Which tool is better for editing existing photos?

Nano Banana is generally the better pick for practical edits and consistent changes to existing images. Midjourney is generally stronger for generating new concepts and stylized variations.

Updated: December 19, 2025

Midjourney vs Nano Banana

A side-by-side comparison of two popular AI image tools—Midjourney for style-heavy generation and Google’s Nano Banana (Gemini image models) for fast, consistent edits.

TL;DR

Choose Midjourney if you want the most artistic, stylized, “wow” visuals.
Choose Nano Banana if you need precise edits, stronger text-in-image, and fast iteration.
If you do both: many teams use Nano Banana for editing/compositing and Midjourney for concept exploration.

Comparison table Recommendations Pricing FAQ Sources

Key facts (fast answers)

Midjourney: subscription-based AI image generator known for highly stylized, imaginative visuals. As of Dec 19, 2025.
Nano Banana: Google Gemini image models focused on fast generation and strong editing/consistency workflows. As of Dec 19, 2025.
Pricing style: Midjourney = fixed monthly/annual tiers; Nano Banana = free-to-try + usage-based API pricing. As of Dec 2025.
Text in images: Nano Banana generally performs better on readable text in-image; Midjourney has improved but still varies. As of Dec 2025.
Editing: Nano Banana is better for conversational edits on existing photos; Midjourney is better for generating new concepts and style exploration. As of Dec 2025.
Workflow: Midjourney is typically used via its own interface; Nano Banana is integrated in Google surfaces and available via API. As of Dec 2025.

Direct answer

If you want the most artistically striking generations, pick Midjourney. If you want the most practical editing and iteration—especially when you’re starting from existing images—pick Nano Banana. For many marketing workflows, the “best” choice is using both: Nano Banana for edits and Midjourney for style exploration.

What “Nano Banana” means

“Nano Banana” is an informal nickname used for Google’s Gemini image generation/editing models in common discussion. In your publish-ready page, align the naming with Google’s official model/product names you’re referencing.

Side-by-side comparison

Start here. This table is designed to help you decide quickly. Pricing and model availability can change—confirm the latest details before publishing.

Midjourney vs Nano Banana comparison (facts noted as of Dec 19, 2025)
Category	Midjourney	Nano Banana (Google Gemini image models)
Primary strengths	Stylized, high-impact image generation; strong “concept art” and aesthetic exploration.	Fast generation and highly practical editing (subject consistency, compositing, iterative changes).
Best for	Designers, artists, brand creatives, marketers who want visually distinctive imagery.	Marketers, creators, and teams who need quick edits, accurate text-in-image, and consistent outputs.
Not for	Workflows that require tight, instruction-following edits on existing photos or strict realism.	Purely imaginative / abstract art exploration where “style and surprise” are the main goal.
Pricing (headline)	Subscription tiers (monthly/annual).	Free-to-try + usage-based pricing (especially via API); enterprise options via Google Cloud.
Free tier	Typically no ongoing free tier.	Yes (consumer and/or developer entry options), with limits.
Editing existing images	Limited; better for variations and style influence than precise targeted edits.	Strong; conversational edits, multi-image blending, and consistent subject edits are a core strength.
Text in images	Improving, but can be inconsistent depending on prompt/style.	Generally stronger for readable text and labeled visuals.
Integrations	Primarily within its own interface; limited official integrations.	Works across Google surfaces and APIs; easier to integrate into apps/workflows.
Privacy & controls	Varies by plan; verify privacy mode availability and defaults before publishing.	Varies by Google product and tier; verify training/retention defaults and paid tier controls.

Note: The table summarizes common strengths and workflow fit. For publish-ready accuracy, confirm the current plan names, limits, model names, and integration list.

Recommendations (choose X if…)

Choose Midjourney if…

You want the most artistic, stylized outputs with high “wow” factor.
You’re exploring creative directions (campaign concepts, hero visuals, moodboards).
You value generating multiple variations quickly to spark ideas.
You don’t need precise edits on existing photos.

