The best AI image upscaler for enlarging low resolution photos

Microsoft Copilot is a fantastic, free, and open-source ai image upscaler that has gained a massive following, especially in the anime and digital art communities.

The Advanced Way (For Developers & Enthusiasts) - Using Python

This method offers the most control and access to the latest features and experimental models.

Prerequisites: You need to have Python and Git installed on your computer.

1. Installation

Open your terminal (Command Prompt, PowerShell, etc.) and run the following commands one by one:

# Clone the Real-ESRGAN repository
git clone https://github.com/xinntao/Real-ESRGAN.git
# Navigate into the cloned folder
cd Real-ESRGAN
# Install the required Python packages
pip install basicsr
pip install facexlib
pip install gfpgan
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Install the Real-ESRGAN package itself
python setup.py develop

2. Download Pre-trained Models

You need to download the AI models. They are usually downloaded automatically the first time you run a command, but you can also download them manually from the project's GitHub page and place them in the weights folder.

3. Upscale an Image

With everything set up, you can now use the inference_realesrgan.py script.

python inference_realesrgan.py -n RealESRGAN_x4plus -i input.jpg --outscale 4 -o results/

-n RealESRGAN_x4plus: Specifies the model name.

-i input.jpg: Path to your input image.

--outscale 4: Desired upscale factor.

-o results/: Output directory.

For most users, starting with free AI image upscaler is the best way to experience the power of Real-ESRGAN without any hassle. If you need more control, then move on to the other methods.

Topaz Gigapixel AI is the industry standard for photographers and professionals who need reliable, high-quality results with a simple interface.

Why it's great as the best  AI image upscaler: It delivers exceptionally sharp and natural-looking results. Its AI model is specifically trained to recover detail in photos without making them look overly processed or "plastic."

Key Features:

1. Standalone desktop software (no internet required).
2. Simple drag-and-drop interface.
3. Offers different AI models (e.g., for lines, art, or general photos).
4. Allows for side-by-side comparison and batch processing.

Best for: Photographers, digital artists, and anyone who needs the highest possible quality for real-world photos and wants a one-time purchase.

Pricing: One-time purchase (around $99). There's a free trial with watermark.

Potential Drawback: It's a paid software, not a free online tool.

An AI image upscaler is a tool that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to enlarge or increase the resolution of images while preserving or enhancing their quality. Unlike traditional upscaling methods that can produce blurry or pixelated results, AI upscalers analyze the image content—such as edges, textures, and details—and generate additional pixels that look natural and sharp.

How AI Image Upscalers Work:

•  Analysis: The AI examines the low-resolution image to understand its structure.
•  Generation: It predicts and creates new pixels to fill in the gaps, adding detail and clarity.
•  Enhancement: The result is a larger image with improved quality, often suitable for printing, editing, or viewing on high-resolution screens.

Alternative Methods:

• Open-Source Tools: Some open-source projects like ESRGAN can be run locally if you are comfortable with command-line tools and have some technical knowledge.
• Photo Editing Software: Some software like GlMP or Phot0shop includes basic upscaling features, but they typically don't use AI and may produce less optimal results.

Bigjpg is a popular AI image upscaler that allows you to enlarge low-resolution photos while preserving quality and reducing noise. While Bigjpg offers a free tier, it typically provides limited free credits or a cap on the maximum image size you can upscale without a subscription.

If you're looking for a completely free AI image upscaler, Bigjpg can be a good option to try, especially for small to medium-sized images. It uses advanced neural networks to enhance details and upscale images up to 4x or more, making it suitable for improving low-resolution photos for printing, editing, or sharing.

To use Bigjpg for free:

1. Visit the Bigjpg website.
2. Upload your low-resolution image.
3. Select the desired upscaling level.
4. Download the enhanced image after processing.

For unlimited use or larger images, you might need to consider subscribing or exploring alternative free tools like Let's Enhance, or ImgUpscalr, which also leverage AI technology for image upscaling.

Waifu2x is a free AI image upscaler designed to enlarge low-resolution photos while maintaining and enhancing the image quality. It works by applying deep learning algorithms that intelligently analyze the image, reducing noise and sharpening details as it enlarges the picture. Although it was initially created for anime-style images, many users find it effective for all kinds of photos, including photographs and artwork.

The main advantage of Waifu2x is that it is completely free to use and accessible through various platforms. You can find online versions that require no installation, allowing you to upload your low-resolution images and get a higher-resolution, clearer version in seconds. There are also desktop applications and command-line AI image upscaler for more advanced or bulk processing.

In essence, Waifu2x acts like a smart magnifier that not only makes your images larger but also enhances their quality, making low-quality photos look sharper and more detailed after upscaling.

Upscayl is an excellent choice if you're looking for a free AI image upscaler specifically for enlarging low-resolution photos. Here's why it might be a good fit for your needs:

Pros of Upscayl:

• Free and Open-Source: No cost involved, making it accessible for everyone.
• User-Friendly: Easy to install and operate on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Good Quality Results: Uses advanced AI models (like RealESRGAN) to enhance details while aiming for natural-looking images.
• Supports Batch Processing: You can upscale multiple photos at once, saving time.
• No Watermarks or Limitations: Unlike some free AI image upscaler, Upscayl doesn't impose restrictions or add watermarks.

How it fits your needs:

• Upscayl is designed to improve resolution while preserving human features, faces, and skin tones.
• It reduces pixelation and recovers details, making old scanned prints look clearer without artificial artifacts.
• Since it's open-source, you can customize or experiment with its models if you're technically inclined.