# Artgen vs Recraft

> Artgen: Browser art studio for AI images, pixel art, ASCII and print effects
> Recraft: AI image and vector design studio with brand styles, editing tools and SVG export

- Artgen profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/artgen-image-to-pixel-art
- Recraft profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/recraft
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-recraft
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Artgen and Recraft are both Image & Visual AI tools. Recraft scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.3 vs 7.6 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Recraft is available on iOS and Android.

### Choose Artgen if

- You want a tool built for turning photos into pixel art or ASCII art for free, quick AI illustrations in named art styles, repeatable image effects.
- Six deterministic image effects are free with sign-in and need no credits.
- Credits never expire and roll over between months.

### Choose Recraft if

- You want a tool built for vector graphics and icons.
- Generates editable SVG vectors on every plan, including Free.
- Custom styles and color palettes keep output consistent with a brand.

## Pricing

| | Artgen | Recraft |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Artgen | Recraft |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Image to pixel art | Yes | Not listed |
| Image to ASCII | Yes | Not listed |
| Fixed print effects | Yes | Not listed |
| AI image generation | Yes | Not listed |
| Image editing tools | Yes | Not listed |
| Video and audio tools | Yes | Not listed |
| Chrome extension | Yes | Not listed |
| API | Yes | Not listed |
| Credit transparency | Yes | Not listed |
| Raster and vector generation | Not listed | Yes |
| Custom styles | Not listed | Yes |
| Color palettes | Not listed | Yes |
| Vector Editor and canvas | Not listed | Yes |
| Image tools | Not listed | Yes |
| Mockups | Not listed | Yes |
| Agentic chat and Design Agent | Not listed | Yes |
| External models | Not listed | Yes |
| Video generation | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Artgen | Recraft |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | No | No |
| macOS | No | No |
| iOS | No | Yes |
| Android | No | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Chrome Extension | Yes | Yes |

## Artgen strengths

- Six deterministic image effects are free with sign-in and need no credits
- Credits never expire and roll over between months
- Wide catalog of 51 tools covering images, editing, video and audio
- Chrome extension and documented API alongside the web app
- Credit cost is shown before each AI run

## Artgen limitations

- The site does not name the company or team behind it
- Even the free effects require sign-in
- Pixel art output is a single opaque 512 px-max PNG with no transparency or sprite sheets
- Individual credit pack prices were not visible on the pricing page
- Some video and audio features appear to be limited or still rolling out

## Recraft strengths

- Generates editable SVG vectors on every plan, including Free
- Custom styles and color palettes keep output consistent with a brand
- Single workspace for generation, vector editing, upscaling, background removal and mockups
- Gives access to external models such as Flux, GPT Image, Imagen and Nano Banana
- Paid plans include private images and full commercial rights
- Apps for iOS and Android, Figma and other plugins, and a public API and MCP server

## Recraft limitations

- Free plan images are public and not licensed for commercial use
- Monthly credits expire each cycle, and costs per image vary by model (for example 2 credits for V4.1 and 10 for V4.1 Pro)
- Video generation is not available on Free or Basic plans
- Plan prices depend on credit tier, so cost rises quickly for heavy use

## FAQ

**Is Artgen better than Recraft?**

It depends on your workflow. Artgen is built for turning photos into pixel art or ASCII art for free, quick AI illustrations in named art styles, repeatable image effects. Recraft is built for vector graphics and icons.

**What are the key feature differences between Artgen and Recraft?**

Artgen: Browser art studio for AI images, pixel art, ASCII and print effects. Recraft: AI image and vector design studio with brand styles, editing tools and SVG export.

**Does Artgen or Recraft have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Artgen is freemium and Recraft is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Artgen or Recraft?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.