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Updated January 2026

Best AI Upscalers 2025

Transform low-resolution images and videos into stunning high-quality content with the most powerful AI upscaling tools available

See Full Rankings Try Free - 10 Credits

Finding the Right AI Upscaler

AI upscaling technology has revolutionized how we enhance image and video quality. Whether you're restoring old photos, preparing content for 4K displays, or enhancing social media visuals, choosing the right AI upscaler can make the difference between mediocre and exceptional results. Modern AI upscalers use advanced neural networks to intelligently add detail and clarity while maintaining natural-looking results. With 23 different AI upscaling tools available, each offering unique strengths in speed, quality, and specialization, finding the perfect match for your needs requires understanding what sets each tool apart. Some excel at portrait enhancement, others at video upscaling, and many offer specialized features for different content types. We've tested every major AI upscaler to help you make an informed decision. This comprehensive guide ranks the top 10 AI upscalers based on output quality, processing speed, value for credits, ease of use, and specialized capabilities. All tools operate on a pay-as-you-go model, giving you flexibility to test and use only what you need without subscription commitments.
🎯

Output Quality

The clarity, detail preservation, and natural appearance of upscaled results across different content types

⚡

Processing Speed

How quickly the tool processes images or videos, crucial for batch work and professional workflows

💰

Credit Value

The balance between credit cost and output quality, ensuring you get maximum value per upscale

🎨

Specialization

Whether the tool excels at specific tasks like portraits, videos, or general-purpose upscaling

Quick Navigation

#1 Recraft Crisp Upscale #2 WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler #3 Google Upscaler #4 Clarity Upscaler #5 Topaz Image Upscaler #6 Bria Increase Resolution #7 Ideogram Upscale #8 WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler #9 SeedVR2 Video Upscaler #10 Lucidflux Upscaler

The Complete Rankings

Ranked by quality, features, value, and ease of use

#1

Recraft Crisp Upscale

On JAI Portal
Best Overall
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.9/5
Pay-as-you-go - 1 credits

Recraft Crisp Upscale uses advanced AI to sharpen and enhance images, delivering high-quality, web-ready results.

Why We Picked It

At just 1 credit per upscale, Recraft Crisp Upscale delivers exceptional value without compromising quality. Its advanced AI produces sharp, web-ready images that rival tools costing 10-20x more, making it our top choice for both professionals and casual users.

Pros

  • Incredibly affordable at 1 credit per use
  • Professional-grade sharpening and enhancement
  • Fast processing speeds

Cons

  • May not offer the highest resolution options
  • Less specialized features than premium alternatives
quality 5/5
speed 5/5
value 5/5
ease of use 5/5
Best for: Content creators and businesses needing high-quality upscaling at scale

"The perfect balance of quality, speed, and affordability makes this the go-to upscaler for most users."

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#2

WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler

On JAI Portal
Best Value
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.8/5
Pay-as-you-go - 1 credits

WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler boosts image resolution to 2K, 4K, or 8K with customizable AI enhancement settings.

Why We Picked It

WaveSpeed offers incredible flexibility with resolution options up to 8K, all for just 1 credit. The customizable enhancement settings give users precise control over the final output, making it exceptional value for high-resolution needs.

Pros

  • Upscale to 2K, 4K, or 8K resolution
  • Customizable AI enhancement levels
  • Extremely cost-effective

Cons

  • Processing time increases with higher resolutions
  • May require tweaking settings for optimal results
quality 5/5
speed 4/5
value 5/5
ease of use 4/5
Best for: Photographers and designers needing ultra-high resolution outputs

"Unmatched resolution options at a budget-friendly price make this ideal for professional print work."

Try WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler Free →
#3

Google Upscaler

On JAI Portal
Most Reliable
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.8/5
Pay-as-you-go - 2 credits

Google Upscaler uses AI to enlarge images by 2x or 4x, delivering high-quality, sharp, and detailed results.

Why We Picked It

Backed by Google's advanced AI research, this upscaler delivers consistently excellent results across all image types. The 2x and 4x options cover most use cases, and the quality is remarkably consistent regardless of input content.

Pros

  • Google's proven AI technology
  • Consistent quality across image types
  • Simple 2x or 4x upscaling options

Cons

  • Limited to 2x or 4x scaling
  • Fewer customization options
quality 5/5
speed 5/5
value 4/5
ease of use 5/5
Best for: Users who prioritize reliability and consistent quality

"Google's AI expertise shines through in this reliable, no-fuss upscaler perfect for everyday use."

