Struggling with blurry images? We tested dozens of AI image upscaling apps to find the 10 best that work well. Discover AI upscalers that deliver crisp, high-resolution results.
Want to upscale your photos to 4K or 8K quality? Regular run-of-the-mill upscaling software can do that by adding extra pixels, with the computer guessing what should be inserted based on nearby pixels. However, they cannot add new details that aren’t present in the original image. As a result, upscaled images often appear soft and blurry, especially at higher resolution. It’s like taking a small photo and stretching it to fit a larger frame.
Here is how upscaling AI tools work. Instead of just stretching the image, AI analyzes its details and reconstructs missing elements by sharpening edges, enhancing textures, and improving faces or text. This means you can increase both the size and quality of your image at the same time. We’ve tested various AI upscalers, including free and paid options. Whether you’re restoring old photos or enlarging images for social media, here are some of the best AI image upscalers that deliver stunning results.
Table of Contents
1. Upscayl – Free, Open-Source, Local, Privacy-Focused Upscaling AI Tool
Upscayl is a completely free and open-source AI upscaler that runs locally and offline on your computer, ensuring your images stay private. It supports batch upscaling, letting you process multiple images at once, and offers different AI models like Real-ESRGAN and REMACRI to handle various image styles. Designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it’s ideal for users who want local processing rather than cloud-based services.
However, since everything runs on your hardware, a decent GPU is necessary for smooth performance. The tool caps upscaling at 4x resolution, and while there’s a cloud version in beta, there’s no official mobile or web app yet. Also, while some app stores list a paid version, you can download it for free from the official site.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Completely free and open-source | ❌ Requires a powerful GPU for fast processing |
| ✅ Local processing keeps images private | ❌ Limited to 4x upscaling |
| ✅ Supports batch upscaling for multiple images | ❌ No mobile or web version (desktop-only) |
| ✅ Multiple AI models for different image types | ❌ No built-in editing tools (e.g., sharpening) |
| ✅ Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux | ❌ Cloud version still in beta |
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Pricing: Free (Open-source)
2. ImgUpscaler – Webapp, 8x Upscaling, Batch Processing
Img.Upscaler is a web-based AI tool that makes image upscaling simple and quick. You can upload your image, choose 2x or 4x upscaling, and let the AI enhance details, reduce noise, and sharpen textures—no account is needed for small tasks. It supports JPEG, PNG, and WEBP formats, and your uploads are automatically deleted within 24 hours to protect your privacy. A key highlight is its batch upscaling feature, which lets you process multiple images at once.
Even more impressive is the Reimagine Upscaler, which adds AI-generated details to blurry or low-quality images, making them sharper and more defined. However, this AI enhancement can sometimes introduce odd artifacts, like distorted faces or extra fingers. The free plan offers 20 monthly credits, and paid plans start at $19/month for more frequent use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Simple, fast, and web-based (no downloads) | ❌ Limited customization options for enhancements |
| ✅ 4x upscaling available for free | ❌ No mobile app or desktop version |
| ✅ Batch upscaling for multiple images at once | ❌ Lacks advanced tools (e.g., deblurring, background removal) |
| ✅ Unique Reimagine Upscaler adds AI-generated details | ❌ Subscription required for frequent use ($19/month) |
| ✅ Automatic deletion of uploaded images within 24 hours for privacy |
Platforms: Web
Pricing: Freemium
- Free: 20 credits per month
- Paid: $19/month (for additional credits)
3. Photoroom AI Upscaler – Uses generative AI for ultra-sharp image upscaling on iPhone
Photoroom AI Upscaler is part of the popular Photoroom photo editing suite, which offers powerful AI tools like background removal, object erasing, and outpainting. It’s more than just an upscaler—it’s a complete photo editing solution. Social media creators and online sellers will love the batch editing feature, which lets you enhance multiple images at once. The AI upscaler boosts images up to 4x resolution with sharp, natural-looking details and supports formats like PNG, JPEG, and WEBP.
