GITNUXBEST LIST

Technology Digital Media

Top 10 Best Image Upscaling Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 best image upscaling software for enhancing photo quality. Compare features, ease of use, and find your perfect tool today.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
Learn more
In a world where visual content drives engagement, high-quality image upscaling software is essential for enhancing clarity, preserving details, and elevating visuals across professional and personal use. With a spectrum of tools tailored to diverse needs—from AI precision to cost-effectiveness—this list distills the best options to transform your images.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Topaz Gigapixel AI - AI-powered super-resolution software that upscales images up to 600% while enhancing details, reducing noise, and recovering faces.
  2. 2#2: Magnific AI - Advanced AI upscaler that intelligently enlarges images by creatively adding high-fidelity details and textures.
  3. 3#3: Adobe Photoshop - Professional creative suite with Neural Filters and Super Resolution for precise AI-driven image upscaling.
  4. 4#4: Upscayl - Free open-source desktop app using Real-ESRGAN models for high-quality AI image upscaling.
  5. 5#5: Let's Enhance - Online AI platform for upscaling photos up to 16x with smart detail enhancement and batch processing.
  6. 6#6: AVCLabs Photo Enhancer AI - AI tool that upscales images up to 8K while denoising, deblurring, and restoring details automatically.
  7. 7#7: VanceAI Image Upscaler - Web-based AI upscaler enlarging images up to 8x with options for noise reduction and face refinement.
  8. 8#8: Bigjpg - AI super-resolver specialized for upscaling anime, illustrations, and photos up to 16x without artifacts.
  9. 9#9: Waifu2x - Free online deep learning-based upscaler optimized for anime-style images and general photos.
  10. 10#10: Pixelcut - AI-powered online tool for quick image upscaling and background removal with e-commerce focus.

Tools were chosen based on upscaling quality (including detail preservation, noise reduction, and face/texture recovery), ease of use (interface, accessibility), and versatility (support for photos, anime, e-commerce, etc.), ensuring a balanced selection for all users.

Comparison Table

Image upscaling is essential for boosting visual clarity, and a diverse range of software tools are available to suit different needs. This comparison table examines key features, performance, and usability across options like Topaz Gigapixel AI, Magnific AI, and others, helping readers identify the best fit for their projects.

AI-powered super-resolution software that upscales images up to 600% while enhancing details, reducing noise, and recovering faces.

Features
9.9/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
9.5/10

Advanced AI upscaler that intelligently enlarges images by creatively adding high-fidelity details and textures.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.1/10

Professional creative suite with Neural Filters and Super Resolution for precise AI-driven image upscaling.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.1/10
4Upscayl logo8.7/10

Free open-source desktop app using Real-ESRGAN models for high-quality AI image upscaling.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
9.8/10

Online AI platform for upscaling photos up to 16x with smart detail enhancement and batch processing.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
9.4/10
Value
7.8/10

AI tool that upscales images up to 8K while denoising, deblurring, and restoring details automatically.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.2/10

Web-based AI upscaler enlarging images up to 8x with options for noise reduction and face refinement.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
7.6/10
8Bigjpg logo8.1/10

AI super-resolver specialized for upscaling anime, illustrations, and photos up to 16x without artifacts.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
7.4/10
9Waifu2x logo8.1/10

Free online deep learning-based upscaler optimized for anime-style images and general photos.

Features
8.0/10
Ease
9.5/10
Value
9.8/10
10Pixelcut logo7.2/10

AI-powered online tool for quick image upscaling and background removal with e-commerce focus.

Features
6.8/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10
1
Topaz Gigapixel AI logo

Topaz Gigapixel AI

specialized

AI-powered super-resolution software that upscales images up to 600% while enhancing details, reducing noise, and recovering faces.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.9/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
9.5/10
Standout Feature

Proprietary AI models that reconstruct plausible high-frequency details far beyond the original image resolution

Topaz Gigapixel AI is a premier AI-powered image upscaling software that enlarges photos up to 6x (600%) while intelligently reconstructing fine details, textures, and sharpness lost in traditional methods. It employs specialized machine learning models optimized for various image types, including standard photos, faces, and high-noise scenarios, delivering photorealistic results. Ideal for restoring old images or preparing files for large prints, it integrates seamlessly with editing workflows via plugins for Lightroom and Photoshop.

