8 Best AI Image Upscalers to Enhance Photo Quality

Last Updated: 2024. 09. 26

Photography is an art of imperfection. Even professionals can’t take a photo in the right size, and the best quality every single time.

In the previous decade, we rely on PhotoShop to enhance images. Today, AI image upscalers are powerful enough to turn your low-resolution photos to stunning, high-resolution visuals.

Whether you are a professional photographer, a designer, or someone who just wishes their photos to look the best, the right AI image upscaler is of great help. In this post, we will explore the 8 best image upscalers. Let’s dive in and elevate your image.

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What’s an AI Image Upscaler

Upscaling a photo means enlarging the photo dimensions (width and height) and size. Traditionally, photo editing software just stretches the pixels, which might lead to blurry or low-quality results.

AI image upscalers are the complete game changer. They are trained on massive datasets containing pairs of low-resolution and corresponding high-resolution images. Based on the trained resources, AI learns the patterns, the textures, the details, and what sets high-quality images and lower-resolution images apart.

Whenever a lower-resolution image is uploaded, AI image enhancers will first try to understand the image structure first, predict the value of new pixels and reconstruct high-frequency details, resulting in sharper, more detailed images.

Amazed by the AI Image Upscaler

Amazed by the AI Image Upscaler

Yet, AI image upscalers are not good at handling blurring images. They can make mistakes and twist some details of low-resolution images. That’s a limitation for all products in the market.

1. FlexClip

FlexClip is one of the easiest-to-use AI image upscalers online. No matter what size, or format your photo is, you can upscale it up to 4 times and export in PNG, a generally more supported format.

FlexClip AI Image Upscaler Overview
Upscale An Image Now

As you can tell, FlexClip can successfully upscale a photo without losing its original quality or distorting some of the details of the image. And the output is even slightly sharper than the original photo.

Original Photo 384*216 pixels

Original Photo 384*216 pixels

Upscaled by 2X 768*432 pixels

Upscaled by 2X 768*432 pixels

Along with the upscaler tool, FlexClip also comes with AI old photo restoration and photo colorizer tools which help remove artifacts and colorize photos. Explore all methods to enhance your photos at FlexClip!

FlexClip Restore Old Photos

FlexClip Restore Old Photos

Key Features

  • Upscale photos up to 4X in size without distorting any details.
  • Remove artifacts from old photos and recolor them.
  • Faster processing speed than any other AI image upscalers.
  • Browsing generation history to find the most satisfying output.
  • Cons

  • FlexClip can’t help upscaling blurring, or low-resolution images.
  • You can’t upscale photos in batch at FlexClip.

    Pricing

    Try FlexClip with 3 free upscales. After that, 2 tokens are needed for each upscale. If you need to use the AI photo colorizer or old photo restoration tool, 2 more tokens are needed. Here are some of the top-paid plans.

  • 200 credits for $4.99
  • 450 credits for $9.99
  • 700 credits for $14.99
  • 950 credits for $19.99
  • All plans are one-time fee and all tokens will expire after 12 months.

    2. Canva

    Canva is a renowned graphic design tool that works across both browsers and mobile devices. To offer better graphic design experiences, it integrates with safe, third-party apps, including Image Upscaler. According to the interface, the integrated Image Upscaler tool in Canva increases resolution up to 8 times.

    If you are upscaling images for video projects, posts for social media, Canva saves you from the trouble of figuring out the right dimension. You can set up canvas size according to prompts in one click.

    Canva Image Upscaler Overview

    Canva Image Upscaler Overview

    In addition, Canva offers tons of photo editing options that allow you to edit photos, for instance, removing image backgrounds, adjusting transparency, adding text, etc.

    Canva Edit Photos

    Canva Edit Photos

    Key Features

  • Increase image dimension by up to 8 times for free.
  • Set up image dimensions in advance for social media, video projects, etc.
  • AI photo tools that level up the graphic design process. For example, AI image generator, AI photo colorizer.
  • Basic photo editing features like adding text, adjusting transparency, etc.
  • Cons

  • Canva’s image upscaler is powered by third-party software. So information security is a big problem.
  • It is free to upscale a photo, but the results may vary based on the original image, and there is no deblurring feature.

    Pricing

    It is free to use Canva’s image upscaler. However, some of the other features like AI background removal, AI expand require a subscription starting from $120 per year.

    3. Img.Upscaler

    Img.Upscaler is a suitable tool for a variety of creative projects. Whether you are preparing graphics for social media, presentations, Img.Upscaler helps you maintain clarity when increasing image size. You can go either 200% or 400%.

    Img.Upscaler Overview

    Img.Upscaler Overview

    The Reimage Upscaler tool is why people love this tool. Img.Upscaler is not effective enough, and the output is not the best, Yet, it can upscale images while editing the image via a single prompt. According to our test, Img.Upscaler understands the textual prompt perfectly.

    Original VS Output

    Original VS Output

    Key Features

  • Upscale images by 2 or 4 times.
  • Edit the image using a single prompt and different models.
  • Adjustable creativity and resemblance strength.
  • Other interesting AI tools like Face Swap, object remover.
  • Cons

  • While upscaling, Img.Upscaler may distort some details of the image.
  • Limitations on the image format and size. Currently, you can only upload images in JPG, PNG, WebP smaller than 5MB.

    Pricing

    Free to upscale images to 4000*4000 pixels. To produce images up to 16000*16000 pixels or do batch image upscaling, the subscription plan starts from $3.9.

