ChatGPT vs Midjourney

This comparison uses the current IdleForest model for ChatGPT and Midjourney: their category, modeled CO2 per use unit, methodology notes, key drivers, and assumptions.

Supporting comparison page

ChatGPT

150g

CO2 / HOUR

Midjourney

250g

CO2 / HOUR

Higher emissions

Data-backed comparison

Summary

When comparing ChatGPT and Midjourney, Midjourney generates significantly more CO2 emissions per hour (250g) than ChatGPT (150g). Both applications rely on devices, networks, and server infrastructure, which all contribute to their environmental impact.

Why the gap happens

Midjourney is modeled at 250g CO2 per unit, while ChatGPT is modeled at 150g, so the visible gap is 100g in the current dataset.
Both products sit in the AI category, so the difference comes from the per-product estimate and page-level methodology fields rather than a category change.
Model inference runs on accelerator-heavy infrastructure rather than lightweight web hosting.
Prompt volume and response length both change inference demand.

What to act on first

Because Midjourney is higher in the current model, start there: Batch related prompts instead of repeating similar requests in separate sessions.

Midjourney is currently modeled at 100g CO2 more per unit of use than ChatGPT.

Deep dive into their footprints

Read the full ChatGPT report Read the full Midjourney report

Comparison takeaways

Midjourney is modeled at 250g CO2 per unit, while ChatGPT is modeled at 150g, so the visible gap is 100g in the current dataset.

Both products sit in the AI category, so the difference comes from the per-product estimate and page-level methodology fields rather than a category change.

About IdleForest

IdleForest is a desktop app that plants trees in the background while your computer is idle. It uses your unused internet bandwidth to fund reforestation projects.

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