Upscale4 vs Upscayl at a glance
| Upscale4 | Upscayl | |
|---|---|---|
| Free limit | 5 images a day, batches of 5Source: our pricing | Unlimited, free and open sourceSource: upscayl.org, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
| Max free output | 2× and 4×, up to 4,096 px on the long sideSource: our pricing | Up to 16×Source: upscayl.org, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
| File and size limits | Files up to 100 MB free, 1 GB on ProSource: our pricing | Not publishedSource: upscayl.org, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
| Watermark | No watermarkSource: our pricing | Not publishedSource: upscayl.org, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
| Sign-up | First download each day needs no account, then a free accountSource: our pricing | Desktop install, needs a Vulkan-capable GPUSource: github.com, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
| Uploads your image | No, it runs in your browserSource: our pricing | No, runs on your computerSource: upscayl.org, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
| Extra models | Pro adds the "Photo, max quality" model and Enhance facesSource: our pricing | Many modelsSource: github.com, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
| Paid price | Pro $5/month or $50/year: no size cap (up to 16,384 px), unlimited, batches of 200Source: our pricing | Free (open source)Source: github.com, checked 6 Oct 2026 |
"Not published" means we could not confirm that detail on the linked page when we checked on 6 Oct 2026. Prices and limits change, so check the source before you decide.
Where Upscayl is better
- Unlimited and free, with no daily cap and no paid plan.
- Up to 16×, where Upscale4 tops out at 4×.
- Many models to choose from.
- Like Upscale4, your images never upload.
Where Upscale4 is better
- Nothing to install: it runs in a browser tab, which helps on a work or school computer where you cannot add apps.
- Also includes free compress, resize, convert and crop tools in the same place.
Which to pick
Upscayl is excellent if you can install a desktop app and have a Vulkan-capable GPU: it is free, unlimited and goes to 16×. Upscale4 is for when you want the same privacy in the browser, with nothing to install.
Questions
Is Upscale4 a free Upscayl alternative?
Yes. Upscale4 Free gives 5 images a day, batches of 5, 2× and 4×, up to 4,096 px on the long side, with no watermark. Upscayl: Unlimited, free and open source (checked 6 Oct 2026).
Does Upscayl upload my images?
Upscayl: No, runs on your computer. Upscale4 runs in your browser, so your image stays on your device.
Which gives a bigger free result, Upscale4 or Upscayl?
Upscale4 Free: 2× and 4×, up to 4,096 px on the long side. Upscayl: Up to 16×. Upscale4 Pro removes the size cap.
How do the paid plans compare?
Upscale4: Pro $5/month or $50/year: no size cap (up to 16,384 px), unlimited, batches of 200. Upscayl: Free (open source).
Sources
Upscayl figures checked 6 Oct 2026. Names are used only to identify each product.