Head-to-head · Image Upscaling Software
Upscayl vs ON1 Resize AI
Upscayl leads on 1 check, ON1 Resize AI 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 scoreUpscayl · 9.1/10
- Free planonly Upscayl
- Most featuresUpscayl · 3 of 3
Upscayl scores higher on our rubric for image upscaling software: 9.1 against 7.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #21.
Upscayl offers free plan; ON1 Resize AI doesn't. On upscaling method, ON1 Resize AI gives you Both where Upscayl offers Ai.
Upscayl is the better fit for open-source desktop and cloud users. ON1 Resize AI is the better fit for print-focused photographers.
- Upscayl fits best
Open-source desktop and cloud users
- ON1 Resize AI fits best
Print-focused photographers
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Side by side
| Feature | Upscayl 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | ON1 Resize AI 7.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.3 |
| Ranking | #3 in Image Upscaling Software | #21 in Image Upscaling Software |
| Best for | Open-source desktop and cloud users | Print-focused photographers |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $24.99/mo | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Upscayl 3/3 · ON1 Resize AI 2/3 | ||
| Batch processing | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Upscaling method | Ai | Both |
| Maximum scale | Custom | Custom |
| Input formats | png, jpg, jpeg, jfif, webp | RAW, PSD, PSB, TIFF, JPG, PNG, HEIC |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Upscayl is an AI image upscaling product for creators, designers, artists, developers, businesses, and other image-focused users. Its free, open-source desktop application processes images locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, while… Read the review → |
ON1 Resize AI is desktop photo enlargement software for photographers, designers, and print-focused creative professionals. It combines AI-powered photo upscaling with Genuine Fractals interpolation, including a Diffusion-based Highest… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Upscayl — where it wins
- Free, open-source desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Batch processing, custom models, face enhancement, and double upscaling
- Web, desktop, and API access with cloud storage and AI generation
Where it doesn't
- Cloud subscriptions start at $24.99 per month
- Desktop and Cloud are separate offerings with different workflows
- Cloud usage is credit-based, including a 10-credit free trial
ON1 Resize AI — where it wins
- Combines AI upscaling with Genuine Fractals interpolation
- Includes batch export, tiling, margins, soft proofing, and print presets
- Supports Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Capture One, and other hosts
Where it doesn't
- Paid software with no free plan
- Runs on Windows and macOS desktop systems
- Photo RAW MAX may add apps beyond resizing needs
- Upscayl9.1/10 · Free plan
A flexible upscaler with free local processing and credit-based cloud plans.
Visit UpscaylFull verdict → - ON1 Resize AI7.3/10 · Paid
A print-focused desktop enlarger with AI, Genuine Fractals, batch tools, and creative-workflow plugins.
Visit ON1Full verdict →
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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