Currently, the upscaler is only available on the iOS app with a Pro subscription priced at $12.99 per month, which can be shared with two team members—making it a cost-effective option for small teams. Photoroom has announced that web and Android support is coming soon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Uses Generative AI for sharp, natural-looking upscaling | ❌ AI upscaling is locked behind the Pro plan ($12.99/month) |
| ✅ Batch editing for processing multiple images | ❌ Only available on iOS (web and Android coming soon) |
| ✅ Includes extra tools (background removal, object erasing, outpainting) | ❌ No free trial for the AI upscaler |
| ✅ Pro plan can be shared with 2 team members (cost-efficient) | ❌ Maximum upscaling is limited to 4x resolution |
Platforms: iOS (Web and Android coming soon)
Pricing: Freemium
- Free: Limited features
- Pro Plan: $12.99/month or $89.99/year (includes AI upscaling and advanced tools)
- API Plan: Custom pricing (for bulk processing)
4. Pixelcut – Batch Upscaler for Social Media
Pixelcut’s Image Upscaler is part of a comprehensive toolkit designed for e-commerce creators and marketers, offering tools like background removal, object erasing with the magic eraser, and an AI image generator. Available on web, iOS, and Android, it’s a versatile solution for social media posts and product listings. The upscaler uses AI edge detection to sharpen details, making product photos and promotional images crisp. Users can choose between 2x or 4x upscaling, with support for popular formats like PNG and JPEG.
The free plan only offers 2x upscaling with limited batch processing, but upgrading to the Pro plan ($9.95/month) unlocks 4x upscaling and full batch processing. Overall, it’s a valuable tool for creators who want quick, high-quality results with minimal effort.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Free batch upscaling on the web (rare among competitors) | ❌ Free version limited to 2x upscaling |
| ✅ Available on web, iOS, and Android | ❌ No support for 8x or 16x upscaling |
| ✅ Real-time preview for adjustments before downloading | ❌ Lacks advanced AI models (e.g., face enhancer, deblurring) |
| ✅ Includes additional AI tools (background removal, object eraser, recolor, etc.) for social media influencers | ❌ 4x upscaling requires Pro plan ($9.95/month) |
| ✅ Simple, fast, and user-friendly for e-commerce creators | ❌ Limited image format support (mainly PNG, JPEG) |
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Freemium
- Free: Up to 2x upscaling (limited batch processing)
- Pro Plan: $9.95/month or $59.99/year (up to 4x upscaling and full batch processing)
5. Topaz Gigapixel AI – Pro AI Upscaler for Photos and Videos
Topaz Gigapixel AI is a professional-grade AI image upscaler trusted by brands like Netflix and Disney for its stunning results. It uses deep learning trained on millions of images to upscale photos and videos by up to 6x, delivering sharp details even from low-quality sources. The software offers specialized AI models for different needs: Standard for everyday upscaling, Lines for architectural shots, low resolution for restoring blurry images, and Very Compressed for fixing JPEG artifacts. With batch processing, you can upscale multiple images simultaneously—perfect for large projects. Gigapixel AI supports popular formats like PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and RAW, and is available for both Windows and macOS.
However, it requires a powerful GPU for smooth performance. The free trial adds watermarks, and the full version costs $99.99. If you want their video upscaling tools too, you can get the $299 bundle with Topaz Video AI.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Industry-trusted (used by Netflix and Disney) | ❌ Expensive ($99.99 one-time fee) |
| ✅ Upscales images and videos up to 6x with deep learning | ❌ Requires a powerful GPU for smooth performance |
| ✅ Multiple AI models for different types of images | ❌ Desktop-only (no mobile or web version) |
| ✅ Batch processing for large projects | ❌ Slower on weaker computers |
| ✅ Before-and-after preview slider | ❌ Free trial includes watermarks |
| ✅ Lifetime license with no monthly fees | ❌ Full video bundle costs $299 |
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Pricing: Freemium
- Free Trial: Watermarked images
- One-Time Purchase: $99.99 (Lifetime license with one year of updates)
- Video AI Bundle: $299 (Gigapixel AI + Topaz Video AI)
6. PhotoDirector – AI Upscaler for CyberLink (PhotoDirector) Users
PhotoDirector by CyberLink is more than just an AI image upscaler—it’s a full photo editing suite packed with professional tools. The AI upscaler can boost image resolution up to 4x without losing quality, and you get complete control over export settings like resolution, file size, and color profiles. It also offers batch processing for upscaling multiple images at once. The interface is beginner-friendly, with one-click tools for fast edits and advanced controls for detailed adjustments.
