Upscayl
Upscayl: A flexible upscaler with free local processing and credit-based cloud plans. Ranked #3 of 99 in Image Upscaling Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source desktop and cloud users.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source desktop and cloud users
- Free planYes
- Paid from$24.99/mo
- Upscaling methodAi
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Upscayl
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 Upscayl Cloud provides browser-based processing without requiring local graphics hardware. The product supports PNG, JPG, JPEG, JFIF, and WebP inputs, with features including multiple AI models, custom model support, batch processing, face enhancement, double upscaling, natural-language image editing, and AI image generation.
The main distinction is between the free desktop application and the credit-based Cloud offering. The Free Trial includes 10 credits. The Pro Plan is listed at $24.99 per month and includes 300 credits monthly, unused-credit rollover, priority support, six months of unlimited storage, upscaling up to 256MP, and AI image generation. Business adds upscaling for images up to 512MP, while Custom offers a custom credit amount, priority email and chat support, AI image generation, and unlimited storage. The published plans show paid Cloud features are designed for users who need browser-based processing, storage, or higher-capacity workflows.
Platform coverage is a notable strength: Upscayl is available on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and through an API. Local desktop processing suits users who want a free workflow built around their own computer, while Cloud extends access to browser and programmatic use. Multiple models and custom model support give technically oriented users more control than a single-model tool. Choose Upscayl if open-source desktop access, local processing, batch work, or model flexibility matters. Consider another option if you want one unified product experience or prefer unlimited cloud processing without credit-based plans.
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Upscayl pricing
All 4 Upscayl plans and prices →
Upscayl fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $24.99/mo |
| Upscaling method | Ai |
| Maximum scale | Custom |
| Batch processing | Yes |
| API access | Yes |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Input formats | png, jpg, jpeg, jfif, webp |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | upscayl.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Upscayl
- Real-ESRGANA flexible open-source upscaler for local image, anime, and video workflows.9.4
- NextGenUpA capable local upscaler with broad enhancement tools and no subscription.9.3
- PicWish Image UpscalerA flexible upscaler for creative teams that need both apps and API scale.9.0
See all Upscayl alternatives →
Upscayl vs the competition
- Upscayl vs Real-ESRGAN
- Upscayl vs PicWish Image Upscaler
- Upscayl vs LetsEnhance
- Upscayl vs Krea Enhancer
- Upscayl vs SupaRes
- Upscayl vs PixelPanda Image Upscaler
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Also Ranked In
Upscayl is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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