The best AI image upscalers in 2026 are Topaz Gigapixel for the highest-quality desktop upscaling, Let’s Enhance for easy online upscaling and print preparation, Real-ESRGAN as a free, open-source option for technical users, and Adobe Photoshop’s built-in AI upscaling for Creative Cloud users. AI upscalers add realistic detail when enlarging images, far beyond traditional resizing.
Part of the AI Image Tools directory. Last updated September 2026.
AI Image Upscalers at a Glance
| Tool | Best For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Topaz Gigapixel | Maximum quality for photographers | Desktop app with several AI models |
| Let’s Enhance | Easy online upscaling and print | Browser-based, with batch processing |
| Real-ESRGAN | Free, open-source upscaling | Requires technical setup |
| Adobe Photoshop | Creative Cloud users | AI upscaling built in |
The Top AI Image Upscalers
Topaz Gigapixel
Topaz Gigapixel is a leading desktop upscaler, with models tuned for faces, landscapes, low-resolution images, and AI-generated art. Topaz upscaling is also offered inside some creative platforms, such as Runway.
Let’s Enhance
Let’s Enhance upscales images in the browser and helps prepare them for print, with batch processing for larger jobs.
Real-ESRGAN
Real-ESRGAN is a widely used open-source upscaling model that you can run locally. It is free but suited to users comfortable with technical setup.
Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop includes AI-powered upscaling, convenient if you already work in Adobe’s apps.
How to Get the Best Results
- Start with the best original you have. Upscalers improve images but cannot recover detail that was never captured.
- Choose the right model for faces, text, or artwork where the tool offers options.
- Check for artifacts such as waxy skin or invented details, especially on faces.
- Be honest about upscaled images in contexts such as evidence or journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AI image upscaler?
Topaz Gigapixel is widely regarded as the highest quality. Let’s Enhance is easier for occasional online use.
Can AI upscale images for printing?
Yes. AI upscalers are commonly used to prepare images for large prints; check the result at full size before printing.
Is there a free AI image upscaler?
Real-ESRGAN is free and open source. Several online tools also offer limited free upscales.