Best AI Image Upscalers in 2026: Enhance Any Photo Without Losing Quality

Low-resolution photos used to be a dead end. Once an image was small or blurry, there was no realistic way to recover detail. That changed dramatically with AI-powered upscaling. Modern neural networks can now analyze a low-resolution image, predict what missing pixels should look like, and produce an enlarged version that looks sharp, clean, and remarkably close to a natively high-resolution photo. You might also want to explore our picks for AI image generators.

Whether you need to upscale product photos for an online store, enlarge old family snapshots, prepare artwork for large-format printing, or sharpen frames pulled from video footage, the right AI image upscaler can save you hours of manual editing and deliver results that were simply impossible a few years ago. If you’re exploring options, check out our guide to AI photo editors.

In this guide, we tested and compared the best AI image upscalers available in 2026. We evaluated each tool on output quality, maximum upscale factor, speed, ease of use, and value for money so you can pick the one that fits your workflow and budget. For related options, check out our guide to Canva AI alternatives.

TL;DR: Quick Comparison

1. Topaz Gigapixel AI — Best for Professional-Grade Results

Topaz Gigapixel AI remains the gold standard for desktop image upscaling. Unlike browser-based tools, it processes everything locally on your machine, meaning your files never leave your computer. This makes it the go-to choice for photographers, studios, and agencies handling confidential or proprietary material.

In 2025, Topaz Labs transitioned from perpetual licenses to a subscription-only model. While that disappointed some long-time users, the upside is continuous updates and access to nine different AI models optimized for various image types, from portraits to landscapes to product shots.

Pricing

• Gigapixel standalone: Starting at $12/month
• Pro license (commercial use): $499/year ($399/year for 5+ seats)
• Topaz Studio bundle (all 7 apps): $69/month

Pros

• Outstanding output quality across all image types
• Local processing protects privacy and works offline
• Nine specialized AI models for different content
• Supports both local and cloud rendering
• Batch processing for high-volume workflows

Cons

• Subscription-only since October 2025 (no more perpetual license)
• Requires a capable GPU for fast local processing
• More expensive than cloud-based alternatives
• Desktop-only — no mobile or browser version

2. Let’s Enhance — Best Cloud-Based Upscaler for Teams

Let’s Enhance is a fully cloud-based platform that delivers impressive upscaling results without requiring any software installation. It supports upscaling up to 16x and includes intelligent noise reduction, automatic color correction, and sharpening alongside the core enlargement feature.

The platform offers multiple AI models tuned for specific content types: Digital Art for illustrations and anime, Balanced for general use, Gentle for subtle upscaling, and Ultra for maximum detail recovery. This flexibility makes it a strong choice for e-commerce teams, marketers, and content creators who work with varied image types.

Pricing

• Free plan: Limited credits with watermark
• Individual plans: Starting at $9/month for 100 credits
• Business plans: Higher credit allotments with up to 512 MP output
• Pay-as-you-go: Non-expiring credit bundles available

Pros

• Up to 16x upscaling with multiple AI models
• No software installation required
• Pay-as-you-go option with non-expiring credits
• Automatic color and tone correction included
• Supports input images up to 64 MP / 50 MB

Cons

• Free plan adds watermarks
• Cloud-based only — requires internet connection
• Ultra model consumes more credits per image
• No desktop application for offline work

3. VanceAI Image Upscaler — Best Pay-As-You-Go Value

VanceAI stands out for its flexible credit-based pricing that makes it accessible to occasional users who do not want a monthly subscription. The online version supports upscaling up to 8x, while the desktop software pushes that all the way to 40x for extreme enlargements.

The platform processes images quickly, supports batch operations, and automatically deletes uploaded images within 24 hours for privacy. It also bundles related tools like background removal, noise reduction, and image sharpening into the same credit system.

