section outlines the steps to pick the right AI design tool:

Determine Your Design Needs

What kind of designs do you want to create? Are you looking to create logos, social media posts, or illustrations? 

Determining your project needs will bring you closer to choosing the perfect AI design tool.

Consider Your Budget

Next, consider how much you’re willing to spend on AI design tools. Remember, the best tools aren’t always the most expensive. 

Choose a tool that fits your budget and meets your design needs.

Scalability

Check whether the AI tool is future-proof. As your needs increase, your tool must also scale with you. 

Opt for a tool that offers flexible pricing plans and can handle increasing data volume to ensure you remain efficient as your business grows.

Community Feedback

Before choosing a graphic design tool, research what others are saying. 

Check the customization options, editing tools, and the tool’s capabilities to handle complex prompts.

Support

The best AI design tools offer excellent support and tutorials to clients to help you maximize the tool’s benefits.

A striking red bridge extends over calm waters, illuminated against a twilight sky, framed by smooth sand below.

🗝️How to Use AI Design Tools Effectively

You can create impressive results by blending your creativity with AI. 

Get the most out of AI design tools with these quick tips:

  1. Add your creative touch to modify AI-generated designs.
  2. Experiment with various AI features and unique styles to discover new options.
  3. Continue learning about the latest AI features and their application in graphic design to maximize your experience.
  4. Automate repetitive tasks using AI.
  5. Double-check AI-generated designs to ensure they are perfect and have no defects.
Close-up of a glass sphere capturing a vivid sports match reflection.

😕Ethical Considerations in Using AI Design Tools

Although AI tools have transformed our design process, they question human creativity and can overshadow young artists, creating a moral dilemma. 

That’s why you should consider the following ethical factors before using AI tools:

  • Privacy: AI design tools should employ robust security measures to protect user data.
  • Biases: Organizations must use diverse data sets to train AI design tools to achieve fairness.
  • Safety: AI systems should be tested and evaluated to ensure they do not generate harmful content that may raise ethical concerns.
  • Transparency: AI companies should be open about collecting and using user information.
  • Job Displacement: This is a common concern because many designers are worried that AI will take their jobs.
Futuristic urban scene with colorful neon signs and digital reflections.

📝Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Got more queries concerning the best AI design tools?

We’ve got the answers you need.

😒Can AI Graphic Design Tools Replace Human Designers?

No. While AI is impressive, it cannot replace the need for a human designer.

AI design tools lack key human qualities such as creativity and emotional intelligence, resulting in AI designs lacking the human touch that makes a design unique. 

🌝How Do I Choose Between an AI Design App and Traditional Tools?

It depends on your design needs. 

AI design tools can be better for simple creations like logos or essential illustrations.

However, for complex projects, traditional design tools such as Photoshop or Illustrator can give you the ultimate control you want.

🤔Are Creative AI Tools Suitable for Professional Projects?

Absolutely. 

AI-powered design tools can be used for professional work, including creating logos and presentations.

These tools can help professionals unlock new creative possibilities, making their designs visually appealing. They can also automate tiresome tasks, making the design process more efficient.

😶What Are the Limitations of Automatic Graphic Design?

Here’s where AI falls short in graphic design:

  • It can’t understand the subtle things that a client wants.
  • Automation can often result in errors. 
  • It can't change designs based on client feedback without human intervention.
  • AI lacks the creative element human designers possess, making it hard to develop unique concepts.

💸Are AI Design Software and Tools Expensive?

AI design software pricing varies based on the following:

  1. Project Complexity: You can find free tools if you only need to create simple projects like social media graphics and basic logos. However, for complex projects, you might need a paid tool.
  2. Features and Capabilities: Basic AI design software with limited capabilities is more affordable than tools with advanced features.
  3. AI Design Tool Chosen: AI tools range from free options with basic features to subscription-based services with advanced tools like upscaling.

🚀Conclusion

There you have it—our top picks for AI design tools to meet all your design needs, from logo creation to concept completion. 

Want more than the basics? 

starryai enables you to effortlessly transform your ideas into high-quality designs. You’ll have full ownership rights, even in the free version, allowing you to do whatever you want with your creations. As a bonus, our tool is an absolute bargain. The yearly subscription plan allows you to save up to $36.

What are you waiting for? Start your AI art journey today and jump in on the AI design creative wagon!

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