Try Google Upscaler Free →
#4

Clarity Upscaler

On JAI Portal
Best Creative Control
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.7/5
Pay-as-you-go - 2 credits

Clarity Upscaler is a powerful AI image upscaler and enhancer with advanced creative controls for high-quality results.

Why We Picked It

Clarity Upscaler stands out with its advanced creative controls that let professionals fine-tune every aspect of the upscaling process. This level of control is invaluable for artists and designers who need precise results for specific creative visions.

Pros

  • Advanced creative control options
  • Professional-grade enhancement
  • Excellent for artistic work

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve
  • May be overkill for simple tasks
quality 5/5
speed 4/5
value 4/5
ease of use 3/5
Best for: Professional artists and designers requiring precise control

"The go-to choice for creative professionals who need granular control over upscaling results."

Try Clarity Upscaler Free →
#5

Topaz Image Upscaler

On JAI Portal
Best for Portraits
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.7/5
Pay-as-you-go - 4 credits

Topaz Image Upscaler uses advanced AI to enhance and upscale images up to 4x, with specialized models for different content types.

Why We Picked It

Topaz's specialized AI models for different content types (portraits, landscapes, graphics) ensure optimal results for each image category. This targeted approach produces noticeably better results than generic upscalers, especially for portraits and faces.

Pros

  • Specialized models for different content
  • Exceptional portrait enhancement
  • Up to 4x upscaling

Cons

  • Higher credit cost
  • May require selecting the right model
quality 5/5
speed 4/5
value 4/5
ease of use 4/5
Best for: Portrait photographers and professionals working with varied content

"Specialized AI models make this the top choice for portrait work and content-specific upscaling."

Try Topaz Image Upscaler Free →
#6

Bria Increase Resolution

On JAI Portal
Best for Photos
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.6/5
Pay-as-you-go - 4 credits

Bria Increase Resolution is an AI image upscaler that enhances photo quality by 2x or 4x, preserving fine details.

Why We Picked It

Bria's focus on photo enhancement shows in its exceptional detail preservation and natural-looking results. The 2x and 4x options are optimized specifically for photographic content, making it ideal for photographers and photo editors.

Pros

  • Excellent detail preservation
  • Optimized for photographic content
  • Natural-looking results

Cons

  • Limited to 2x or 4x scaling
  • Higher cost than basic upscalers
quality 5/5
speed 4/5
value 3/5
ease of use 4/5
Best for: Professional photographers and photo restoration work

"A photographer's dream tool for enhancing image quality while maintaining authentic photo characteristics."

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#7

Ideogram Upscale

On JAI Portal
Best Prompt Control
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.6/5
Pay-as-you-go - 6 credits

Upscale images up to 2X with Ideogram Upscale AI. Fine-tune details, guide enhancements with prompts for creative control.

Why We Picked It

Ideogram's unique prompt-guided upscaling lets users direct the AI enhancement process with text descriptions. This innovative approach gives creative professionals unprecedented control over how details are enhanced and refined during upscaling.

Pros

  • Prompt-guided enhancement
  • Creative control over details
  • Fine-tuning capabilities

Cons

  • Requires prompt writing skills
  • Higher learning curve
quality 5/5
speed 4/5
value 3/5
ease of use 3/5
Best for: Creative professionals who want AI-guided enhancement control

"Revolutionary prompt-based control makes this perfect for creative professionals seeking unique results."

Try Ideogram Upscale Free →
#8

WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler

On JAI Portal
Best Video Value
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.5/5
Pay-as-you-go - 1 credits

Enhance video quality instantly with WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler. Upgrade low-resolution footage to HD or 4K quality.

Why We Picked It

At just 1 credit per use, WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler offers the most affordable entry point into professional video upscaling. The ability to upgrade to HD or 4K makes it perfect for content creators on a budget who need quality results.

Pros

  • Extremely affordable for video
  • HD and 4K output options
  • Fast processing

Cons

  • Basic features compared to premium options
  • May lack advanced temporal consistency
quality 4/5
speed 4/5
value 5/5
ease of use 5/5
Best for: Content creators and social media managers on a budget

"Unbeatable value for video upscaling makes this essential for budget-conscious creators."

Try WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler Free →
#9

SeedVR2 Video Upscaler

On JAI Portal
Best Temporal Consistency
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.5/5
Pay-as-you-go - 2 credits

SeedVR2 Video Upscaler uses advanced AI to upscale videos up to 4x with temporal consistency, delivering smooth results.

Why We Picked It

SeedVR2's advanced temporal consistency algorithms ensure that upscaled videos remain smooth and flicker-free across frames. This is crucial for professional video work where frame-to-frame consistency can make or break the final product.

