Upscayl AI Review: Pricing, Pros&Cons, and Alternatives 2025

Upscayl uses advanced AI algorithms, specifically models like Real-ESRGAN, to enlarge low-resolution, blurry, or pixelated images. It is a great choice for individuals, photographers, and graphic designers looking to improve the quality of their low-resolution images. It is the aim of this guide to provide a holistic upscayl ai review.

Part 1: What is Upscayl - AI Image Upscaler?

Upscayl - AI Image Upscaler is a free and open-source application that utilizes artificial intelligence to enlarge and enhance low-resolution images. It essentially takes blurry, pixelated, or small images and intelligently "guesses" and adds missing details to make them appear sharper, clearer, and much higher in resolution. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

AI-Powered Upscaling: Instead of simply stretching pixels (which leads to a blocky, blurry mess), Upscayl uses sophisticated AI models (like Real-ESRGAN) trained on vast datasets of images. These models learn patterns and relationships in images, allowing them to intelligently fill in missing information when an image is scaled up.

Resolution Enhancement: The primary goal is to increase the number of pixels in an image, effectively making it larger without sacrificing quality. This is crucial for:

• Printing: Making small photos suitable for larger prints.
• Digital Displays: Improving images for high-resolution screens.
• Restoration: Breathing new life into old, low-quality photographs.
• Content Creation: Enhancing visuals for websites, social media, and presentations.

Image Quality Improvement: Beyond just increasing size, Upscayl can also help:

• Remove Compression Artifacts: Reduce blockiness or blurring caused by image compression (like JPEGs).
• Sharpen Details: Make edges and textures appear crisper.
• Restore Lost Details: Recover information that might have been lost in a low-resolution version.

Part 2: Key Features & Testing Methodology of Upscayl AI

Upscayl AI is a powerful tool, and its key features and how its performance is typically assessed are crucial for understanding its capabilities and limitations. It stands out for offering professional-grade upscaling capabilities in a free and open-source package. Here are its key features and testing methodology:

Part 3: Hands-On Performance Review of Upscayl AI

Upscayl AI, both the desktop application and its cloud counterpart, has garnered significant attention for its ability to enhance image resolution using AI. Here's a hands-on review and actual test of zoom effect:

1Portrait test: Skin texture/hair detail restoration (with Before/After comparison pictures)

• Launch the Upscayl AI application and click "Select Image" and navigate to it.

• Choose an AI Model.

• Select Upscale Factor: Start with 2x or 4x. For very low-res images, even 2x can show a significant difference.

• Set output folder and click "Upscayl" and let the magic happen.

2Text screenshot test: Text sharpness and distortion control

• Open the Upscayl AI application.

• Select your low-resolution text screenshot(s) into the Upscayl window.

• Choose AI Model (Most Important for Text!).

• Select Upscale Factor: Start with 4x. This is usually enough to show significant changes. Choose output folder and click "Upscayl".

• Wait for the processing to complete.

3Landscape test: Color transition and noise suppression

• Open the Upscayl AI desktop application.
• Select one of your chosen landscape test images.
• Choose AI Model: This is critical for landscapes.

• Select Upscale Factor: Start with 2x or 4x. These are the most common and often provide the best balance of quality and processing time. Set output folder and click "Upscayl".
• Allow the process to complete.

4GPU vs CPU rendering time comparison

• Launch Upscayl and go to settings.

• Scroll down to GPU and make sure it is turned on.

• Select your test image.
• Select your chosen AI model and upscale factor.
• Start a Timer: Use a stopwatch (on your phone, a desktop app, or even simply note the start and end times).
• Click "Upscayl."
• Monitor: Observe your GPU usage. It should spike significantly (often to 90-100%).

• Record Time: Note down the exact time it takes for the upscaling process to complete. This one took 55 seconds.

5Batch processing efficiency test

• Launch Upscayl.
• On the left sidebar of the Upscayl interface, you'll see a toggle for "Batch Upscayl." Make sure this is enabled.

• Click the "Select Folder" button and navigate to the folder containing your test images. Select the folder.

• Select model and click the "Select Output Folder" button and choose the empty folder you prepared for the upscaled images.

• Start the Timer: Use a stopwatch (phone, desktop app) or simply note the exact start time. And click "Upscayl."
• Monitor Progress and Performance: Upscayl will usually show a progress bar or count as it processes images.

• Once Upscayl reports that the batch processing is complete, stop your timer and calculate the total elapsed time.

6Output quality score (Detail retention, Speed, Ease of use)

Here’s a comparison table showing Upscayl AI’s output quality scores across key performance metrics:

Part 4: Pros & Cons of Upscaylp AI

Upscayl AI has quickly become a popular choice for image upscaling due to its powerful AI algorithms and accessible nature. However, like any tool, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here's a breakdown of the Pros and Cons of Upscayl AI:

Part 5: Best Alternatives to Upscayl

While Upscayl is an excellent free and open-source AI image upscaler, several alternatives exist, catering to different needs, budgets, and operating systems. These alternatives can be broadly categorized into desktop applications and online/cloud-based services. Here's a table comparing popular Upscayl AI alternatives:

Part 6: Upscayl vs Topaz Gigapixel

Upscayl and Topaz Gigapixel AI are both excellent AI image upscaling tools, but they cater to slightly different user bases and priorities. Here's a table with detailed comparison: