Best AI Image Upscalers 2026
Compare the best AI image upscalers for 2026. Enhance resolution and quality for your AI-generated art and photos.
AI image upscalers enhance resolution and detail beyond original generation. Essential for print, high-resolution displays, and professional output.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Quality | Speed | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topaz Gigapixel | Excellent | Slow | Photos | $99 |
| Real-ESRGAN | Excellent | Fast | Versatile | Free |
| Magnific AI | Excellent | Moderate | Creative | Subscription |
| Upscayl | Very Good | Fast | General | Free |
| SD Upscalers | Good | Moderate | AI Art | Free |
Platform Integration
| Feature | Upscalers | Multic |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | ✅ | ✅ Integrated |
| AI Generation | ❌ | ✅ Multiple models |
| Workflow | Standalone | Complete |
| Batch Processing | Varies | ✅ |
| Story Tools | ❌ | ✅ |
Top AI Upscalers
Real-ESRGAN
Open-source powerhouse with excellent results.
Strengths: Free, fast, excellent quality, multiple models for different content types.
Best For: General upscaling, anime content, versatile needs.
Models: 4x standard, anime-specific, face enhancement.
Topaz Gigapixel AI
Professional-grade upscaling with advanced AI.
Strengths: Industry-leading quality, face recovery, noise reduction, excellent detail enhancement.
Best For: Professional photography, print preparation, maximum quality needs.
Limitations: Expensive, slower processing.
Magnific AI
Creative upscaling with generation capabilities.
Strengths: Adds creative detail, not just upscaling, excellent for AI art.
Best For: AI-generated images, creative enhancement, stylistic upscaling.
Note: Can add hallucinated details (feature or bug depending on use).
Upscayl
Free, user-friendly desktop application.
Strengths: Easy to use, multiple models, active development, cross-platform.
Best For: Beginners, batch processing, quick upscaling.
Stable Diffusion Upscalers
Native upscaling within SD workflows.
Strengths: Integrated workflow, controlable, tile-based for large images.
Best For: SDXL users, workflow integration.
Upscaling Techniques
Standard Upscaling
Increase resolution with AI enhancement. Best for most uses.
Tiled Upscaling
Process large images in sections. Essential for extreme upscales.
Face Enhancement
Specialized processing for faces. GFPGAN, CodeFormer integration.
Style-Specific
Different models for photos vs anime vs art.
When to Upscale
Before
- Print production
- Large display formats
- Professional delivery
- Archive quality
Consider Skipping
- Social media (compressed anyway)
- Quick previews
- Iteration phase
- Small display sizes
Quality Tips
- Start with best source: Better input = better output
- Choose right model: Match content type to upscaler
- Don’t over-upscale: 4x usually sufficient
- Check faces: Apply face enhancement if needed
- Batch test: Test settings before large batches
Why Multic Integrates Upscaling
Upscaling is part of the creation workflow, not separate:
Integrated Pipeline: Upscale within your project.
Consistent Quality: Apply same enhancement across story.
Export Ready: High-resolution output for publishing.
Workflow Efficiency: No external tool switching.
Recommendation
For free versatile upscaling: Real-ESRGAN or Upscayl For maximum quality: Topaz Gigapixel AI For AI art enhancement: Magnific AI
For creators building complete visual stories, Multic’s integrated approach keeps upscaling within your creative workflow rather than as a separate step.
Related: Best AI Image Generators 2026 and Flux vs SDXL