Upscayl
Free, open-source AI image upscaler that enlarges low-resolution photos up to 16× without losing quality, available as a desktop app or cloud service.
Our take: Upscayl offers a robust, free desktop app for local AI-driven image upscaling, complemented by a cloud service for enhanced features and performance.
Upscayl is a free, open-source AI image upscaler for Windows, macOS and Linux that enlarges low-resolution images. The desktop app needs a Vulkan-compatible graphics card. A separate paid service, Upscayl Cloud, runs in the browser from $9.99 a month for 100 images.
The official Upscayl project is at upscayl.org and on GitHub (upscayl/upscayl). upscayl.app is run by a different company, and upscayl.io calls itself an "official build" but doesn't link to the project. Download Upscayl from upscayl.org or GitHub.
A versatile AI image upscaler with both free and paid options to suit different user needs.
Our score
Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.
Community ratings
Shown for context only. Our score is independent.
Trustpilot2.7 / 5 aggregate · across 1 source
Third-party ratings shown verbatim; aggregate weighted by review volume.
What it is, and why we rate it
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Our takeUpscayl offers a robust, free desktop app for local AI-driven image upscaling, complemented by a cloud service for enhanced features and performance.
Best / not good for
- Photographers needing local upscaling
- Designers seeking free AI tools
- Users with limited budgets
- Users without Vulkan-compatible GPUs
- Those needing advanced cloud features
- Enterprises requiring extensive support
Friction report
Trade-offs to know before signing up.
- Time to valueFast: Quick setup and immediate upscaling with the desktop app.
- Scale breakpointCloud credits may become costly for high-volume users.
- Walled gardenLow: Open-source nature allows for customization and integration.
Upscayl pricing
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop app | Free | Open source (AGPL-3.0) for Windows, macOS and Linux; needs a Vulkan-compatible GPU |
| Cloud trial | $0 | 10 credits after a short trial application |
| Cloud Pro | From $9.99/month (100 credits) | Up to 256 MP output, credits roll over, priority support; 300 or 500 credits for $24.99 or $39.99 |
| Cloud Business | From $79.99/month (1,000 credits) | Up to 512 MP output; 2,500 or 5,000 credits for $199.99 or $299.99 |
| One-time pack | $9.99 for 50 credits | Credits never expire |
From upscayl.org pricing, checked 2 October 2026. One credit upscales one image. Yearly Cloud plans cost less per month. There are no refunds for unused credits after cancelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upscayl really free?
Do I need a GPU to use Upscayl?
Is upscayl.app or upscayl.io the official site?
Can Upscayl fix blurry photos?
Upscayl alternatives
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