ToolFlock

Upscayl

Upscayl is a free, open-source desktop app that upscales low-resolution images with AI models on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its makers also run Upscayl Cloud, a paid credit-based online version that works on any device.

#40 in Image & Design ToolsImage UpscalersFree plan

Who it's for

Best for

  • Anyone who wants free upscaling without uploading photos
  • Hobbyists restoring old photos and art

Not for

  • Pros who need dependable results on faces and video
  • Owners of computers lacking a Vulkan-capable graphics card

Pricing

Free plan$0
Cloud Pro$24.99/mo

Features

  • AI upscaling up to 16x

    Upscayl enlarges images up to 16x and offers a choice of several AI models for different kinds of images.

  • Batch Upscayl

    Batch Upscayl processes a whole folder of images in one go instead of one file at a time.

  • Double Upscayl

    Double Upscayl runs an image through the model twice for a larger, cleaner result.

  • Free desktop app for every OS

    The open-source desktop app runs on Linux, macOS and Windows and is free to download and keep.

  • Upscayl Cloud

    Upscayl Cloud upscales online on desktop, tablet or phone with monthly credits, up to 256MP on the Pro plan.

What users say

Pros

  • Free and open-source software with image upscaling results comparable to paid tools like Topaz.
  • It runs on a local Windows, Mac or Linux computer, so images stay on the machine and cloud credits are skipped.
  • It is a plug-and-play fix for low-res old photos, posters and art.

Cons

  • Results can disappoint: faces and text get mangled, and some images gain little real detail.
  • The Mac App Store version costs about $12.
  • Needs a Vulkan-capable GPU; most integrated graphics and CPU-only machines cannot run it.
  • Slow: one image takes several minutes, and higher scale factors take longer still.
  • It will not rescue out-of-focus shots, and does no retouching, color or beautifying work.

A selection of the review sources we used:

Summarized from public user reviews and community discussions. View details

Global Traffic Rank

Top 500k

Alternatives

UpscaylLeonardo.AiBigjpgLet's Enhance
Rank#40 in category#6 in category#8 in category#9 in category
Free planYesYesYesYes
ProFree, private, open-source upscaling that runs on a local PCCrisp, detailed images, with realistic photos a standoutClean free-tier upscales, low detail loss, repeat free useText-safe upscaling, photo restoration, Gentle mode, quick support
Better forUpscaling digital art and anime online without needing a dedicated Vulkan graphics cardRestoring and colorising old photos, and preserving small text and diagrams without distortion
Weaker atBatch upscaling for free, restricting unpaid accounts to 4× scaling and 5MB file sizesUpscaling offline for free without watermarks, mandatory cloud credits, or paid subscriptions