PhotoDirector

8 Best AI Image Upscalers in 2025 [Free & Paid Options]

Last Updated on Feb. 21, 2025 – by CyberLink
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In the ever-evolving world of digital imagery, AI upscaling has made it possible to transform low-resolution photos into high-definition masterpieces. Whether you're a professional photographer reviving old images, a graphic designer enhancing visuals, or simply curious about the latest tech, online AI image upscalers are game-changers. In this post, we’ll explore the top AI upscalers of 2025, showcasing their user-friendly interfaces and cutting-edge algorithms that do more than just increase pixel counts—they redefine image quality with stunning clarity and detail. So, grab a low-res image and discover how these powerful tools can bring it to life!


Snapshot of Top 3 AI Image Upscalers in 2025

PhotoDirector logo

1. PhotoDirector - Best AI Image Editor with Upscaler

This software seamlessly integrates cutting-edge generative AI with advanced editing tools to transform ordinary photos into stunning, professional-quality images instantly. With its powerful AI image upscaler, enhancer, denoise, and deblur tools, you can sharpen details, reduce noise, and upscale resolution all at once, ensuring every image looks crisp, clear, and high definition. Detailed Review >

MyEdit Logo

2. MyEdit - Best Online AI Image Upscaler

MyEdit stands at the forefront of online AI image upscalers, offering a remarkable blend of ease of use and powerful results. With its advanced AI algorithms, MyEdit transforms low-resolution images into stunning high-definition visuals without compromising quality. It's perfect for photographers, designers, and anyone looking to enhance their images. Detailed Review >

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Media.io Upscaler_logo

3. Media.io Upscaler

Media.io Upscaler is an online AI image upscaler with multiple AI models for AI upscaling, enhancement, sharpening, color correcting, and restoring images. Detailed Review >


Top 8 Best AI Image Upscalers

  1. PhotoDirector
  2. MyEdit
  3. Media.io Upscaler
  4. Remini
  5. Vecticon
  6. HitPaw Photo Enhancer
  7. Upscale.media
  8. Icons8 Smart Upscale

1. PhotoDirector

Upscale image with PhotoDirector

Best For: The ultimate AI image enhancer, designed for everyone—from beginners to professionals—offering intuitive tools that make transforming photos effortless and fun

Pros
  • Extensive range of editing tools beyond image AI upscaling.
  • User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and professionals.
  • Powerful AI tools for high-quality image enhancement.
Cons
  • Access to the photo stock library and some advanced features require a premium subscription.

Key Features:

  • Separate one-click tools for AI Upscaling, AI Enhancement, and AI Color Enhancement.
  • Generative AI tools including images, headshots, backgrounds, and scenes.
  • Creative design assets and tools for social media content.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Price:Free

*Premium subscription available for $5.00/month

PhotoDirector is the ultimate AI image upscaler, designed for everyone—from beginners to professionals—seeking a powerful yet easy-to-use enhancement tool. With its intuitive interface and AI-driven features, it simplifies the process of transforming photos into high-quality, professional-grade images. Whether you need one-click enhancements or in-depth editing, PhotoDirector provides a seamless experience for users at any skill level.

What sets PhotoDirector apart is its perfect balance of simplicity and advanced AI capabilities. Its comprehensive editing suite includes AI upscaling, sharpening, denoising, and other enhancement tools, ensuring stunning results with minimal effort. The generous free version offers impressive functionality, while the premium subscription unlocks even more creative potential, making it an excellent investment for anyone passionate about photography and image enhancement.

2. MyEdit

Best For: Enhancing image resolution with superior quality for personal and professional use.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface makes it accessible for all skill levels.
  • High-quality upscaling with options for 2x and 4x resolution enhancements.
  • Preview feature allows users to see results before downloading.
Cons
  • Advanced features require a subscription

Key Features:

  • One-click AI upscaling and enhancing tools
  • Accurate object and background removal
  • Deblur and denoise capabilities for image refinement
  • Generative AI tools for images, outfits, backgrounds, scenes, and more

Compatibility: Web Browser

Price: Free

*Premium subscription available for $5.80/month for Enhancer Plan or $7/month for all image tools

MyEdit is the best online AI image upscaler, offering a seamless three-step process—upload, select resolution, and download. It can upscale images up to 4x without losing quality and provides additional AI tools such as deblur, denoise, background removal, and object removal, making it an all-in-one solution. The platform also includes generative AI features, allowing users to create avatars, headshots, and artistic transformations like turning photos into anime.

