What Is Upscayl? The Free Open-Source AI Image Upscaler in 2026
Upscayl is a free open-source AI image upscaler that runs locally on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Using advanced AI models like Real-ESRGAN, Upscayl enhances image resolution up to 4x while preserving details, removing artifacts, and improving sharpness — all without sending your images to any cloud service.
Unlike Topaz Gigapixel ($99 one-time) or other paid upscalers, Upscayl is 100% free with no subscription, no watermarks, and no usage limits. For photographers, designers, and anyone needing to enlarge low-resolution images, Upscayl is one of the best free options available.
Who Made Upscayl? The Provider Behind the Tool
Upscayl is developed by TGS963 and the open-source community. The project uses Real-ESRGAN technology and is freely available on GitHub under AGPL-3.0 license.
Key Features of Upscayl in 2026
- 4x image upscaling — quadruple resolution.
- Multiple AI models — Real-ESRGAN, Remacri, Ultramix.
- Cross-platform — Mac, Windows, Linux.
- Batch processing — multiple images at once.
- GPU acceleration — NVIDIA, AMD, Apple Silicon.
- Local processing — privacy-friendly.
- Multiple output formats — PNG, JPG, WEBP.
- No watermarks — clean outputs.
- Custom model support — load alternative AI models.
- Open-source — AGPL-3.0 licensed.
Why Use Upscayl? The Real Benefits for Users
Upscayl's biggest strength is professional-quality upscaling at zero cost. Topaz Gigapixel costs $99+ for similar capability — Upscayl gives you the same quality free with privacy benefits of local processing.
When Should You Use Upscayl? Best Use Cases
Upscayl is ideal for image enhancement. Top use cases include: enlarging old family photos; upscaling low-resolution stock images; enhancing AI-generated images for print; preparing images for large displays; restoring small thumbnails; and processing screenshots for high-DPI displays.
How to Use Upscayl — Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Download Upscayl free from upscayl.org. Install for Mac, Windows, or Linux. Open app. Drop image. Choose AI model and scale (2x, 3x, 4x). Click Upscayl. Wait 5-30 seconds. Save enhanced image.
Upscayl Pricing in 2026
- 100% free open-source — AGPL-3.0.
- Optional Pro upgrade — for advanced features.
Alternatives to Upscayl Worth Trying
- Topaz Gigapixel — paid premium upscaler.
- Let's Enhance — web-based upscaler.
- Bigjpg — online AI upscaling.
- Cupscale — older open-source option.
Final Thoughts — Is Upscayl Worth Using in 2026?
Yes — for anyone needing AI image upscaling without subscription costs, Upscayl is one of the best free tools available in 2026. Open-source, local processing, and professional-quality results make it indispensable for photographers and designers on a budget.
