The Upscayl app is a completely free, open-source desktop AI image upscaler that enhances low-resolution photos and images to higher quality using advanced AI models. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it runs entirely locally on your computer (no cloud processing), supporting batch upscaling, multiple AI models for different styles (like General Photo, Digital Art, or Anime), and resolutions up to 16x or more. Users simply drag-and-drop images, select a model and scale factor, and get crisp, detailed results—perfect for photographers, designers, game modders, archivists, or anyone restoring old photos, enlarging artwork, or preparing images for print without paying subscription fees.
Is Upscayl App Free or Paid?
The Upscayl app is 100% free and open-source with no paid tiers, subscriptions, watermarks, or usage limits. You download it once from the official site or GitHub and use it forever without any cost or account required. All core features—including the latest AI models, batch processing, and high-scale upscaling—work completely free. There is a separate cloud beta version (Upscayl Cloud) with credits and paid plans, but the main desktop Upscayl app remains fully free.
Upscayl App Pricing Details
Since the core Upscayl desktop app is entirely free, there are no subscription plans or pricing tiers for the primary tool.
| Plan Name | Price (Monthly / Yearly) | Main Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free (Desktop App) | $0 | Unlimited local upscaling, multiple AI models (General, Digital Art, Anime, etc.), batch processing, up to 16x scale, no watermarks, offline use | Photographers, designers, hobbyists, anyone wanting free high-quality image enlargement on desktop |
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Best Alternatives to Upscayl App
While Upscayl stands out for being free and local, several other AI image upscalers offer similar or specialized capabilities with different trade-offs in cost, features, or processing method.
| Alternative Tool Name | Free or Paid | Key Feature | How it compares to Upscayl App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topaz Gigapixel AI | Paid (one-time ~$99) | Professional-grade upscaling with face recovery & noise reduction | Superior detail & artifact handling for pro work; paid vs Upscayl’s completely free model |
| LetsEnhance.io | Freemium + Paid | Cloud-based upscaling, smart enhancement, bulk processing | Excellent automatic improvements; requires internet & has credit limits vs Upscayl’s offline unlimited use |
| Waifu2x (extensions) | Free (open-source) | Specialized for anime/art upscaling with noise reduction | Great for illustrated content; narrower focus than Upscayl’s general-purpose models |
| HitPaw Photo Enhancer | Paid (one-time/sub) | AI upscaling, colorization, restoration tools | Strong for old photo repair; paid software vs Upscayl’s no-cost open-source approach |
| ESRGAN-based tools (e.g., Real-ESRGAN) | Free (open-source) | High-quality local upscaling via models | Similar local/offline capability; more technical setup required compared to Upscayl’s user-friendly GUI |
| Magnific AI | Paid (subscription) | Creative upscaling with artistic control | Exceptional stylized enlargements; cloud-based with cost vs Upscayl’s free local processing |
Pros and Cons of Upscayl App
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source with no limits, watermarks, or subscriptions required
- Runs 100% locally on your computer—privacy-focused with no images uploaded to the cloud
- Supports multiple high-quality AI models optimized for photos, digital art, anime, and more
- Batch processing makes it easy to upscale dozens or hundreds of images at once
- Cross-platform availability for Windows, macOS (including Apple Silicon), and Linux
- Active community and regular updates keep models and performance improving over time
Cons:
- Requires a decent GPU (especially NVIDIA) for fast processing—CPU-only mode is much slower
- No automatic enhancement features like noise reduction or color correction in all models
- Interface is simple but lacks some pro-level controls found in paid tools
- Model selection and settings can require trial-and-error for best results on specific images
- No cloud backup or mobile support—desktop-only application
- Occasional artifacts or over-sharpening depending on the chosen model and scale factor