Pricing

• 100 credits: $4.95 (~$0.05/image)
• 200 credits: $7.95 (~$0.04/image)
• 500 credits: $12.95 (~$0.026/image)
• 1,000 credits: $17.95 (~$0.018/image)
• Subscription and lifetime plans also available

Pros

• Extremely affordable pay-as-you-go pricing
• Up to 40x upscaling on desktop software
• Unused credits roll over
• Bundled tools (background removal, noise reduction, sharpening)
• Fast processing with real-time preview

Cons

• Credit system can be confusing for beginners
• Does not support RAW image formats
• Limited free functionality
• Images are processed on external servers (privacy consideration)

4. Pixelcut (Now Pixa) — Best Free Upscaler With No Strings Attached

Pixelcut, now rebranded as Pixa, offers something genuinely rare in this space: free image upscaling with no watermarks, no account registration, and no hidden limitations on the basic tier. You can upscale images to 4K, 8K, or even 16K resolution directly in your browser. For a deeper look, see our roundup of free AI image generators.

The tool provides two upscaling modes. Fast Upscale prioritizes fidelity to the original image, while Creative Upscale uses AI to artistically enhance and add detail. The Pro plan unlocks batch processing for up to 500 images at once, 4K exports, and access to the full suite of AI editing tools.

Pricing

• Free: Unlimited single-image upscaling, no watermark, no signup
• Pro: $9.99/month (batch editing, 4K exports, all AI tools)

Pros

• Genuinely free with no watermark or signup required
• Upscale up to 16K resolution
• Two modes: Fast (fidelity) and Creative (enhancement)
• Works on phone, tablet, and desktop browsers
• API available for developers

Cons

• Batch processing requires Pro subscription
• Relatively new brand (Pixa rebrand may cause confusion)
• No desktop application for offline processing
• Limited advanced controls compared to Topaz

5. Upscale.media — Best for E-Commerce and API Integration

Upscale.media positions itself as a professional-grade upscaling platform with strong API support, making it a solid choice for e-commerce businesses that need to process product images at scale. The platform supports drag-and-drop uploads across multiple formats including PNG, JPG, JPEG, WebP, and HEIC.

The tool is particularly useful for online retailers who need consistent, high-quality product imagery across their catalogs. Its enterprise plan offers white-label solutions and bulk processing capabilities that integrate directly into existing workflows.

Pricing

• Free: 1 image per day without signup
• Starter: $25/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing with API access and white-label options

Pros

• Robust API for integration into existing pipelines
• Supports wide range of formats (including HEIC and WebP)
• Enterprise white-label solutions available
• Batch processing for high-volume needs
• Free daily upscale without requiring an account

Cons

• Higher starting price than most competitors ($25/mo)
• No refund policy due to AI processing costs
• Free tier is very limited (1 image/day)
• Maximum upscale factor is lower than some rivals

6. Bigjpg — Best for Anime and Illustration Upscaling

Bigjpg has carved out a strong niche as the preferred upscaler for anime art, illustrations, and digital artwork. Its deep convolutional neural network is specifically trained to preserve the clean lines, flat colors, and distinct visual style that characterize illustrated content, where general-purpose upscalers often introduce unwanted artifacts.

The tool also handles photographs well, but its real strength lies in artwork enlargement. Free users get 20 images per month at up to 4x, while paid plans unlock 16x upscaling and batch processing with priority server access.

Pricing

• Free: 20 images/month, up to 4x, 5 MB file limit
• Basic: $6/month (500 images, 16x, 50 MB limit)
• Standard: $12/month (1,000 images)
• Premium: $22/month (2,000 images)
• Annual billing: pay for 10 months, get 12

Pros

• Excellent at preserving illustration style and clean lines
• Generous free tier (20 images/month)
• Very affordable paid plans starting at $6/month
• Up to 16x upscaling on paid plans
• 14-day refund policy

Cons

• Best results limited to anime/illustration content
• Free tier has slower processing speeds
• Interface is functional but dated
• Not ideal for complex photographic detail recovery

7. Icons8 Smart Upscaler — Best for Designers in the Icons8 Ecosystem

Icons8 Smart Upscaler leverages super-resolution AI trained on millions of images to boost resolution up to 8x without compromising quality. If you already use Icons8 for icons, illustrations, or stock photos, the upscaler integrates seamlessly into that workflow.

The tool supports JPG, PNG, and WebP formats, offers batch uploads, and provides an API for integration into custom applications. The pricing structure is straightforward with both subscription and prepaid credit options.