Choose Nano Banana if…

You need fast, reliable edits to existing images (swap background, adjust elements).
You’re building marketing creative where consistent subjects matter (product, person, brand assets).
Text-in-image accuracy matters (labels, signage, simple infographics).
You want the option to integrate image generation into apps or workflows via API.

Avoid Midjourney if…

You need “edit this exact photo” results with predictable control.
You require tight enterprise controls, formal compliance, or easy multi-user admin.
You can’t use the available interface/workflow for your team.

Avoid Nano Banana if…

Your priority is imaginative, stylized art exploration above everything else.
You need an always-stable, fully mature tool with no preview quirks.
You need unbranded outputs in a context where consumer watermarks are a deal-breaker (verify current behavior).

Pricing breakdown

Pricing changes frequently. Use this as a structured scaffold and update with the latest verified plan details. As of Dec 19, 2025.

Midjourney plans (example structure)

Midjourney pricing (verify before publishing)
Plan	Monthly	Annual	Notes
Basic	$10	Discounted	Entry plan; limited high-speed generation.
Standard	$30	Discounted	More fast time + relaxed generation.
Pro	$60	Discounted	Higher limits; privacy options vary by plan.
Mega	$120	Discounted	Highest tier; best for heavy usage.

Confirm current plan names, pricing, and limits on the official pricing page.

Nano Banana pricing (example structure)

Google Gemini image pricing (verify before publishing)
Tier	Cost model	Typical use	Notes
Consumer	Included/free-to-try	Casual generation & edits	May include visible/invisible watermarking; limits apply.
Developer API	Usage-based	Apps & workflows	Pay per image/output tokens; quotas and rate limits apply.
Enterprise	Contract / volume	Teams with governance needs	Higher limits + support + compliance controls.

Confirm current model names, token costs, and free-tier limits in official docs.

User sentiment (high-level)

Midjourney — common praise

High perceived image quality and artistic output.
Great for ideation (variations and stylistic exploration).
Strong community resources and prompt culture.

Common complaints

Can be harder to integrate into production workflows.
Precise edits to existing images can be challenging.
Text-in-image and exact realism can be inconsistent.

Nano Banana — common praise

Fast output and strong editing workflows on existing images.
Better text rendering for labels and simple layouts.
Easy to iterate conversationally (edit requests in plain language).

Common complaints

Less “artistic surprise” than Midjourney on abstract prompts.
Newer tooling can have occasional quirks or inconsistencies.
Consumer outputs may include watermarking or stricter content policies (verify current behavior).

FAQs

Is Midjourney free?

In most cases, Midjourney requires a subscription. If a trial is available, it is usually limited and not intended as a persistent free tier.

Is Nano Banana a standalone app?

Typically, Nano Banana is used through Google surfaces (like Gemini) and/or via developer APIs. Align naming and access instructions with the official product pages you cite.

Which one is better for editing existing photos?

Nano Banana tends to be the better pick for practical edits (swap background, adjust objects, maintain subject consistency). Midjourney is generally stronger for generating new concepts and stylized variations.

Which one is better at putting readable text inside images?

Nano Banana is generally stronger for readable text-in-image outputs. Midjourney has improved, but text fidelity can still vary depending on prompt and style.

Can I use the images commercially?

Commercial use rules depend on each tool’s terms and your plan/tier. Always link to and summarize the current official usage policy in your Sources section.

Should I use both tools?

If your workflow includes both ideation and editing, using both can be effective: Midjourney for stylistic exploration and Nano Banana for targeted edits and consistency.

Sources

Replace or expand these with the exact URLs and update dates from your Deep Research packet before publishing.

Official

Midjourney pricing / plans (official) — As of Dec 2025
Midjourney release notes / updates (official) — As of 2025
Google Gemini image generation docs (official) — As of 2025
Google Gemini API pricing (official) — As of Dec 2025

Reviews & community (anecdotal)

Midjourney reviews (aggregator) — As of 2025
Nano Banana community discussions — As of 2025