Side by side

chaiNNer vs waifu2x

Both stand on image upscaling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

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. Look elsewhere if you rely on ONNX DirectML or need an actively staffed development pace.

Visit chaiNNer

waifu2x

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

waifu2x offers free web and local workflows for enlarging artwork and photos, with adjustable denoising and documented batch tools. Its web limits and the browser version’s lack of 4x scaling matter when processing larger images.

Visit waifu2x

The facts

	chaiNNer	waifu2x
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Windows	Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	2
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	chainner.app	waifu2x.net
On image upscaling software	#15 of 99	#11 of 99

chaiNNer: what it does well

AI upscaling supports up to 8x scale.
Batch processing and video frames are supported.
Chains can branch, loop, and perform math.
Saved chains can run from the command line.
Free under a GPLv3 hobby-project model.

What to know first

The Alpha v0.25.1 macOS download may trigger an installation warning.
ONNX DirectML support is currently broken.
Development is at reduced capacity.

waifu2x: what it does well

Free and open source under an MIT license
Five selectable noise-reduction levels
Supports batch conversion through local tools
Web, Windows, macOS, Linux availability
PNG and WebP output options

What to know first

Main web uploads are limited to 5 MB
Main-site upscaling limit is 1500×1500 pixels
Browser version does not support 4x upscaling
Noise reduction can worsen images without noise

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