Despite its growing feature set, MyEdit maintains a simple, clutter-free interface with one-click applications, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals. It offers three free daily credits, making it a budget-friendly alternative to other AI upscalers. Whether restoring old images or enhancing professional shots, MyEdit delivers high-quality results with AI-powered precision.

MyEdit
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Check out these related topics for AI:

3. Media.io Upscaler

upscale.media

Best For: Trying different AI models to find the best one for your image

Pros
  • Multiple AI models you can test before downloading
  • Simple interface for beginners
Cons
  • May require trial and error to achieve the desired results
  • Bulk processing is not yet available for Upscaler

Key Features:

  • Photo restoration with colorization for black and white images
  • Bulk processing for AI Enhance
  • AI upscaling up to 8x

Compatibility: Web Browser

Price: $9.99/month for 100 credits, $13.99/month for 200 credits, $29.99/month for 500 credits, and so on, or Pay-As-You-Go

Media.io Upscaler is a versatile AI image upscaler that offers multiple enhancement tools, including Upscaler, Enhancer, Sharpener, Portrait Enhancer, Color Correction, and Restorer. Users can compare results side-by-side, ensuring they choose the best AI model before spending credits. It supports upscaling to 2x, 4x, and 8x resolutions, with some models even providing multiple enhancement options for better customization.

While bulk image enhancement is available, bulk AI upscaling is not yet supported. Users receive one free download, after which the platform operates on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis. Compared to competitors, Media.io is more affordable with fewer restrictions, making it a strong choice for AI-powered image enhancement.

4. Remini

upscale.media

Best For: AI upscaling for beginners with individual settings for faces and backgrounds

Pros
  • Includes video upscaling
  • Additional enhancement features for faces, backgrounds, and colors
Cons
  • Expensive
  • The Personal plan doesn’t include bulk uploads and caps use at 20 images/week

Key Features:

  • Face enhancement with optional beauty filters
  • Automatic color correction with 8 stylized filters
  • AI video upscaling and enhancements

Compatibility: Web Browser

Price: $6.99/week, $17.99/month, or $179.99/year for Personal; $9.99/week, $24.99/month, or $249.99/year for Business

Remini is an AI image upscaler that automates the upscaling process, enhancing both faces and backgrounds. Users can upload up to 15 images, with before-and-after comparison sliders for previewing results. Additional features include Face Enhance, Background Blur, and Color Enhance, offering customizable beauty filters and Instagram-style effects.

Although highly effective for AI upscaling, Remini’s Personal plan comes with limitations, including weekly pricing, a 20-image cap, and JPEG-only outputs. Due to these restrictions, it’s better suited for business users rather than casual creators. However, its AI-powered enhancements and face-improving features set it apart from competitors like Vecticon and Icons8.

5. Vecticon

upscale.media

Best For: AI upscaling and background removal in a single tool for logos and graphics

Pros
  • A background remover is included with the image upscaler
  • AI upscaling by up to 10x the original resolution
Cons
  • Expensive monthly fee

Key Features:

  • Colorize black and white images
  • Vectorize files to create enhanced vector graphics
  • Remove the background of your upscaled image with one click

Compatibility: Web Browser

Price: $5 an image or $30/month for all AI tools

Vecticon is an AI image upscaler tailored for logos and graphics, integrating AI background removal for effortless enhancements. It supports 2x, 4x, 8x, and 10x upscaling with before-and-after sliders, although the lack of a zoom feature can make detailed comparisons difficult. Users can also adjust brightness, saturation, and contrast for refined results.

Recently, Vecticon expanded its AI-powered tools to include a voice changer, AI image generator, and object remover. However, pricing is steep—each image costs $5, while the full suite of AI tools is $30/month. Compared to MyEdit’s $7/month plan, Vecticon is less cost-effective for those needing frequent AI upscaling and editing.

6. HitPaw Photo Enhancer

hitpaw

Best For: Comprehensive photo enhancement with multiple AI tools for both enlarging and refining images.

Pros
  • Versatile for various photo types, including landscapes, animations, and portraits.
  • You can apply more than one model to each image
Cons
  • The online version lacks batch processing
  • You can’t download images without a watermark unless you pay for a subscription

Key Features:

  • Noise removal and photo sharpening while enlarging images.
  • Supports upscaling to HD, 2K, 4K, and 8K resolutions.
  • Colorize and restore old photos

Compatibility: Web Browser, Windows, Mac

Price: Free

*Premium subscriptions available for $8.99/week, $18.99/month, or $129.99/year

HitPaw AI Photo Enhancer is a powerful AI image upscaler with multiple enhancement tools, including Face, General, and Denoise models. Users can combine AI models to achieve the best results, such as colorizing, restoring old photos, and upscaling images up to 8x. A preview window allows for zooming in and side-by-side comparisons.

