Stable Diffusion
stability.ai
The leading open-source AI image model — run it locally or via cloud providers.
Quick Information
- Category:
- Image Generation
- Pricing:
- Freemium
- Platforms:
- Self-hosted, API, Web
- Free Plan:
- Yes
- API Available:
- Yes
- Last Verified:
- September 2026
What Is Stable Diffusion?
Stable Diffusion is the leading open-source AI image model, runnable locally or via cloud providers, with models (SD3.5 and SDXL) downloadable and self-hostable at no cost under the Community License (free for commercial use if revenue is under $1 million). Stability AI's own API uses a credit system (1 credit = $0.01) with Stable Image Core at $0.03/image and Stable Image Ultra at $0.08/image, with SD3.5 tier generations costing 2.5-6.5 credits — the API provides 25 free credits on signup. Notably, the official DreamStudio platform has shifted to a subscription-only model as of September 2026 user reports.
Its Community License structure is genuinely significant for smaller businesses and individual developers — free commercial use up to $1 million in revenue means startups and small businesses can build products on Stable Diffusion without licensing fees until they reach substantial revenue scale, a real differentiator from proprietary models requiring payment regardless of company size or revenue.
It's aimed at developers and businesses wanting open-source AI image generation with genuine self-hosting flexibility, with the Community License's free-commercial-use-under-$1M-revenue threshold providing real cost savings for smaller companies — anyone using Stability AI's own hosted API should budget using the credit system ($0.03-$0.08/image depending on quality tier), while self-hosting remains completely free regardless of usage volume for qualifying businesses. See our Design & Image tools directory for related tools like Midjourney and Recraft.
What Can You Use Stable Diffusion For?
Self-hosted image generation
Runs AI image generation locally or on self-managed infrastructure at no licensing cost.
API-based image generation
Generates images via Stability AI’s hosted API using a credit system.
Commercial product development
Builds commercial products using free-under-$1M-revenue Community License terms.
Stable Diffusion Features
- Open-weight models — Provides SD3.5 and SDXL as downloadable, self-hostable open-weight models.
- Community License — Allows free commercial use for businesses under $1 million in annual revenue.
- Credit-based API — Provides hosted API access billed per image via a credit system.
Who Is Stable Diffusion For?
- Developers — Self-hosts open-weight models for full control and zero licensing cost.
- Smaller businesses and startups — Uses free commercial use under the $1M revenue threshold in the Community License.
Stable Diffusion Pros & Limitations
What We Like
- Genuinely free commercial use for businesses under $1 million in revenue via the Community License
- Fully self-hostable, providing complete control and zero ongoing licensing cost for qualifying use
- Competitive hosted API pricing ($0.03-$0.08/image) for those preferring managed infrastructure
Limitations
- Businesses exceeding $1 million in revenue must obtain a different commercial license
- DreamStudio, the official hosted platform, shifted to subscription-only as of September 2026
- Self-hosting requires meaningful technical infrastructure and GPU resources to operate effectively
Stable Diffusion Pricing
| Plan | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted (Community License) | Free (under $1M revenue) | Full self-hosting of SD3.5 and SDXL models |
| API (Stable Image Core) | $0.03/image | Cheapest hosted generation tier |
| API (Stable Image Ultra) | $0.08/image | Highest-quality hosted generation tier |
Pricing was last verified September 2026. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
AI Listing Jungle Ranking
- Global Rank:
- #188
- Overall Score:
- 69.3/100
- Monthly Users:
- 10M+
- Rank Change:
- ▲ 15
This ranking reflects AI Listing Jungle's own independent scoring methodology and is not an endorsement by Stable Diffusion or its company. How Our Rankings Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stable Diffusion free?
Yes, for self-hosted commercial use under $1 million in annual revenue via the Community License.
How much does the API cost?
From $0.03/image (Stable Image Core) to $0.08/image (Stable Image Ultra).
Can I self-host Stable Diffusion?
Yes, SD3.5 and SDXL are downloadable open-weight models.
Is DreamStudio still available?
Yes, but it shifted to a subscription-only model as of September 2026.
Our Take
Stable Diffusion's Community License offering free commercial use for businesses under $1 million in revenue is a genuinely significant cost advantage for startups and small companies building AI-powered products.
Self-hosting provides complete control at zero licensing cost for qualifying businesses, while Stability AI's own hosted API offers competitive per-image pricing for those preferring managed infrastructure.
Stable Diffusion Alternatives
Stable Diffusion Comparisons
Ready to try Stable Diffusion?
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