kitio.aiStable Diffusion web UI vs Real-ESRGAN
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Stable Diffusion web UI starts at Free and Real-ESRGAN starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Text-to-image and img2img
- Inpainting
- Extensions ecosystem
- Upscaling
- Prompt matrix and X/Y plots
- Photo upscaling models
- Anime upscaling models
- Portable executables
- Python API
- Artifact removal
| Feature | Stable Diffusion web UI | Real-ESRGAN |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Popular open-source browser interface for local Stable Diffusion | Open-source AI model for upscaling and restoring real-world images |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | AUTOMATIC1111 | Xintao Wang |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Stable Diffusion web UI starts at Free and Real-ESRGAN starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
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
Stable Diffusion web UI
- Free and fully local
- Huge extension library
- Familiar tab layout
- Slow to support new models
- Setup needs some tech skill
- Development has slowed
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
Which one should you choose?
Choose Stable Diffusion web UI if you want:
- Free and fully local
- Huge extension library
- Familiar tab layout
Watch out: slow to support new models.
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.
Stable Diffusion web UI vs Real-ESRGAN FAQ
What is the difference between Stable Diffusion web UI and Real-ESRGAN?
Stable Diffusion web UI: Popular open-source browser interface for local Stable Diffusion. Real-ESRGAN: Open-source AI model for upscaling and restoring real-world images. Both are image tools.
Is Stable Diffusion web UI or Real-ESRGAN cheaper?
Stable Diffusion web UI starts at Free and Real-ESRGAN starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Stable Diffusion web UI and Real-ESRGAN have free plans?
Stable Diffusion web UI: Yes, fully free. Real-ESRGAN: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Stable Diffusion web UI?
Stable Diffusion web UI is made by AUTOMATIC1111.
Who makes Real-ESRGAN?
Real-ESRGAN is made by Xintao Wang.
Which should I choose, Stable Diffusion web UI or Real-ESRGAN?
Choose Stable Diffusion web UI if you value free and fully local and huge extension library. Choose Real-ESRGAN if you value free and widely used and runs on most gpus.