Yes, the Upscayl desktop application is completely free and open-source. It also offers a separate cloud service with enhanced features under a freemium model, though specific pricing for the cloud service is not publicly detailed.

What are the main features of Upscayl?

Key features include AI image upscaling using Real-ESRGAN models, free and open-source desktop application, local image processing, an optional cloud service, batch upscaling, support for up to 16x resolution enhancement, multiple AI model styles, and vast customization options.

How does Upscayl compare to alternatives?

Upscayl stands out due to its free, open-source, and offline desktop application, offering privacy and no usage caps. Unlike paid professional tools like Topaz Gigapixel AI, it's free. Compared to purely cloud-based services like Let's Enhance or Upscale.media, Upscayl provides local processing. It is more general-purpose than specialized tools like Waifu2x-Extension-GUI, which focuses on anime.

AI Tool

Upscayl Review

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

shipped Jul 6, 2026createfreemium

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Why it matters

1Upscayl is a free, open-source desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2It utilizes Real-ESRGAN and other AI models for image enhancement.

3The tool supports resolution enhancement up to 16x.

4The desktop application's most recent significant update is version 2.15.0, released on December 25, 2024.

Specs

API Docs

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GitHub

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API Available

Yes, public API

overview

What is Upscayl?

Upscayl is an AI image upscaler tool developed by the Upscayl project that enables users to enhance the resolution and quality of low-resolution images. It operates locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, utilizing Real-ESRGAN and other AI models with Vulkan-based GPU acceleration. Upscayl uses advanced AI algorithms to enlarge and improve the clarity of images, transforming blurry or pixelated photos into sharper, more detailed versions by reconstructing missing details rather than simple pixel interpolation. The tool also offers Upscayl Cloud, a separate browser-based service providing faster, cloud-based processing and additional features like AI image generation and editing.

features

Key Features of Upscayl

Upscayl provides a comprehensive set of features for AI-powered image upscaling, catering to both local processing needs and cloud-based enhancements.

AI image upscaling using Real-ESRGAN models.
Free and open-source desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Local image processing for privacy and security.
Cloud service for enhanced features, including faster processing and AI image generation.
Batch upscaling for processing multiple images simultaneously.
Supports resolution enhancement up to 16x.
Offers multiple AI model styles optimized for different image types.
Vast customization options for upscaling parameters.
Double upscaling feature for potentially improved quality.
Multi-language support in desktop version 2.15.0, including English, Chinese, and Japanese.

use cases

Who Should Use Upscayl?

Upscayl is designed for a diverse range of users seeking to improve image resolution and quality, from individual creators to professional designers and businesses.

Creators and Artists: For optimizing digital artwork, illustrations, and cleaning up structures while preserving artistic styles.
Businesses and Designers: To upscale images for print-ready quality, product shots, and other professional applications, increasing resolution up to 4x or 16x.
Individuals: For enhancing personal images, improving the quality of old or low-resolution photos, and preserving memories in better detail.
Developers: As an open-source tool, it offers a foundation for integration or customization within other projects.
Restoration Enthusiasts: For recovering details in older or degraded images.

how to use

How to Use Upscayl

Upscayl offers an intuitive interface for both its desktop application and cloud service, allowing users to quickly enhance images.

1Download and install the Upscayl desktop application for Windows, macOS, or Linux from upscayl.org.
2Launch the application and select an image file (e.g., JPG, PNG, JFIF) for upscaling.
3Choose an appropriate AI model from the available options and select the desired upscale factor (e.g., 4x, 16x).
4Optionally, configure advanced settings such as TTA (Test-Time Augmentation) Mode or enable batch processing for multiple images.
5Initiate the upscaling process and save the enhanced image to your desired location.

pricing

Upscayl Pricing & Plans

Upscayl operates on a freemium model, offering a fully functional, free, and open-source desktop application alongside a separate cloud service with enhanced features.

Desktop Application: Free. This tier includes open-source access, local processing on Linux, MacOS, and Windows, up to 16x resolution enhancement, multiple AI models, vast customization options, batch upscaling, and double upscaling.
Cloud Service: Freemium (specific pricing not publicly detailed). This service offers 10x faster processing, color accuracy preservation, several model styles for enhanced quality, unlimited cloud storage, batch upscaling, support for very large resolutions, and universal compatibility across desktop, mobile, and tablet devices.

Pros

+Completely free and open-source desktop application, ensuring privacy and no watermarks.
+Processes images locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, reducing reliance on internet connectivity.
+Utilizes advanced Real-ESRGAN and other AI models for effective detail reconstruction and noise reduction.
+Supports significant resolution enhancement, up to 16x, making images suitable for larger prints.
+Includes batch processing capabilities, allowing multiple images to be upscaled simultaneously.
+Offers a redesigned interface and multi-language support in version 2.15.0, enhancing user experience.

Cons

−The desktop version requires a Vulkan-compatible GPU, which may limit performance on integrated or older hardware.
−Upscaled images are not always perfect and can sometimes exhibit artifacts, distorted small features, or over-sharpening.
−May not perform optimally on heavily blurred images or certain AI-generated images, sometimes softening details.
−Selecting the most effective AI model for specific image types may involve a slight learning curve.
−The cloud service's specific pricing details are not publicly available, making cost comparison difficult.

Policies

Free Tier

Vendor website advertises a free tier.

Pricing Page

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Similar Tools

Upscayl vs Competitors

Upscayl distinguishes itself in the AI image upscaling market primarily through its free, open-source, and offline desktop application, offering a strong value proposition against both premium and other free alternatives.

Topaz Gigapixel AIOn Stork Compare

It is a professional-grade, paid desktop application known for its exceptional quality and advanced AI models for various image types, capable of upscaling up to 16x.

Unlike Upscayl's free and open-source model, Gigapixel AI is a premium, paid software, offering more advanced features and higher quality output, especially for professional use cases like large prints, and processes images locally on your machine.

Let's EnhanceOn Stork Compare

It is a cloud-based AI upscaler offering versatile models optimized for different content types and capable of upscaling up to 16x.

While Upscayl primarily offers a desktop application with local processing, Let's Enhance is a cloud-based service, providing accessibility from any device and a freemium model with a higher maximum upscale factor for professional workflows.

Upscale.mediaOn Stork Compare

It is a completely free, browser-based AI image upscaler that requires no sign-up and processes images quickly without watermarks.

Unlike Upscayl, which is a desktop application with an optional cloud service, Upscale.media is a purely online tool, making it highly accessible for quick, one-off upscales without any installation.

Waifu2x-Extension-GUIOn Stork Compare

This open-source desktop application specializes in upscaling anime and illustrations using a variety of deep learning models like Waifu2x and Real-ESRGAN.

Similar to Upscayl, it's a free, open-source desktop application that processes locally, but it is particularly optimized for anime and line art, whereas Upscayl is more general-purpose.

Upscale-EnhanceOn Stork Compare

It is an open-source tool built on Real-ESRGAN, offering both a Python CLI for cross-platform use with NVIDIA GPUs and a native macOS application leveraging Apple's Neural Engine.

Like Upscayl, it's an open-source, Real-ESRGAN based solution for desktop processing, but it uniquely offers a native macOS app optimized for Apple Silicon without requiring an NVIDIA GPU, and also provides a CLI for advanced users.

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