Pros

  • Exceptional AI-driven upscaling quality surpassing competitors
  • Specialized models for faces, details, and noise reduction
  • Efficient batch processing and plugin integration

Cons

  • Requires a powerful GPU for optimal speed
  • Processing times can be long on lower-end hardware
  • Steep one-time cost without a free tier

Best For

Professional photographers, digital artists, and archivists needing high-fidelity enlargements for prints or high-res displays.

Pricing

One-time purchase of $99 for a perpetual license; discounts available for bundles with other Topaz products.

2
Magnific AI logo

Magnific AI

specialized

Advanced AI upscaler that intelligently enlarges images by creatively adding high-fidelity details and textures.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

The Creativity slider, which uses patented AI to intelligently invent and add plausible details for artistic upscaling beyond mere enlargement

Magnific AI is a cutting-edge web-based AI tool specializing in image upscaling, capable of enlarging low-resolution images up to 16x while intelligently adding photorealistic or creative details. It stands out with customizable controls for creativity, structure, and stylization, allowing users to transform ordinary photos into highly detailed masterpieces. Unlike traditional upscalers, it leverages advanced diffusion models for artistic reinterpretations without losing fidelity.

Pros

  • Exceptional detail generation and creative enhancement capabilities
  • Highly customizable sliders for creativity, resharpening, and stylization
  • Supports up to 16x upscaling with impressive quality retention

Cons

  • Credit-based system limits heavy usage without additional purchases
  • Processing times can be long during peak hours with queues
  • No native desktop app; fully web-dependent

Best For

Professional photographers, digital artists, and content creators needing creative, high-fidelity image upscaling.

Pricing

Free trial with 20 credits; paid plans start at $39/month (Explorer: 500 credits) up to $99/month (Creative: 2000 credits), with pay-as-you-go credit packs available.

3
Adobe Photoshop logo

Adobe Photoshop

creative_suite

Professional creative suite with Neural Filters and Super Resolution for precise AI-driven image upscaling.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.1/10
Standout Feature

Super Resolution, which uses AI to upscale images by 4x linear resolution (2x dimensions) with exceptional detail preservation

Adobe Photoshop is a comprehensive professional image editing software that excels in advanced upscaling through AI-powered tools like Preserve Details 2.0 and Super Resolution, which intelligently enlarge images while preserving sharpness and reducing artifacts. It supports upscaling by factors of 2x, 4x, or more, integrated seamlessly with its vast array of editing features for post-upscaling refinements. Ideal for high-end workflows, Photoshop leverages Adobe Sensei AI for neural enhancements, making it a powerhouse for photographers and designers handling large-scale image enlargements.

Pros

  • Superior AI-driven upscaling with Preserve Details 2.0 and Super Resolution for artifact-free enlargements
  • Deep integration with Neural Filters and Creative Cloud for workflow efficiency
  • Non-destructive editing and batch processing capabilities

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to complex interface not tailored solely for upscaling
  • Subscription-only model with high ongoing costs
  • Resource-heavy, requiring powerful hardware for optimal performance

Best For

Professional photographers, graphic designers, and agencies needing advanced upscaling within a full-featured editing suite.

Pricing

Subscription via Creative Cloud: $22.99/month standalone or $9.99/month in Photography plan (Lightroom + Photoshop); free trial available.

4
Upscayl logo

Upscayl

other

Free open-source desktop app using Real-ESRGAN models for high-quality AI image upscaling.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
9.8/10
Standout Feature

Fully local AI upscaling powered by Real-ESRGAN models, ensuring complete privacy and no dependency on internet or cloud services

Upscayl is a free, open-source AI-powered image upscaling tool that leverages models like Real-ESRGAN and Real-CUGAN to enlarge low-resolution images up to 4x while preserving or enhancing details. It operates entirely offline on your local machine, supporting batch processing, multiple input formats (JPEG, PNG, WebP), and custom model integration. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it prioritizes privacy by avoiding cloud uploads.

