Side by side
Cupscale vs HitPaw Image Enhancement API
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.
Free plan Windows
Cupscale provides a broad set of local upscaling and comparison tools without paid plans or stated usage limits. Its Windows-only distribution and 4x ceiling define the main boundaries.
Visit Cupscale Free plan API
HitPaw provides a broad image-enhancement API with multiple models, formats, and resolution bands. Its free access and per-image pricing support trials, while rate limits and model-specific size limits require planning.
Visit HitPaw Image Enhancement APIThe facts
| Cupscale | HitPaw Image Enhancement API | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | API |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 22 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | developer.hitpaw.com |
| On image upscaling software | #55 of 99 | #59 of 99 |
Cupscale: what it does well
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Supports up to 4x AI upscaling
- Processes batches of supported image formats
- Offers CUDA, Vulkan/NCNN and CPU backends
- Creates comparison images and animations
What to know first
- Windows platform only
- Maximum scale is 4x
- Temporary files default to installation directory
- Protected folders are discouraged for installation
HitPaw Image Enhancement API: what it does well
- Supports upscaling up to 8x
- Accepts and returns nine image formats
- Standard models handle up to 70 MP input
- MCP server supports Claude Desktop and Cursor
- Free plan includes 5,000 credits
What to know first
- Rate limits can return HTTP 429
- Generative models support only up to 34 MP
- API key required in Apikey header
- Free-credit amounts differ between product page and FAQ
Alternatives to Cupscale Alternatives to HitPaw Image Enhancement API The whole list