    4. Gigapixel AI

    Gigapixel AI is a blessing for those who are seeking ways to upscale portrait photos. Utilizing the latest Face Recovery AI, Gigapixel AI is especially great at upscaling images of people up to 600%.

    Most AI image upscalers only enlarge a photo, but Gigapixel goes one step further. It removes the blur from the photo and suppresses noise to enhance all facial details.

    There is also a crop tool for you to use. You can crop part of an image and enlarge it so you don’t miss anything from the image.

    Gigapixel AI Overview

    Gigapixel AI Overview

    Key Features

  • Upscale images by 600% with great ease.
  • Remove blur and noise from a low-resolution image and enhance details, especially for photos of people.
  • Different AI models allow you to explore different outputs.
  • Crop part of an image and enlarge it without missing any details.
  • Cons

  • While it supports batch processing, the number of images that can be processed may be limited.
  • Gigapixel AI can’t provide instant results. It takes long to process all details.

    Pricing

    $99 for a lifetime license.

    5. Fotor

    Fotor is a strong competitor of Canva in terms of photo processing. Currently, it works across browsers and mobile devices.

    While working as an AI photo upscaler, Fotor can enlarge the photo by 2 times, automatically detect noise and blurriness and transform them into high-resolution images.

    Besides the AI image enlarge tool, more AI photo tools are available for you to process your photo. To name a few, turn photo into a painting, remove blur, change the hairstyle. Explore the fun of AI.

    Fotor AI Photo Upscaler Overview

    Fotor AI Photo Upscaler Overview

    Key Features

  • Remove image noises and upscale it up to 4K.
  • Support a large variety of image formats, like JPG, PNG, HEIC, or WebP files.
  • Compare the original photo and the output directly in the preview window.
  • Compare the original photo and the output directly in the preview window.
  • How to Use Fotor to Upscale An Image

    Cons

  • If you stick to the free version of Fotor, you can only get a watermarked output.
  • You need to sign in to explore Fotor’s feature.
  • Pricing

    Free to get watermarked results. Fotor Pro costs $3.33 per month.

    6. CapCut

    CapCut marks revolutionary progress in video editing. With CapCut, it can generate a video from text, automatically create subtitles, etc. You can also upload a photo, enhance it, and use it on your video project.

    As an image upscaler, it can upscale an image by 400% without losing its original look. To make the image sharper, CapCut can even remove noise and add intricate details, resulting in spectacular visuals that are outstanding.

    Use CapCut to Upscale Photos

    Key Features

  • Upscale images up to 4 times, 4K without losing its original look.
  • Denoise the photo and add more details to it.
  • Use the photo for your video project directly.
  • More AI photo tools like AI face beauty, AI background removal, AI cutout, etc.
  • CapCut Original VS Output

    CapCut Original VS Output

    Cons

  • If you are trying to enhance your image on mobile, you can only use the enhanced image for your video project.
  • CapCut can upscale an image to 4K, but the results may vary according to the original photo.

    Pricing

    Free to upscale photos. To use the photo on the video project and export in high resolution, you need to subscribe at $7.99 per month.

    7. PhotoDirector

    PhotoDirector has everything you need to make great photos. Different from any other tools which separate the enhanced tools, PhotoDirector suppresses grainy noise, unblurs, and upscales the photo in just one click.

    Other interesting AI tools of PhotoDirector include AI headshot, AI photo retouching for the face and body, AI photo background extension. With PhotoDirector, the only limitation is your creativity.

    PhotoDirector AI Image Upscaler App

    PhotoDirector AI Image Upscaler App

    Key Features

  • Upscale, remove blur and noise in just one click.
  • Make retouch edits to your photo like removing moles, and wrinkles, and strengthening the legs.
  • Generate brand new images from text prompts.
  • Generate headshots from existing photos.
  • Cons

  • Steep learning curve for beginners.
  • There are limitations on export quality in the free version, affecting final output options.

    Pricing

    AI enlarge tool is available in the free version, but according to our test, it doesn’t work. It is better to subscribe to PhotoDirector at $6.99 per month.

    8. Remini

    Remini has all the means you can think of to give your image or photo a new lease of life. Remini’s incredible, movie-grade AI technology can help enlarge your photo and video by 2X. On top of that, Remini can instantly enhance photo details, colors, and clarity and the results are significantly shaper and dazzlingly defined than you could ever imagine.

    If you have enhanced your selfie with Remini, you are then able to generate high-quality photos of yourself in different backgrounds, with the help of AI. Perfect for both personal and business use.

    Remini AI Image Upscaler App

    Remini AI Image Upscaler App

    Key Features

  • Enlarge and enhance photo quality according to your needs.
  • Edit your portrait by using the face beauty filters.
  • Generate professional business photos out of an ordinary portrait.
  • Cons

  • Depending on the server load, processing images can sometimes take a while.
  • The results may vary based on the original image quality and content.

    Pricing

    Free to expand images and export with a watermark. Subscription price starts from $4.99 per month. There are also in-app purchases costing $2.99 - $9.99 per item.

    FAQs About AI Image Upscaler

    1. What types of images can be upscaled?

    Most images, including photographs, digital art, and illustrations, can be upscaled using AI image upscalers.

    2. Can I use AI image upscalers for printing?

    Yes, AI upscalers can enhance images for printing, but ensure the final resolution meets the printer’s requirements for best results.

    3. Is there a loss of quality when upscaling images?

    AI upscalers are designed to minimize quality loss, but results may vary depending on the original image’s quality and the upscaling factor. Yet, significant enlargements may lead to less optimal results.

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