Pros

  • Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
  • High-quality upscaling using advanced local AI models like Real-ESRGAN
  • Privacy-focused offline processing with no data sent to servers
  • Cross-platform support and batch upscaling capabilities

Cons

  • Requires a compatible GPU (Vulkan support) for optimal speed; slow on CPU
  • Initial setup involves downloading large model files (several GB)
  • Basic user interface lacks advanced editing tools or previews

Best For

Budget-conscious photographers, artists, and hobbyists seeking a reliable, offline AI upscaler for personal image enhancement.

Pricing

100% free and open-source with no paid tiers or limitations.

Visit Upscaylupscayl.org
5
Let's Enhance logo

Let's Enhance

specialized

Online AI platform for upscaling photos up to 16x with smart detail enhancement and batch processing.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
9.4/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Smart Choice AI that automatically detects image type and applies the optimal enhancement model for superior results

Let's Enhance (letsenhance.io) is an AI-powered web-based platform specializing in image upscaling, using advanced neural networks to increase resolution up to 16x while preserving details and reducing artifacts. It offers specialized modes for photos, digital art, illustrations, and old photo restoration, along with tools for noise reduction, sharpening, and colorization. The service processes images quickly in the cloud, making it accessible without downloads or hardware requirements.

Pros

  • Exceptional upscaling quality with multiple AI models tailored to image types (photos, art, anime)
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop web interface with no learning curve
  • Additional restoration features like de-noising and face enhancement

Cons

  • Limited free tier (10 credits/month, 1 credit per image)
  • Credit-based pricing can become expensive for high-volume users
  • Occasional wait times during peak usage despite cloud processing

Best For

Amateur photographers, digital artists, and content creators needing quick, high-quality upscales for social media or prints without investing in desktop software.

Pricing

Free: 10 credits/month; Pro: $9/month (100 credits) or $0.05-$0.20 per image pay-as-you-go; higher tiers up to $24/month for 500 credits.

Visit Let's Enhanceletsenhance.io
6
AVCLabs Photo Enhancer AI logo

AVCLabs Photo Enhancer AI

specialized

AI tool that upscales images up to 8K while denoising, deblurring, and restoring details automatically.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Specialized Face Refinement AI model that intelligently reconstructs and enhances facial details for lifelike portraits

AVCLabs Photo Enhancer AI is a desktop application leveraging AI models to upscale low-resolution images up to 400% or 800%, while also denoising, deblurring, and enhancing colors for sharper, more vibrant results. It provides specialized models for faces, anime, general photos, and colorization, making it versatile for various image types. The software supports batch processing and GPU acceleration for efficient workflows.

Pros

  • Exceptional AI upscaling quality with specialized models for faces and anime
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with real-time previews
  • Fast batch processing and GPU support for high efficiency

Cons

  • No perpetual free version beyond limited trial
  • Performance dependent on hardware; slower on weaker GPUs/CPUs
  • Lacks advanced editing tools beyond enhancement

Best For

Photographers and hobbyists restoring old photos or upscaling low-res images without needing complex software.

Pricing

One-time licenses: Standard $39.95, Pro $99.95; subscription options from $4.95/month; 30-day trial available.

7
VanceAI Image Upscaler logo

VanceAI Image Upscaler

general_ai

Web-based AI upscaler enlarging images up to 8x with options for noise reduction and face refinement.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Specialized AI models optimized for photo, digital art, painting, and anime images

VanceAI Image Upscaler is a web-based AI-powered tool designed to enlarge low-resolution images up to 8x their original size while enhancing details, reducing noise, and maintaining sharpness. It offers specialized AI models for various image types, including photos, digital art, paintings, and anime, making it versatile for different creative needs. Users can process single images or batches quickly through an intuitive online interface without needing to install software.

Pros

  • Excellent AI upscaling quality up to 8x with type-specific models
  • Batch processing for efficiency
  • No installation required, fully web-based

Cons

  • Limited free tier (3 images per day)
  • Requires stable internet connection
  • Subscription model can get expensive for high-volume users

Best For

Hobbyist photographers, digital artists, and content creators needing quick, high-quality upscales without complex software.

Pricing

Free plan with 3 daily credits; paid plans from $4.95/month (100 credits) to $19.90/month (unlimited).

