waifu2x
waifu2x is a free, open-source image upscaler and noise remover by developer nagadomi, built for anime-style art and also usable on photos. It runs on the official waifu2x.net site, in the browser at unlimited.waifu2x.net, or locally from the code on GitHub.
#46 in Image & Design ToolsImage UpscalersFree plan
Who it's for
Best for
Artists cleaning up anime art and sketches
Anyone who wants a free upscaler with no account
Not for
People who need sharp results on real-world photos
Features
Artwork, scan and photo styles
Pick the Artwork, Artwork/Scans or Photo style so the model fits the kind of image uploaded.
JPEG noise reduction
Remove JPEG artifacts at five noise reduction levels, from None and Low up to High and Highest.
Runs in the browser
unlimited.waifu2x.net is the official in-browser version, which runs the model on the local computer.
Open source on GitHub
The code and models are open source on GitHub, so waifu2x can be installed and run locally.
What users say
Pros
- Produces cleaner upscales for anime and 2D artwork than newer AI tools.
- It cleans up blurry or noisy drawings, sketches and line art while keeping their drawn texture.
- It stays close to the original instead of inventing new detail.
Cons
- Output can look soft, wobbly or uneven next to sharper modern upscalers, especially on small images.
- Game textures and video frames run through it take on an unnatural, smeared appearance.
- Third-party mobile versions lock processing and higher resolutions behind subscription paywalls.
- Struggles to repair heavily compressed illustrations when the original file is unavailable.
A selection of the review sources we used:
Summarized from public user reviews and community discussions. View details
Global Traffic Rank
Top 500k
Alternatives
Rank#46 in category#6 in category#8 in category#9 in category
Free planYesYesYesYes
ProFree, faithful upscaling and denoising loved for anime artCrisp, 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 forEnlarging images up to 16× and batch processing multiple files.Restoring damaged photos and upscaling real-world images up to 16×.
Weaker atNavigating settings through an English interface without guesswork.Preserving original hand-drawn textures in 2D illustrations.