However, the AI upscaler is locked behind the Pro subscription, and the free trial won’t let you test it. Bulk editing requires importing images into the library, which can feel slower than standalone tools. Also, there’s no web or mobile version—it’s strictly for Windows and macOS. Still, if you want an all-in-one editing toolkit beyond upscaling, PhotoDirector is a solid choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Full editing suite (background removal, object eraser) | ❌ AI upscaler locked behind Pro plan ($134.99/year) |
| ✅ Customizable export settings (resolution, file size, color profile) | ❌ No web or mobile version (desktop-only) |
| ✅ Batch processing for upscaling multiple images | ❌ Free trial excludes AI upscaler (feature locked) |
| ✅ Built-in photo library with tagging for easy management | ❌ Bulk editing requires slow library imports |
| ✅ Lifetime license option available ($99.99 one-time) | ❌ Maximum upscale limited to 4x resolution |
| ✅ Seamless integration for existing CyberLink users | ❌ No cloud storage or updates with lifetime license |
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Pricing:
- Free Trial: Limited features (AI upscaler not included)
- PhotoDirector 365: $134.99/year (includes AI upscaler and cloud storage)
- Lifetime License: $99.99 (one-time purchase, excludes cloud storage and updates)
7. Autoenhance.ai – HDR Upscaling and Perspective Fixes
Autoenhance.ai goes beyond simple upscaling by adding HDR enhancements, color correction, and perspective adjustments, making your images look polished and professional. It’s a web-based tool that simplifies the process—just upload your image, choose enhancements, and let the AI do the rest in seconds. You can select color styles like Warm or Neutral tones, and the AI-powered contrast boost sharpens details and makes colors more vibrant. Real estate photographers will love its automatic perspective correction, which straightens lines and fixes angles for a more professional look. Additionally, the HDR feature balances shadows and highlights for a high-quality finish.
However, it lacks desktop or mobile apps, and the $49.99/month price tag is steep for casual users. Also, it’s capped at 3,072px resolution with no batch processing option, making it more suitable for professionals than hobbyists.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ HDR enhancements and perspective correction | ❌ Web-only (no desktop or mobile app) |
| ✅ Fast one-click AI processing with style options | ❌ Expensive ($49.99/month) for casual users |
| ✅ Great for real estate and e-commerce photography | ❌ Maximum resolution capped at 3,072px |
| ✅ Supports popular formats (PNG, JPEG) | ❌ No batch processing for multiple images |
| ✅ Ideal for professional photographers and businesses | ❌ Limited creative controls for artistic upscaling |
Platforms: Web
Pricing: Freemium
- Free Plan: Limited credits (with watermarks)
- Paid Plan: $49.99/month (up to 3,072px resolution, unlimited processing)
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (for large-scale needs)
8. Remini – Face and Portrait Upscaling
Remini stands out as an AI image upscaler known for restoring facial details, making it perfect for fixing blurry selfies and portraits. It’s especially popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram for its impressive before-and-after results. Available on the web, iOS, and Android, Remini is easy to use—just upload your photo, tap once, and see the transformation. Beyond upscaling, it offers fun AI features like the AI Yearbook Effect for retro portraits, a Face Beautifier for smoother selfies, and an AI Avatar Generator for unique profile images.