8
Bigjpg logo

Bigjpg

specialized

AI super-resolver specialized for upscaling anime, illustrations, and photos up to 16x without artifacts.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
7.4/10
Standout Feature

Specialized AI models trained specifically for anime and manga-style images

Bigjpg is an AI-powered online tool specializing in upscaling low-resolution images up to 16x their original size while minimizing artifacts and noise. It provides specialized models for anime/illustrations, photos, and general use, excelling particularly in maintaining sharp details in stylized artwork. The web-based platform allows quick uploads and downloads without needing software installation, though it operates on a credit system for processing.

Pros

  • Superior performance on anime and illustration upscaling with dedicated AI models
  • Fast processing and simple drag-and-drop interface
  • Effective noise reduction and detail preservation at high magnification levels

Cons

  • Free tier limited to low-res upscales with watermarks and image caps
  • Queue times during peak usage
  • Less optimal for photorealistic photos compared to generalist competitors

Best For

Anime artists, illustrators, and hobbyists needing high-quality enlargement of stylized or low-res artwork.

Pricing

Free tier with watermarks and limits (e.g., 20 images/month at low res); paid credits from $9 for 300 credits (upscaling costs 10-200 credits based on size/resolution).

Visit Bigjpgbigjpg.com
9
Waifu2x logo

Waifu2x

specialized

Free online deep learning-based upscaler optimized for anime-style images and general photos.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.0/10
Ease of Use
9.5/10
Value
9.8/10
Standout Feature

Specialized AI models trained on anime artwork for unmatched detail recovery in illustration-style images

Waifu2x (waifu2x.udp.jp) is a free online image upscaling service utilizing deep convolutional neural networks, originally tailored for enhancing anime-style illustrations by enlarging low-resolution images up to 2x while reducing noise and artifacts. It supports common formats like JPG and PNG, with options for different noise reduction levels and processing styles such as 'Artwork' or 'Photo'. The tool excels at preserving fine details in 2D art, making it a go-to for quick, no-install upscales, though it processes one image at a time.

Pros

  • Completely free with no usage limits beyond file size
  • Exceptional denoising and detail preservation for anime/illustrations
  • Dead-simple web interface requiring no software installation

Cons

  • Online-only with potential processing queues during peak times
  • No batch processing or desktop app available
  • Limited upscale factor (max 2x) and file size (5MB)

Best For

Anime fans and digital artists needing quick, high-quality upscales of low-res illustrations or scans without complex setups.

Pricing

Entirely free, no subscriptions or payments required.

Visit Waifu2xwaifu2x.udp.jp
10
Pixelcut logo

Pixelcut

general_ai

AI-powered online tool for quick image upscaling and background removal with e-commerce focus.

Overall Rating7.2/10
Features
6.8/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Integrated AI upscaling with one-click background removal for instant product photo perfection

Pixelcut is an AI-driven web-based tool primarily focused on photo editing for e-commerce and social media, with image upscaling as one of its key features. It uses machine learning to enlarge low-resolution images up to 4x while preserving details and sharpness, making it suitable for quick enhancements. The platform integrates upscaling seamlessly with background removal and other edits, streamlining workflows for non-professionals.

Pros

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with no installation required
  • Fast AI-powered upscaling suitable for product photos
  • Generous free tier for basic use

Cons

  • Upscaling limited to 4x magnification, less effective on complex images
  • Occasional artifacts in highly detailed areas compared to specialized tools
  • Pro features required for watermark-free, unlimited exports

Best For

Social media managers and small e-commerce sellers seeking quick, hassle-free image upscaling without advanced software.

Pricing

Free plan with watermarks and limits; Pro at $9.99/month or $4.99/month annually for unlimited access.

Visit Pixelcutpixelcut.ai

Conclusion

With a range of cutting-edge tools catering to diverse needs, the top 10 image upscaling software offer exceptional results, but Topaz Gigapixel AI emerges as the clear winner, excelling at super-resolution up to significant percentages while enhancing details and recovering faces. Magnific AI stands out for its creative approach to adding high-fidelity details, and Adobe Photoshop remains a professional staple, leveraging powerful AI-driven filters for precise upscaling. All three prove leaders in their respective spaces, ensuring users have robust options to elevate their visuals.

Topaz Gigapixel AI logo
Our Top Pick
Topaz Gigapixel AI

Don’t miss out on transforming your images—try Topaz Gigapixel AI to experience its unmatched upscaling capabilities and bring new life to your photos, whether for personal or professional use.