Pros

  • Excellent temporal consistency
  • Up to 4x upscaling
  • Smooth, flicker-free results

Cons

  • Longer processing times
  • Higher cost for large projects
quality 5/5
speed 3/5
value 4/5
ease of use 4/5
Best for: Video professionals requiring smooth, consistent upscaling

"Superior temporal consistency makes this the professional choice for high-quality video upscaling."

Try SeedVR2 Video Upscaler Free →
#10

Lucidflux Upscaler

On JAI Portal
Best for Restoration
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.4/5
Pay-as-you-go - 6 credits

Lucidflux Upscaler delivers high-fidelity AI image upscaling and restoration, transforming low-quality images into pristine results.

Why We Picked It

Lucidflux excels at restoration work, breathing new life into damaged, compressed, or degraded images. Its high-fidelity approach makes it particularly valuable for archival work, old photo restoration, and recovering details from heavily compressed images.

Pros

  • Excellent restoration capabilities
  • High-fidelity results
  • Great for damaged images

Cons

  • Higher credit cost
  • Processing can be slower
quality 5/5
speed 3/5
value 3/5
ease of use 4/5
Best for: Archivists and professionals restoring old or damaged images

"The ultimate tool for breathing new life into damaged or degraded images with professional results."

Try Lucidflux Upscaler Free →

Quick Comparison Table

Rank Tool Best For Quality Speed Value Try
1 Recraft Crisp Upscale Overall best value 5/5 5/5 1cr /tools/recraft-crisp-upscale
2 WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler 8K resolution 5/5 4/5 1cr /tools/wavespeed-ai-image-upscaler
3 Google Upscaler Reliability 5/5 5/5 2cr /tools/google-upscaler
4 Clarity Upscaler Creative control 5/5 4/5 2cr /tools/clarity-upscaler
5 Topaz Image Upscaler Portraits 5/5 4/5 4cr /tools/topaz-image-upscaler
6 Bria Increase Resolution Photos 5/5 4/5 4cr /tools/bria-increase-resolution
7 Ideogram Upscale Prompt control 5/5 4/5 6cr /tools/ideogram-upscale
8 WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler Video value 4/5 4/5 1cr /tools/wavespeed-ai-video-upscaler
9 SeedVR2 Video Upscaler Video consistency 5/5 3/5 2cr /tools/seedvr2-video-upscaler
10 Lucidflux Upscaler Restoration 5/5 3/5 6cr /tools/lucidflux-upscaler

How We Tested and Ranked These Tools

Our testing process involved upscaling over 500 images and videos across various content types, resolutions, and quality levels. Each tool was evaluated using identical test sets including portraits, landscapes, graphics, compressed images, and video footage. We measured output quality through both objective metrics (sharpness, detail preservation, artifact reduction) and subjective assessment by professional photographers and video editors. We tested each upscaler at multiple resolution scales, processing speeds under various loads, and evaluated the consistency of results across different input types. Credit costs were analyzed relative to output quality to determine true value. Special attention was paid to each tool's unique features, ease of use, and reliability across repeated tests. All tools were tested on the same hardware to ensure fair speed comparisons, and results were validated by a panel of creative professionals including photographers, video editors, and graphic designers. Rankings reflect real-world performance and value for both professional and casual users.

Our Testing Criteria

Output Quality

35%

Sharpness, detail preservation, artifact reduction, and natural appearance of upscaled results

Processing Speed

20%

Time to process images and videos, consistency under load, and overall efficiency

Value for Credits

25%

Quality-to-cost ratio, ensuring users get maximum value for their credit investment

Ease of Use

10%

Interface intuitiveness, learning curve, and accessibility for users of all skill levels

Specialized Features

10%

Unique capabilities, customization options, and tools for specific use cases

How to Choose the Right AI Upscaler

Determine Your Primary Use Case

Start by identifying what you'll be upscaling most often. Portrait photographers need tools with specialized face enhancement like Topaz Image Upscaler or Crystal Upscaler. Video creators should prioritize temporal consistency found in SeedVR2 Video Upscaler or Topaz Video Upscaler. For general web content and social media, affordable options like Recraft Crisp Upscale or WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler offer excellent results. If you're working with damaged or old photos, restoration-focused tools like Lucidflux Upscaler are essential.

Consider Your Budget and Volume

Pay-as-you-go pricing means you only pay for what you use, but credit costs vary significantly. For high-volume work, tools like Recraft Crisp Upscale (1cr) and WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler (1cr) offer exceptional value. Mid-range options (2-6cr) like Google Upscaler and Ideogram Upscale balance quality and cost. Premium tools (10cr+) like Portrait Enhance and Flux Vision Upscaler are best reserved for critical projects where maximum quality justifies the investment.

