Upscayl
upscayl.org
Free open-source AI image upscaling desktop app.
Quick Information
- Category:
- Image Generation
- Pricing:
- Freemium
- Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Free Plan:
- Yes
- Last Verified:
- September 2026
What Is Upscayl?
Upscayl is a free, open-source AI image upscaler that runs entirely locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, using Real-ESRGAN neural network models with Vulkan-based GPU acceleration rather than cloud processing. It offers six AI models — General Photo, UltraSharp, Remacri, Ultramix Balanced, High Fidelity, and Digital Art — tuned for different content types, batch processing across entire folders, and a Double Upscayl feature that chains two 4x passes together for up to 16x enlargement. For users wanting cloud-based speed and convenience instead of local processing, Upscayl Cloud offers tiered monthly credit plans (roughly 100 credits for ~$12/month up to 1,000 credits for ~$96/month, with up to 40% off annual billing).
Its genuinely free, open-source, fully local desktop application — with no watermarks, no usage caps, and no account required — is a real rarity in the AI image tool space, where most competitors gate meaningful upscaling behind subscriptions or credit systems; running entirely on-device via Vulkan GPU acceleration also means no images ever leave the user's machine, a genuine privacy advantage for sensitive content.
It's aimed at users wanting a completely free, private, capable image upscaler without subscription costs or cloud uploads, with the optional paid Cloud tier serving those who specifically want faster processing without needing a capable local GPU — anyone comfortable with local processing has no real reason to pay, since the free desktop app carries no meaningful feature restrictions. See our Image & Design tools directory for related tools like Topaz Gigapixel and Let's Enhance.
What Can You Use Upscayl For?
Local, private image upscaling
Upscales images entirely on-device without uploading to the cloud.
Batch image enhancement
Processes entire folders of images with identical upscaling settings.
Extreme resolution enlargement
Chains two 4x passes via Double Upscayl for up to 16x upscaling.
Upscayl Features
- Six specialized AI models — Provides General Photo, UltraSharp, Remacri, Ultramix Balanced, High Fidelity, and Digital Art models.
- Vulkan GPU acceleration — Runs upscaling locally with Vulkan-based GPU acceleration for fast, private processing.
- Double Upscayl — Chains two 4x upscaling passes for up to 16x total enlargement.
Who Is Upscayl For?
- Privacy-conscious users — Uses fully local processing so images never leave their device.
- Budget-conscious creators — Uses a genuinely free, unrestricted desktop app instead of subscription-based upscalers.
Upscayl Pros & Limitations
What We Like
- Genuinely free, open-source desktop app with no watermarks, usage caps, or account requirement
- Fully local processing means images never leave the user’s device — a real privacy advantage
- Six specialized AI models cover diverse content types from photos to digital art
Limitations
- Local processing speed depends on the user’s own GPU capability
- Cloud tier pricing (~$12-$96/month for 100-1,000 credits) applies only if opting into cloud-based processing
- No mobile app — desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) only
Upscayl Pricing
| Plan | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop app | Free | Full local upscaling, no watermarks, no caps, no account required |
| Cloud (100 credits) | ~$12/month | Cloud-based upscaling for faster processing |
| Cloud (1,000 credits) | ~$96/month | Higher-volume cloud-based upscaling |
Pricing was last verified September 2026. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
AI Listing Jungle Ranking
- Global Rank:
- #456
- Overall Score:
- 47.5/100
- Monthly Users:
- –
- Rank Change:
- ▲ 23
This ranking reflects AI Listing Jungle's own independent scoring methodology and is not an endorsement by Upscayl or its company. How Our Rankings Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upscayl really free?
Yes, the desktop app is completely free, open-source, with no watermarks or account required.
Does Upscayl require internet access?
No, the desktop app processes images entirely locally.
What is Upscayl Cloud?
An optional paid tier for cloud-based processing, priced by credit volume.
What is the maximum upscale factor?
Up to 16x using the Double Upscayl feature chaining two 4x passes.
Our Take
Upscayl's genuinely free, open-source, fully local desktop app is a real rarity in AI image tooling — no watermarks, no usage caps, and no account required, with images never leaving the user's device.
Anyone with a capable local GPU has little reason to pay for the optional Cloud tier, since the free desktop app carries no meaningful feature restrictions.
Upscayl Alternatives
Upscayl Comparisons
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