The desktop version offers even more AI models and batch processing, but these updates haven’t yet reached the online version. Despite this, HitPaw’s AI-driven features and versatility make it a strong alternative to other AI image upscalers, especially for photo restoration and artistic enhancements.

7. Upscale.media

upscale.media

Best For: Quick and easy online AI image upscaling with minimal fuss.

Pros
  • User-friendly web-based tool and mobile app for convenience.
  • Automated upscaling process delivering high-resolution images up to 4x.
  • Removes JPEG artifacts and enhances image quality effectively.
Cons
  • Premium plan required for batch processing of multiple images.

Key Features:

  • Supports various file types including PNG, JPEG, JPG, and WEBP.
  • Fully automated image processing for efficient upscaling.
  • Access to additional tools as part of the Pixelbin.io family, such as Erase.bg and ConvertFiles.ai.

Compatibility: Web Browser, Windows, Mac

Price: 3 free credits per month

Why We Picked It

*Credits subscriptions are available for $9/month for 10 credits, $19/month for 100 credits, and $29/month for 300 credits. Pay-as-you-go plans are also available.

Upscale.media is an AI upscaler that prioritizes simplicity and speed, offering 1x, 2x, and 4x upscaling with optional JPEG artifact removal. The enhancement tool balances sharpness and softness for natural-looking results. Processing takes only a few seconds, with magnifying glass and side-by-side comparison features for fine-tuning.

While the AI upscaling quality is excellent, the platform lacks extensive editing tools found in competitors like MyEdit. However, it remains completely free, offering three monthly credits without hidden paywalls. While its mobile app versions need improvement, the web platform is a top choice for quick and hassle-free AI upscaling.

8. Icons8 Smart Upscaler

smart-upscaler

Best For: Quick and convenient batch upscaling for product shots

Pros
  • Simple interface allowing for easy upload and upscaling of images.
  • High maximum resolution upscaling up to 7680x7680px.
  • Good track record of listening to user feedback.
Cons
  • Face enhancer creates a higher resolution for faces compared to the rest of the image.
  • The 3 free trial images are watermarked.

Key Features:

  • Works with JPG, PNG, and WebP file formats.
  • Option to upscale images up to 4X.
  • Batch processing for up to 500 images.

Compatibility: Web Browser

Price: $9 per month

Icons8 Smart Upscaler is a batch-processing AI image upscaler supporting up to 500 images at once, making it ideal for e-commerce and product photography. It enhances images using a deep-learning model trained on over 5 million samples, ensuring high-quality results without privacy concerns.

Previously, face enhancement was not optional, but user feedback led Icons8 to adjust its AI processing to allow control over face-upscaling intensity. While its AI upscaling is excellent, non-facial areas may need further improvements. Nonetheless, its bulk-processing capability makes it a great choice for professionals needing high-volume AI image enhancement.


AI Image Upscalers Comparison Chart

Tool Best For Notable Feature Price Link
PhotoDirector AI automatic image upscaler with abundant AI editing features AI Upscale & Enhance, Auto color enhancement Free, Premium subscription $5/mo
Free Download Secure Download
MyEdit Enhancing image resolution with superior quality for personal and professional use One-click AI upscaling, enhancing, denoising, and deblurring tools with AI object and background removal Free; Enhancer: $5.80/month
Image + Enhancer: $7/month
Try for Free Secure Link
Media.io Upscaler Trying different AI models to find the best one for your image Your choice of AI Model: Upscaler, Enhancer, Sharpener, Portrait Enhancer, Color Correction, and Restorer 100 Credits: $9.99/month 200 Credits: $13.99/month 500 Credits: $29.99/month Try Online
Remini AI upscaling for beginners with individual settings for faces and backgrounds Face Enhance, Background Enhance, and Color Enhance for additional AI upscaling Personal: $6.99/week, $17.99/month, or $179.99/year Business: $9.99/week, $24.99/month, or $249.99/year Try Online
Vecticon AI upscaling and background removal in a single tool for logos and graphics Adjustment sliders for brightness, saturation, and contrast $5 an image or $30/month for all AI tools Try Online
HitPaw AI Photo Enhancer Online Comprehensive photo enhancement with multiple AI tools for both enlarging and refining images. Face, General, and Denoise AI models Free; Pro: $8.99/week, $18.99/month, or $129.99/year Try Online
Upscale.media Quick and easy online image upscaling with minimal fuss Optional Enhance Quality setting Free; 10 Credits: $9/month 100 Credits: $19/month 300 Credits: $29/month Try Online
Icons8 Smart Upscaler Quick and convenient batch upscaling for product shots Batch processing for up to 500 images $9/month Try Online