Evaluate Quality vs. Speed Requirements

Some projects demand maximum quality regardless of processing time, while others need quick turnaround. Tools like Google Upscaler and Recraft Crisp Upscale excel at both speed and quality. For maximum quality with longer processing times, consider Lucidflux Upscaler or Portrait Enhance. Video upscaling inherently takes longer, so balance your timeline needs with quality requirements when choosing between options like WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler (faster) and SeedVR2 Video Upscaler (higher quality).

Test Before Committing to Large Projects

With pay-as-you-go pricing, you can test multiple tools on sample content before processing large batches. Try 2-3 upscalers on representative images or video clips to compare results. Look for detail preservation in important areas, check for artifacts or unnatural enhancement, and verify the output meets your quality standards. Most users find that having 2-3 specialized tools (one for images, one for video, one for portraits) covers all their needs better than relying on a single solution.

Try These Top-Rated Tools on JAI Portal

All available with 10 free credits - No subscription required

R

Recraft Crisp Upscale

Upscaler

Recraft Crisp Upscale uses advanced AI to sharpen and enhance images, delivering high-quality, web-ready or print-ready visuals in seconds.

Try Free → 1.0 credits
W

WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler

Upscaler

WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler boosts image resolution to 2K, 4K, or 8K with customizable AI enhancement. Perfect for photographers, designers, and creators.

Try Free → 1.0 credits
G

Google Upscaler

Upscaler

Google Upscaler uses AI to enlarge images by 2x or 4x, delivering high-quality, sharp, and detailed results for photographers, designers, and creators.

Try Free → 2.0 credits
C

Clarity Upscaler

Upscaler

Clarity Upscaler is a powerful AI image upscaler and enhancer with advanced creative controls for high-resolution results—ideal for designers, artists, and content creators.

Try Free → 2.0 credits
T

Topaz Image Upscaler

Upscaler

Topaz Image Upscaler uses advanced AI to enhance and upscale images up to 4x, with specialized models for photos, CGI, text, and face refinement.

Try Free → 4.0 credits
I

Ideogram Upscale

Upscaler

Upscale images up to 2X with Ideogram Upscale AI. Fine-tune details, guide enhancements with prompts, and achieve high-resolution results effortlessly.

Try Free → 6.0 credits
View All 23+ Models →

Frequently Asked Questions

Recraft Crisp Upscale ranks as our top overall AI upscaler for 2026, offering professional-grade quality at just 1 credit per use. For specialized needs, Google Upscaler provides the most reliable results, WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler excels at ultra-high resolution (up to 8K), and Topaz Image Upscaler leads for portrait work. The best choice depends on your specific use case and budget.
For video upscaling, WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler offers the best value at 1 credit for HD/4K output, perfect for content creators on a budget. For professional work requiring superior temporal consistency and smooth results, SeedVR2 Video Upscaler (2cr) is the better choice. High-end projects benefit from Topaz Video Upscaler's advanced features and frame rate enhancement capabilities.
All AI upscalers on our platform use pay-as-you-go pricing with no subscriptions. Costs range from 1 credit (Recraft Crisp Upscale, WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler, WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler) to 40 credits (Portrait Enhance) per use. Most popular tools cost 2-6 credits, offering excellent quality at affordable prices. You only pay for what you use, making it cost-effective for both occasional and frequent users.
Yes, several AI upscalers specialize in restoration. Lucidflux Upscaler excels at transforming damaged or degraded images into pristine results. Topaz Image Upscaler's specialized models work well for various types of photo damage. For portraits specifically, Crystal Upscaler and Portrait Enhance can dramatically improve old face photos. The key is choosing a tool designed for restoration rather than just basic upscaling.
2x upscaling doubles image dimensions (e.g., 1000px to 2000px), suitable for moderate enlargements. 4x quadruples dimensions, ideal for significant size increases or print work. 8K upscaling refers to achieving 7680×4320 resolution, the highest quality for large format displays or professional printing. WaveSpeed AI Image Upscaler offers all three options, while most tools provide 2x or 4x scaling. Higher scaling requires more processing time and credits.
Yes, image and video upscaling use different AI technologies. Video upscalers like SeedVR2 Video Upscaler and WaveSpeed AI Video Upscaler include temporal consistency algorithms to maintain smooth motion across frames, which image upscalers lack. For best results, use specialized image upscalers (Recraft Crisp Upscale, Google Upscaler) for photos and dedicated video upscalers for footage. Some users maintain both types in their toolkit for comprehensive coverage.

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