However, the free version requires watching ads for every edit, and its weekly subscription of $6.99 can quickly add up. It also processes images in the cloud, raising privacy concerns for sensitive photos. Additionally, it specializes in portraits and isn’t ideal for landscapes or artistic shots. Despite these downsides, Remini is a top choice for restoring faces in old or low-quality photos.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Best for restoring faces with AI detail enhancement | ❌ Free version requires ads for every photo |
| ✅ Excels at fixing old or blurry portraits | ❌ Less effective for landscapes or objects |
| ✅ Can enhance videos as well as photos | ❌ Expensive subscription ($6.99 per week) |
| ✅ Extra AI tools: Yearbook, Beautifier, Avatars | ❌ Cloud processing raises privacy concerns |
| ✅ Easy to use on web, iOS, and Android | ❌ No batch upscaling in the free version |
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing: Freemium
- Free Plan: Requires watching ads for each photo
- Premium Plan: $6.99 per week or $24.99 per month (ad-free, HD upscaling, batch processing)
9. HitPaw Photo Enhancer – 8x Upscaling, AI Models for Different Image Types
HitPaw Photo Enhancer stands out with its specialized AI models for different image types, from portraits to anime-style art. Its 8x upscaling and batch processing make it ideal for professionals handling large projects. With support for 4K and 8K resolutions, it delivers high-quality outputs. Desktop users get full control over export settings and file formats, while the mobile version offers quick edits with fewer features. HitPaw also offers a lifetime license, making it more cost-effective in the long run than monthly subscriptions from tools like Remini or Upscale Media.
However, the free trial adds watermarks, and you’ll need a powerful GPU for smooth performance. There’s no web version, limiting access to downloaded apps only.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Rare 8x upscaling capability | ❌ Free trial adds watermarks |
| ✅ Multiple AI models for different photo types | ❌ High cost (Monthly: $51.99, Lifetime: $229.99) |
| ✅ Batch processing saves time | ❌ No web version, only desktop and mobile |
| ✅ Supports 4K and 8K exports | ❌ GPU-dependent for faster processing |
| ✅ Lifetime license option available | ❌ Mobile version is limited in features |
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android
Pricing: Freemium
- Free Trial: Watermarked images
- Monthly Plan: $51.99/month
- Yearly Plan: $169.99/year
- Lifetime License: $229.99 (one-time purchase)
- Business Plan: $406.99/year (with volume discounts)
10. OpenModelDB – Custom Upscaling Model Database
OpenModelDB is a free, community-driven hub offering hundreds of AI upscaling models for various use cases—from restoring portraits to upscaling anime-style art and video frames. Unlike typical upscalers, it’s a model repository, meaning you use its models with compatible apps like Upscayl, ChaiNNer, ComfyUI, or Topaz Gigapixel. The platform offers powerful search and filter tools, helping you find models by category (e.g., photo enhancement, video frame restoration, pixel art) with community ratings and performance benchmarks to guide your choices. It’s a goldmine for enthusiasts who want niche models tailored to specific tasks.
However, it requires technical know-how—there’s no built-in upscaler, so you’ll need third-party tools to run the models. Model quality varies, and performance depends heavily on your hardware. Without a powerful GPU, local processing will be slow since there’s no cloud option to handle heavy lifting. Overall, it’s ideal for advanced users who value flexibility and customization but may overwhelm beginners looking for one-click solutions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ 100% free and open-source (community-driven) | ❌ Not beginner-friendly (requires technical skills) |
| ✅ Hundreds of models for anime, portraits, video, and pixel art | ❌ No built-in upscaler (requires third-party tools) |
| ✅ Compatible with popular tools (Upscayl, Topaz Gigapixel) | ❌ Model quality varies (some experimental) |
| ✅ Models are community-rated with performance benchmarks | ❌ No cloud processing (needs powerful GPU for local use) |
| ✅ Users can share and rate models, building a collaborative space | ❌ No mobile version or standalone web interface |
| ✅ Highly customizable (ideal for developers and AI enthusiasts) | ❌ No batch processing (depends on the tool used) |
Platforms: Web (Models require third-party tools: Upscayl, ChaiNNer, ComfyUI, Topaz Gigapixel)
Pricing: 100% Free (open-source model repository)