Pricing

• Free: 3 upscales total (with watermark, 2x max)
• Prepaid: $10 for 50 images (no expiry)
• Monthly subscription: $9/month for 100 images
• Unlimited: $99/month for unlimited images

Pros

• Clean, straightforward interface
• Flexible pricing (prepaid or subscription)
• Batch processing supported
• API available for developers
• Good integration with Icons8 design ecosystem

Cons

• Very limited free tier (only 3 images total)
• Free upscales include watermarks
• 5 MB file size limit
• Less specialized than competitors for specific content types

8. ImgUpscaler — Best Budget Annual Plan

ImgUpscaler combines deep learning with super-resolution technology to produce images up to 16,000 x 16,000 pixels. What makes it stand out is the pricing: the annual Starter plan begins at just $19/year, making it one of the most affordable options for users who need regular upscaling but do not process images in bulk.

The platform gives every user 20 free credits per month without requiring a credit card or signup. Unused credits roll over to the next month on paid plans, and there is a 7-day risk-free trial if you want to test the premium features before committing.

Pricing

• Free: 20 credits/month (no signup required)
• Starter: $19/year (100 credits/month)
• Business: $69/year (unlimited use)
• One-time credit packs available if you run out mid-cycle

Pros

• Extremely affordable annual pricing ($19/year)
• Free tier with 20 monthly credits, no signup needed
• Output up to 16,000 x 16,000 pixels
• Unused credits roll over on paid plans
• 7-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• One plan per account at a time
• Credits reset if you cancel your plan
• Less powerful AI models than premium competitors
• Interface is basic compared to Let’s Enhance or VanceAI

How to Choose the Right AI Image Upscaler

With so many capable tools available, the right choice depends on your specific needs. Here is a framework to help you decide:

Consider Your Volume

If you upscale fewer than 20 images per month, free tiers from Pixelcut (Pixa), ImgUpscaler, or Bigjpg will likely cover your needs. For moderate volumes (50-200 images/month), subscription plans from Let’s Enhance or Icons8 offer good value. High-volume users processing thousands of images should look at Topaz Gigapixel for desktop batch processing or Upscale.media for API-driven workflows.

Consider Your Content Type

Anime and illustration artists should start with Bigjpg, which is purpose-built for that content. Photographers working with portraits, landscapes, and product shots will get the best results from Topaz Gigapixel AI. For general mixed-use, Let’s Enhance and VanceAI are both strong all-rounders.

Consider Your Budget

If cost is the primary factor, ImgUpscaler at $19/year is hard to beat for regular use. VanceAI’s pay-as-you-go credits starting at $4.95 work well for sporadic needs. Pixelcut (Pixa) is the clear winner if you want genuinely free upscaling without watermarks.

Consider Privacy and Workflow

If your images contain sensitive or proprietary content, Topaz Gigapixel AI is the only option in this list that processes everything locally on your machine. Every other tool uploads images to cloud servers for processing. VanceAI auto-deletes uploaded images within 24 hours, which is a reasonable middle ground.

Consider Integration Needs

Businesses needing to integrate upscaling into automated pipelines should evaluate the APIs offered by Upscale.media, Icons8, and Pixelcut (Pixa). Upscale.media’s enterprise plan with white-label support is particularly suited for agencies and SaaS products that want to offer upscaling as a feature.

Final Thoughts

AI image upscaling technology has matured to the point where every tool on this list produces noticeably better results than traditional interpolation methods. The differences between them come down to pricing models, specialization, and workflow compatibility rather than a dramatic gap in output quality.

For most users, we recommend starting with Pixelcut (Pixa) for its genuinely free offering, then stepping up to Let’s Enhance or VanceAI when you need more volume or advanced features. Professionals who demand the absolute best quality and offline processing should invest in Topaz Gigapixel AI.

Building a visual brand goes beyond upscaling individual photos. If you are creating a complete brand identity, you may also want to explore our guide to the best AI logo design tools. For those building a web presence alongside their visual content, our roundup of the best AI website builders covers the top platforms. And if you are a small business owner looking for a broader toolkit, check out our guide to the best AI tools for small business.