Head-to-head · Image Upscaling Software
Real-ESRGAN vs LetsEnhance
Real-ESRGAN leads on 1 check, LetsEnhance on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreReal-ESRGAN · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
Real-ESRGAN scores higher on our rubric for image upscaling software: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.
Real-ESRGAN offers desktop app; LetsEnhance doesn't.
Real-ESRGAN is the better fit for free open-source super-resolution. LetsEnhance is the better fit for high-resolution commercial image processing.
- Real-ESRGAN fits best
Free open-source super-resolution
- LetsEnhance fits best
High-resolution commercial image processing
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Side by side
| Feature | Real-ESRGAN 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | LetsEnhance 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Image Upscaling Software | #5 in Image Upscaling Software |
| Best for | Free open-source super-resolution | High-resolution commercial image processing |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $9/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web |
| Support | Email, Community | Email, Live chat |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Real-ESRGAN 2/3 · LetsEnhance 2/3 | ||
| Batch processing | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Desktop app | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Upscaling method | Ai | Ai |
| Maximum scale | Custom | Custom |
| Input formats | JPG, PNG, WEBP | JPG, PNG, WebP |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Real-ESRGAN is an open-source project for AI-based image and video super-resolution. It is aimed at users who want local workflows for enlarging and restoring general images, anime images, or video, with portable executables for Windows,… Read the review → |
LetsEnhance is a web-based AI image upscaling and enhancement service for photographers, artists, e-commerce teams, print businesses, and other users who need larger or clearer images. It supports JPG, PNG, and WebP inputs, with… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Real-ESRGAN — where it wins
- Arbitrary scaling, batch processing, and tiled inference
- Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and web workflows
- Handles alpha-channel, grayscale, and 16-bit images
Where it doesn't
- Local workflows require installation and execution setup
- Advanced face enhancement depends on GFPGAN integration
- Its model focus is restoration and super-resolution rather than broad editing
LetsEnhance — where it wins
- Upscales from 2x to 16x with outputs up to 512 megapixels
- Specialized models cover portraits, products, text, art, and old photos
- Batch processing, print preparation, and API access support larger workflows
Where it doesn't
- Free outputs include a watermark
- Paid usage is credit-based rather than unlimited
- API access runs through the separate Claid.ai platform
- Real-ESRGAN9.4/10 · Free plan
A flexible open-source upscaler for local image, anime, and video workflows.
Visit Real-ESRGANFull verdict → - LetsEnhance8.9/10 · Free plan
A flexible AI upscaler for commercial images, print preparation, and batch workflows.
Visit LetsEnhanceFull verdict →
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- NextGenUp vs LetsEnhance
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All image upscaling software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





