Upscayl
Free open-source desktop app for upscaling images on your own computer.
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About Upscayl
Upscayl is listed in our photography & photo editing category and is aimed at people who want a ready-to-use product. Free open-source desktop app for upscaling images on your own computer. Pricing, as the maker states it: Free and open source (AGPL-3.0) desktop app; Upscayl Cloud free trial (10 credits), Pro $24.99/mo. Maturity: Active. We last checked the official link on 2026-10-19.
What is Upscayl?
Upscayl is a free and open-source desktop app that enlarges and enhances low-resolution images with AI upscaling models, running on your own computer.
It is available for Linux (AppImage, Flatpak, Snap, DEB, RPM), macOS 12+ (including Homebrew) and Windows 10+, and needs a Vulkan-compatible GPU. A separate paid service, Upscayl Cloud, upscales in the browser with credits.
Sources: the official README and our directory listing, checked 2026-10-19. Official site: upscayl.org.
Who is Upscayl for?
Photographers, designers and anyone who wants to upscale images locally for free, or in the cloud without a capable GPU.
Upscayl at a glance
- Open source: Yes (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0)
- GitHub: upscayl/upscayl · 50,833 stars (as of Oct 21, 2026)
Key features
- AI image upscaling on your own computer
- Linux, macOS and Windows desktop apps
- Free and open source (AGPL-3.0)
- Upscayl Cloud for upscaling without a local GPU
Upscayl pricing
- Desktop app: Free · open source
- Cloud Free Trial: $0 · 10 credits
- Cloud Pro: $24.99/mo · 300 credits a month, upscales up to 256MP
- Cloud Custom: Custom
Cloud credits are also sold as one-time packs.
Source: official pricing page, checked Oct 19, 2026. Prices change; check the source before buying.
Upscayl FAQ
What is Upscayl?
Upscayl is a free and open-source desktop app that enlarges and enhances low-resolution images with AI upscaling models, running on your own computer.
Who is Upscayl for?
Photographers, designers and anyone who wants to upscale images locally for free, or in the cloud without a capable GPU.
Is Upscayl free?
Yes. Upscayl has a free option (Desktop app, Cloud Free Trial), according to its pricing page (checked Oct 19, 2026).
How much does Upscayl cost?
As of Oct 19, 2026, Upscayl's official pricing page lists: Desktop app: Free; Cloud Free Trial: $0; Cloud Pro: $24.99/mo; Cloud Custom: Custom. Cloud credits are also sold as one-time packs.
Is Upscayl open source?
Yes. Upscayl is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0, according to its GitHub repository.
What hardware does Upscayl need?
A Vulkan-compatible GPU. The project notes that many integrated GPUs do not work.
What are alternatives to Upscayl?
Similar tools include Clipdrop, PortraitPro, Let's Enhance, Claid.ai, remove.bg and Topaz Gigapixel.
Upscayl ratings and reviews
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Other photography & photo editing tools in our directory. See all photography & photo editing tools →
Clipdrop
Image cleanup, relighting, background removal and upscaling tools (owned by Jasper).
PortraitPro
Desktop portrait retouching software that uses AI face mapping for skin and lighting.
Let's Enhance
Online upscaling and enhancement for photos and print.
Claid.ai
AI product photography: backgrounds, fashion models and upscaling, with an API.
remove.bg
One-click background removal for images, with an API (owned by Canva).
Topaz Gigapixel
AI image upscaler that enlarges photos while recovering detail and faces.
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