AI Tool

Upscayl Review

Upscayl is a free, open-source AI image upscaler available as a desktop application for local processing and a cloud service for enhanced features.

shipped Jul 6, 2026createfreemium

Domain rating68Monthly visits13K/mo

CreateImagesUpscalers

Why it matters

1Processes images locally using Real-ESRGAN models on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2Offers upscaling up to 16x through chained passes, with custom width options.

3Includes a free desktop application and a freemium cloud service with an API.

4Features multiple AI models like UltraSharp, Remacri, and High Fidelity.

About Upscayl

Platforms

Web, Desktop

Target Audience

Creators, Businesses, Designers, Artists, Developers

Pricing Plans

Free

• Enhance images up to 16x better resolution
• Open Source
• Universal compatibility across devices
• Batch processing for multiple images

GitHubOpen Source

Specs

API Docs

View Documentation →

GitHub

View Repository →

API Available

Yes, public API

Screenshots

overview

What is Upscayl?

Upscayl is an AI image upscaler tool developed by the Upscayl team that enables photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists to enhance low-resolution images into high-quality, detailed visuals. It operates locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, leveraging Real-ESRGAN models and Vulkan-based GPU acceleration for offline processing, with a cloud service available for additional features.

features

Key Features of Upscayl

Upscayl provides a comprehensive set of features for image enhancement, catering to both casual users and professionals. Its core functionality revolves around AI-driven upscaling, with options for local processing and cloud-based services.

AI image upscaling using Real-ESRGAN models.
Batch Upscayl functionality for processing multiple images simultaneously.
Customizable models for enhanced quality, including UltraSharp, Remacri, and High Fidelity.
Available as a free, open-source desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Cloud service for enhanced features, faster processing, and additional models.
API available for integration into other applications.
Support for upscaling images up to 16x through chained passes.
Multiple language support, including English, Russian, Japanese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Chinese.
Lens Viewer for before-and-after comparison of upscaled images.

use cases

Who Should Use Upscayl?

Upscayl is designed for a diverse range of users who require high-quality image upscaling, from individuals looking to restore old photographs to professionals preparing images for print or digital media. Its local processing option also appeals to privacy-conscious users.

Photographers: Enhancing old or low-resolution photographs for better clarity and detail.
Graphic Designers & Digital Artists: Preparing images for large-format printing without quality loss and refining AI-generated images.
Web Developers & Content Creators: Improving visuals for websites, portfolios, or presentations and upscaling game textures or assets.
Privacy-Conscious Users: Utilizing the desktop application for local, offline image processing.
Casual Users: Easily improving the quality of personal photos for sharing or printing.

how to use

How to Use Upscayl

To begin using Upscayl, users can download the free desktop application for Windows, macOS, or Linux, or access the cloud service via a web browser. The process typically involves selecting an image, choosing an AI model, and initiating the upscaling.

1Download and install the Upscayl desktop application from upscayl.org.
2Launch the application and drag-and-drop the desired low-resolution image into the interface.
3Select an AI model (e.g., UltraSharp, Remacri, High Fidelity) based on the image type and desired outcome.
4Choose the desired scaling factor (e.g., 2x, 4x, or custom width for up to 16x).
5Click the 'Upscayl' button to begin the local processing.
6Save the enhanced, high-resolution image to your preferred location.

pricing

Upscayl Pricing & Plans

Upscayl operates on a freemium model, offering a fully functional, free, and open-source desktop application for local image processing. An optional cloud service is available for users seeking enhanced features, faster processing, and additional models, with specific pricing details available on the Upscayl website.

Free: Free desktop application with local processing and core upscaling features.

Pros

+Free and open-source desktop application with no watermarks or usage limits.
+Processes images locally, ensuring data privacy and offline functionality.
+High-quality image enhancement, transforming low-resolution images into sharper visuals.
+Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for various skill levels.
+Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
+Includes multiple AI models (e.g., UltraSharp, Remacri, High Fidelity) for diverse image types.

Cons

−Requires a Vulkan-compatible GPU for optimal performance; CPU fallback can be significantly slower.
−Cannot perfectly recover details from extremely poor-quality images; 'invents detail' rather than restoring it.
−Fine natural details like grass or feathers can sometimes appear artificial after upscaling.
−AI models may not always perform optimally with human faces.
−Some users note that model updates may not be as frequent as certain paid alternatives, potentially impacting noise reduction capabilities.

Policies

Pricing Page

View Pricing→

Similar Tools

Upscayl vs Competitors

Upscayl distinguishes itself in the AI image upscaling market primarily through its free, open-source, and local processing capabilities for its desktop application. This offers a strong value proposition compared to many proprietary alternatives.

Waifu2x-Extension-GUI↗

This tool supports multiple AI upscaling algorithms including Waifu2x, Real-ESRGAN, Real-CUGAN, and Anime4K, and can process images, GIFs, and videos.

Waifu2x-Extension-GUI offers broader algorithm support and the ability to upscale videos and GIFs, which Upscayl primarily focuses on Real-ESRGAN for static images. It is primarily a Windows-only application, unlike Upscayl's cross-platform availability.

Deep Art Effects Pro↗

This desktop upscaler offers fully offline AI upscaling with unlimited usage after purchase, prioritizing privacy and user control by processing all images locally.

Unlike Upscayl's freemium model (free desktop, paid cloud), Deep Art Effects Pro is a paid desktop application. It emphasizes privacy with all processing done locally and no usage limits, similar to Upscayl's free desktop version but without a cloud option.

waifu2x-caffe↗

This is a dedicated desktop application for Windows, specifically implementing the Waifu2x algorithm, which is renowned for its effectiveness in upscaling anime-style art and illustrations.

Waifu2x-caffe primarily focuses on the Waifu2x algorithm, which excels with anime and illustrations, whereas Upscayl uses Real-ESRGAN, a more general-purpose upscaling model. It is a Windows-only application.

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GitHubgithub.upscayl.org/