kitio.aiTopaz Gigapixel vs Real-ESRGAN
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Real-ESRGAN is completely free, while Topaz Gigapixel is paid.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Multiple upscaling models
- Face recovery
- Generative Redefine
- Batch processing
- Photoshop plugin
- Photo upscaling models
- Anime upscaling models
- Portable executables
- Python API
- Artifact removal
| Feature | Topaz Gigapixel | Real-ESRGAN |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Desktop AI upscaler for enlarging photos with natural detail | Open-source AI model for upscaling and restoring real-world images |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $29/mo | Free |
| Free plan | No | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Topaz Labs | Xintao Wang |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Real-ESRGAN is completely free, while Topaz Gigapixel is paid.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Topaz Gigapixel
$29/mo
- Image upscaling models
- Unlimited local rendering
- 2 image cloud concurrency
Topaz Studio
$69/mo
- All apps: Video, Photo, Gigapixel
- Topaz for Mobile and Web
- 32MP cloud export limit
Topaz Studio Pro
$75/mo
- Billed monthly for 12 months
- All apps with Pro licenses
- Pro-exclusive models
- Full commercial use
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
Topaz Gigapixel
- Very natural upscales
- Runs locally
- Strong face recovery
- Subscription only now
- Needs a strong GPU
- No free desktop trial
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 Topaz Gigapixel if you want:
- Very natural upscales
- Runs locally
- Strong face recovery
Watch out: subscription only now.
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.
Topaz Gigapixel vs Real-ESRGAN FAQ
What is the difference between Topaz Gigapixel and Real-ESRGAN?
Topaz Gigapixel: Desktop AI upscaler for enlarging photos with natural detail. Real-ESRGAN: Open-source AI model for upscaling and restoring real-world images. Both are image tools.
Is Topaz Gigapixel or Real-ESRGAN cheaper?
Real-ESRGAN is completely free, while Topaz Gigapixel is paid.
Do Topaz Gigapixel and Real-ESRGAN have free plans?
Topaz Gigapixel: No. Real-ESRGAN: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Topaz Gigapixel?
Topaz Gigapixel is made by Topaz Labs, based in United States.
Who makes Real-ESRGAN?
Real-ESRGAN is made by Xintao Wang.
Which should I choose, Topaz Gigapixel or Real-ESRGAN?
Choose Topaz Gigapixel if you value very natural upscales and runs locally. Choose Real-ESRGAN if you value free and widely used and runs on most gpus.