kitio.aiReal-ESRGAN vs Upscayl
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Real-ESRGAN is completely free, while Upscayl is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Photo upscaling models
- Anime upscaling models
- Portable executables
- Python API
- Artifact removal
- Batch upscaling
- Multiple AI models
- Custom model import
- Offline processing
- Cross-platform
| Feature | Real-ESRGAN | Upscayl |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source AI model for upscaling and restoring real-world images | Free open-source desktop app for AI image upscaling |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $24.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Xintao Wang | Upscayl |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Real-ESRGAN is completely free, while Upscayl is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free Trial
Free
- 10 credits included
- Desktop app is free and open source
Pro
$24.99/mo
- 300 credits per month
- Unused credits roll over
- Upscale up to 256MP
- 6 months unlimited storage
Business
Custom
- Custom amount of credits
- Priority email and chat support
- Unlimited storage
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Real-ESRGAN
- Free and widely used
- Runs on most GPUs
- Good on compressed images
- Command-line for most uses
- Can look over-smooth
- Not actively developed
Upscayl
- Free and unlimited locally
- Simple interface
- Works offline
- Needs a Vulkan-capable GPU
- Can invent details on faces
- No editing tools
Which one should you choose?
Choose Real-ESRGAN if you want:
- Free and widely used
- Runs on most GPUs
- Good on compressed images
Watch out: command-line for most uses.
Choose Upscayl if you want:
- Free and unlimited locally
- Simple interface
- Works offline
Watch out: needs a vulkan-capable gpu.
Real-ESRGAN vs Upscayl FAQ
What is the difference between Real-ESRGAN and Upscayl?
Real-ESRGAN: Open-source AI model for upscaling and restoring real-world images. Upscayl: Free open-source desktop app for AI image upscaling. Both are image tools.
Is Real-ESRGAN or Upscayl cheaper?
Real-ESRGAN is completely free, while Upscayl is freemium.
Do Real-ESRGAN and Upscayl have free plans?
Real-ESRGAN: Yes, fully free. Upscayl: Yes.
Who makes Real-ESRGAN?
Real-ESRGAN is made by Xintao Wang.
Who makes Upscayl?
Upscayl is made by Upscayl.
Which should I choose, Real-ESRGAN or Upscayl?
Choose Real-ESRGAN if you value free and widely used and runs on most gpus. Choose Upscayl if you value free and unlimited locally and simple interface.