PhotoDirector vs

Best For

AI automatic image upscaler with abundant AI editing features

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Notable Feature

AI Upscale & Enhance, Auto color enhancement

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Price

Free, Premium subscription $5/mo

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Link

Free Download Secure Download

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How to Choose an AI Image Upscaler

Choosing an online AI image upscaler depends on your needs and priorities. Here's a breakdown of factors to consider:

Features

First, decide if you simply need an online AI image upscaler, or if you want an all-in-one photo tool with image editing or generative AI features. Next, look at the AI upscaling features such as:

  • Upscaling power: How much can the tool increase image resolution (e.g., 2x, 4x, 8x)?
  • Enhancement options: Does it offer noise reduction, sharpening, color correction, or other improvements?
  • Batch processing: Can you upscale or enhance multiple images at once?
  • Presets: Are there presets for specific photo types (portraits, landscapes) or effects (HDR, color adjustment)?

Usability

Some online AI image upscalers have a free version or trial you can use to test the usability of the platform before purchase. If no trial is available, read user reviews to answer important questions, like: Is the interface clear and user-friendly? Can you easily upload images without complex steps? Can you see the upscaled/enhanced image before downloading? How long does it take to upscale or enhance an image?

Budget

As mentioned above, many services offer free trials or limited free versions. You may find all you need in a free online AI image upscaler, especially if you only need to upscale a few images. However, paid plans typically offer higher resolution outputs, more features, and batch processing. Paid online AI image upscalers come at different price points, so decide how much you are willing to spend before you start looking at options. You should also decide if you prefer to pay monthly, annually, or all at once.


How We Test the AI Image Upscalers

Here's how we test the online AI image upscalers on this list. Then read below to find out the results of our rigorous testing, or use these procedures to test the products on your own.

Select Images for AI Upscaling

To get a full picture of an online AI image upscaler’s capabilities, we compiled images with different characteristics and resolutions and tested them on all the products. These included portrait photos of varying quality to test for facial details, landscape photos to see individual leaves and the fine texture of grass, images with text to test for clarity, low-res or damaged photos to check how well the online AI image upscaler adds in missing details, black and white images to check for contrast (and to colorize if a tool is available).

Try Different AI Upscaling Features

If the online AI image upscaler has different AI models, we choose the most appropriate one per image. We also try different upscale levels (e.g., 2x, 4x) offered by the tool to see how detail scales with magnification.

Evaluate Results

We always keep an original of each image for direct comparison. First, we start with a blind test. One tester will show the original and upscaled versions to another tester without revealing which is which. We should be able to tell right away which image has been upscaled, but with the combination of certain images and AI upscaling tools, this is not always the case. After conducting the blind test, we go deeper and evaluate the following:

  • Sharpness: Do fine details like hair, textures, and text appear sharp or blurry after upscaling?
  • Artifacts: Are there any new visual anomalies introduced, like halos around objects or strange color patterns?
  • Noise: Does the upscaled image show increased noise compared to the original?
  • Naturalness: Does the upscaled image look natural, or are there areas that appear artificial or over-processed?

Try the Best AI Image Upscaler

Boost your photo quality effortlessly with PhotoDirector, the ultimate AI Image Upscaler for all skill levels. With one-click AI upscaling, it sharpens low-res images into crisp, high-quality visuals in seconds. Whether restoring old photos or enhancing professional shots, its intuitive design makes editing seamless. Try it for free and see why it’s our top pick!


FAQ About AI Image Upscaler

1. What is an AI image upscaler?

An AI image upscaler is a tool that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to increase the resolution of images. It enhances the details and sharpness of a picture, making low-resolution images appear clearer and more defined.

2. How does AI image upscaling work?

AI image Upscalers analyze the pixels of a low-resolution image and use machine learning algorithms to predict and add extra pixels. This process fills in missing details and enhances the overall quality, resulting in a higher-resolution image.

3. Can AI upscalers improve any image?

While AI upscaling can significantly enhance most images, the effectiveness can vary based on the original image's quality. Extremely low-resolution or blurry images may not upscale as effectively as those with better initial quality.

4. Do AI upscalers maintain the original image quality?

Yes, AI upscalers are designed to maintain and, in most cases, enhance the original image's quality. They add detail and clarity without degrading the original image.

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