Free and open first

Best Image Upscaling Software in 2026

Image upscaling software is for enlarging images, with different tools offering different processing options and limits. Compare maximum scale, upscaling method, and supported input formats; batch processing, a desktop app, and API access can also shape how a tool fits your workflow. Real-ESRGAN, NextGenUp, and Bigjpg are among the entries to compare. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing offer further context. Consider the kinds of files you need to enlarge, whether you process images individually or in batches, and how you prefer to access the software. The listed formats, methods, and access options can help you weigh the available approaches.

99 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Real-ESRGAN

Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

Real-ESRGAN offers restoration models, portable executables and a Python implementation with broader scaling options.

9.0 Free plan Visit site
2

Chatterbox TTS
by Chatterbox TTS
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2

Chatterbox offers several open-source model choices, with documented installation paths and device options.

8.5 Free plan Visit site
3

NextGenUp

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

NextGenUp combines local processing with image and video enlargement, face restoration, and a non-enlarging Enhance mode.

7.7 Free plan Visit site
4

Krea Enhancer

Free plan APIiPhoneSelf-hosted+1

Choose Krea Enhancer if you need AI image sharpening and upscaling with batch processing, several supported formats, or API access.

7.7 Free plan · paid from $9/mo Visit site
5

Bigjpg
by Bigjpg
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

Bigjpg provides image enlargement controls, noise reduction, and support for both photos and artwork.

7.6 Free plan · paid from $6 Visit site
6

PixelPanda Image Upscaler

Free plan APIExtensionWeb

PixelPanda pairs a free, limited daily upscaler with a broader set of image and video tools. The free allowance is capped, while paid plans include commercial rights for created content.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $1.99 Visit site
7

SupaRes
by SupaRes
Free plan APIWeb

SupaRes offers API-based AI upscaling with a free quota and several paid credit allowances. Review the credit, megapixel, and user limits to find a plan that matches your expected use.

7.4 Free plan · paid from $9/mo Visit site
8

Upscal
by Upscal
Free plan iPhoneMacWindows

Upscal combines local photo and video enhancement, batch processing, and offline use after setup. Its results depend on the input and device, and it cannot recreate missing detail.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
9

SuperImage
by SuperImage
Free plan AndroidMacWindows

Choose SuperImage if you want local AI upscaling and enhancement, especially for batches or custom models.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
10

Imglarger

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1

Imglarger combines AI image workflows with browser editing and conversion tools. The Free plan has defined credit, input-size and scale limits; paid plans add higher allowances and batch processing.

7.4 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo Visit site
11

waifu2x

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

waifu2x offers free web and local workflows for enlarging artwork and photos, with adjustable denoising and documented batch tools.

7.4 Open source Visit site
12

Deep Image
by Deep Image
Free plan APIWeb

Deep-Image.ai combines image enhancement, generation, and API access, with a broad set of listed tools. Download processed images before the 40-day gallery retention period ends.

7.3 From $0.04 Visit site
13

Image Upscaler

Free plan APIWeb

Image Upscaler offers online AI tools for image editing, with a limited free allowance and paid monthly credit plans.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $9.90/mo Visit site
14

Adima Image Upscaler Pro
by Adima Image Upscaler Pro
Free plan AndroidWindows

Adima Image Upscaler Pro offers batch image upscaling, multiple output formats, and a free allowance.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $7.99/mo Visit site
15

chaiNNer

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose chaiNNer if you want a free desktop node editor for flexible image-processing chains, with model-engine options and command-line use.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
16

Hotpot AI Upscale Photo

Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

Hotpot AI Upscale Photo combines browser uploads, batch processing, API access, and self-hosting.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
17

Ximilar Image Upscaler
by Ximilar Image Upscaler
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb

Ximilar Image Upscaler combines bulk processing, two model options, and asynchronous API requests.

7.3 Free plan · paid from $69/mo Visit site
18

Real-CUGAN

Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+3

Real-CUGAN offers anime-focused upscaling with multiple enlargement levels and enhancement strengths.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
19

Clipdrop
by Clipdrop
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1

7.3 Free plan Visit site
20

Media.io AI Image Upscaler

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1

Media.io offers browser-based enlargement with several scale choices, broad format support, and mobile and API access.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
21

PicWish Image Upscaler
by PicWish Image Upscaler
Free plan API

7.2 Free plan Visit site
22

LetsEnhance
by LetsEnhance
Free plan API

LetsEnhance offers multiple upscale factors, custom dimensions, and several enhancement modes, with batch processing and API access.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $9/mo (annual) Visit site
23

Upscale.media
by Upscale.media
Free plan API

Upscale.media offers browser-based image enhancement, batch processing, and API access, with a free plan and paid credit options.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $5.99 Visit site
24

Upsampler
by Upsampler
Free plan API

Choose Upsampler if you need AI image upscaling through an API and want batch processing or a custom maximum scale.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $15/mo Visit site
25

LosslessImage
by LosslessImage
Free plan MacWindows

Choose LosslessImage if you want desktop photo enlargement, batch processing, and Windows AI enhancement tools.

7.2 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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