THE BEST AI IMAGE UPSCALERS IN 2024
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Introduction
In an era dominated by large megapixel cameras, it may come as a surprise that upscaling technology remains a hot topic. One reason for this interest is the considerable demand for image generation services that often produce outputs at lower resolutions than traditional cameras. Regardless of the motivation, the tools available for image upscaling are consistently being enhanced. With that in mind, I thought it would be beneficial to update my 2020 upscaling comparison video to include the latest advancements and several new contenders aiming to identify the best upscaler for 2024.
As always, a slideshow comparison will accompany this analysis, allowing you to judge the results for yourself. Now, let’s dive into the top upscalers for 2024.
1. Leonard AI
At number four is Leonardo AI. While primarily known for its image generation capabilities, Leonardo has introduced a Universal Upscaler this year. This tool allows users to upload photographs or AI-generated images to enhance their overall quality. A unique feature of Leonard’s upscaler is its reliance on generative AI, offering a creativity slider ranging from 0 to 10, which significantly influences the final output's variability compared to the original.
A low creativity value of around 2 or 3 tends to offer the best balance between upscaling quality and fidelity to the source image. The strengths of Leonardo AI lie in its excellent results across various test images when using the recommended slider values. However, its downsides include its propensity for altering the image appearance and being the most expensive option on this list, with a base cost of $ 12 a month.
2. On1 Resize AI
Next up, we have On1 Resize AI, which allows customers to enlarge photos by up to 700% while recovering detail and sharpness. The latest version, 20235, launched in mid-2023, incorporates a machine learning model that effectively enhances small faces. Using Resize AI is straightforward; users can select photos, choose export, set their desired percentage, and click the export button.
The advantages of On1 Resize AI include its capacity to produce sharp outputs, particularly excelling in animal images, and its cost-effectiveness at $ 79 with no subscription required. However, it falls short in removing compression artifacts, and at times, processing yields unsightly artifacts that compromise the image's quality.
3. Luminar Neo Upscale AI
At number two is Luminar Neo with its Upscale AI extension, available for a promotional price of $ 49 a year. Last updated in July 2023, Upscale AI is designed with simplicity in mind, allowing users to drag a photo into its interface. Users can choose between two upscale types, with Universal generally providing cleaner results.
The pros of Upscale AI include its effectiveness in removing artifacts and its specialized face recovery feature, which shows excellent results. On the downside, Upscale AI can be overly aggressive, leading to the loss of fine details and resulting in a smoother image than intended.
4. Topaz Photo AI
Topping the list at number one is Topaz Photo AI, which integrates upscaling, noise reduction, and sharpening in one package. Now in version three, Photo AI is praised for its exceptional upscaling quality, effectively removing artifacts and producing clean images while preserving fine details. Its face recovery functionality works exceptionally well and it supports batch processing.
Although Topaz Photo AI stands out for its quality, its price of $ 199 positions it as a more expensive option compared to others listed here, making it a significant investment for users.
In conclusion, these are the top five upscalers for 2024. Stay tuned for my upcoming video, where I will present a slideshow comparison of upscaling outputs, allowing you to decide which tool aligns best with your needs.
Keyword
- AI Upscalers
- Leonardo AI
- On1 Resize AI
- Luminar Neo
- Topaz Photo AI
- Image Quality
- Image Generation
- Upscaling Technology
FAQ
Q1: What is the main purpose of AI image upscalers?
A1: AI image upscalers enhance the quality and resolution of images, often producing better results than traditional resizing methods.
Q2: Which AI image upscaler is the most affordable?
A2: On1 Resize AI is the cheapest option on the list at $ 79 with no subscription requirements.
Q3: How does the creativity slider in Leonardo AI affect image results?
A3: The creativity slider allows users to adjust the degree of deviation from the original image, providing varying levels of detail and alteration.
Q4: What are some drawbacks of Luminar Neo's Upscale AI?
A4: Upscale AI can be overly aggressive, which may lead to the loss of fine details and overly smooth images.
Q5: Why is Topaz Photo AI considered the best option?
A5: Topaz Photo AI excels in producing high-quality results, preserving fine details, and integrating various photo correction features, although it is more expensive than other options.
