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Best Free Smart Upscaler Alternatives — 12 Tools Compared in 2026

Explore 12 alternatives to Smart Upscaler — vetted by our editors with real user reviews, pricing, and feature comparisons.

Compare 12 top free Smart Upscaler alternatives at a glance

Quick answer

Our top free photo editing software alternatives to Smart Upscaler are Deep Image AI, AI Image Upscaler and Fotor. Deep Image AI ranks first with a SpotScore of 7.8 and 4.8★ from real users. The table below compares all 12 on score, rating, and pricing.

Smart Upscaler works for plenty of teams, but it isn't the only choice. If price, features, or the learning curve are pushing you to switch, these 12 photo editing software free alternatives are the strongest replacements. We rank by SpotScore, a blend of real-user satisfaction and market presence, alongside ratings and pricing. Start with the table, then read each breakdown.

ProductSpotScoreRatingPricingBest for
Deep Image AITransform your images with deep learning technology.7.8★★★★★ 4.8(3)Freefrom $7.50/yrteams of all sizes
AI Image UpscalerEnhance your images with advanced AI technology.7.2Not yet ratedFreefrom $0.89/moteams of all sizes
FotorTransform your photos into masterpieces.9.8★★★★ 3.5(233)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
PicMonkeyEdit, create, and share your photos with ease.9.7★★★★ 3.5(222)FreeFree Trial · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses
BefunkyUnleash your creativity with effortless photo editing.9.6★★★★ 4.1(72)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses
Adobe PhotoshopUnleash your creativity with unparalleled editing power.9.5★★★★★ 4.7(570)FreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
PixlrTransform your photos with Pixlr's powerful features.9.4★★★★★ 4.5(345)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
PhotopeaTransform photos like a pro with Photopea.9.3★★★☆☆ 3.1(28)FreeFreemium · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses
FotoJetEffortlessly elevate your photos with FotoJet's precision tools.9.3★★★★★ 4.51(230)FreeFree Trial · Freemium · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses
Adobe Photoshop ElementsUnleash your creativity with effortless photo editing.9.1★★★★ 4.3(251)FreeFree Trial · One-time licenseteams of all sizes
Adobe Photoshop LightroomTransform Your Photos with Effortless Editing.9★★★★★ 4.6(2450)FreeFree Trial · Subscription · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes
piZapUnleash your creativity with piZap.9Not yet ratedFreeFree Trial · Freemium · Subscriptionsmall & mid-size businesses

7.8

SpotScore

Deep Image AI - Photo Editing Software

Deep Image AI

Transform your images with deep learning technology.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

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What is Deep Image AI?

Deep-Image AI is a user-friendly AI-powered image enhancement platform designed to help creators, marketers, eCommerce sellers, and photographers improve image quality with minimal effort. The tool allows users to upscale photos by up to 4x, sharpen blurry visuals, remove noise, enhance colors, ...

Read more about Deep Image AI
Free TrialTry Free →·

Deep Image AI offers custom pricing plan

7.2

SpotScore

AI Image Upscaler - Image Optimization Software

AI Image Upscaler

Enhance your images with advanced AI technology.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

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What is AI Image Upscaler?

AI Image Upscaler uses AI algorithms to enlarge low-resolution images by up to 8x their original size while preserving detail and quality. Upload an image, select a magnification level, and download the upscaled result.

Read more about AI Image Upscaler
Free TrialTry Free →

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9.8

SpotScore

Fotor - Photo Editing Software

Fotor

Transform your photos into masterpieces.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is Fotor?

Fotor is photo editing software that lets users dramatically improve the photos of family or of nature's beauty. User can perform advanced edits such as skin smoothing, blemish fixing, straightening, redeye reduction, pixelation removal, background light adjustments, and modifications to ...

Read more about Fotor

Starts from $8.99/Month, also offers free forever plan

9.7

SpotScore

PicMonkey - Photo Editing Software

PicMonkey

Edit, create, and share your photos with ease.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is PicMonkey?

PicMonkey photo editing software helps to easily edit, create, and sharephotos. Upload photos or create free photo upload accounts at various social media sites. Then use the one-click color correction tools, feathering options, lens flares, graphics, text overlays, and doodles to enhance ...

Read more about PicMonkey
Free Trial·

Starts from $6/Month when Billed Yearly

9.6

SpotScore

Befunky - Photo Editing Software

Befunky

Unleash your creativity with effortless photo editing.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is Befunky?

Befunky is an online photo editor for graphic designers, photographers and other visual artists. This allows users to easily, instantly and safely modify photos online while still retaining the full resolution of images. Befunky uses easy drag-and-drop features to put together collages, add ...

Read more about Befunky

Starts from $4.99/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

9.5

SpotScore

Adobe Photoshop - Photo Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop

Unleash your creativity with unparalleled editing power.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Adobe Photoshop?

Photoshop is the industry-standard photo editing software used by professional photographers and designers around the world. Get unrivaled power and performance with this photo editing software. This photo editing software helps to work with layers, blend colors, remove flaws, and more to ...

Read more about Adobe Photoshop
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $22.99/month when monthly

9.4

SpotScore

Pixlr - Photo Editing Software

Pixlr

Transform your photos with Pixlr's powerful features.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is Pixlr?

Pixlr is a free photo editing application that includes more than 350 professional-grade filters and tools for basic adjustments, complex photo compositions, sharing photos on social networks, and more. Unlike basic software, Pixlr is compatible with every major browser and mobile device. It ...

Read more about Pixlr

Starts from $4.90/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

9.3

SpotScore

Photopea - Photo Editing Software

Photopea

Transform photos like a pro with Photopea.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Try for Free

Add to compare

watch-demo

Watch Demo

What is Photopea?

Photopea is a browser-based photo editing software designed for individuals and teams seeking professional-quality editing tools without the need for installations or costly licenses. Built for graphic designers, small business owners, educators, students, freelancers, and social media ...

Read more about Photopea

Starts from $5/month when monthly, also offers free forever plan

9.3

SpotScore

FotoJet - Photo Editing Software

FotoJet

Effortlessly elevate your photos with FotoJet's precision tools.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is FotoJet?

FotoJet is an easy-to-use photo editing software designed for users of varying levels and technical know-how, from enthusiasts to semi-professional photographers, with unparalleled image quality. With it's thorough file browser, easily browse through folders with thousands of images and edit ...

Read more about FotoJet
Free Trial·

Starts from $3.33/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

9.1

SpotScore

Adobe Photoshop Elements - Photo Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop Elements

Unleash your creativity with effortless photo editing.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Adobe Photoshop Elements?

Adobe Photoshop Elements is a digital photo editor to help to fix, organize and share images. Enjoy one-click auto fixes that let users instantly improve photos, then use simple yet powerful tools to adjust color, lighting and more. From easy sharing that lets user publish projects to mobile ...

Read more about Adobe Photoshop Elements
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $59.99One-Time Payment

9.0

SpotScore

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom - Photo Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Transform Your Photos with Effortless Editing.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Adobe Photoshop Lightroom?

This software gives users easy ways to organize and manage photographs. The Auto Import feature helps to enhance photos without lifting a finger by bringing pictures into the catalog as they are added to folders on computer. An improved Calibrate Tool makes it easier than ever to adjust colors ...

Read more about Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $9.99/Month

9.0

SpotScore

piZap - Photo Editing Software

piZap

Unleash your creativity with piZap.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is piZap?

piZap is an easy-to-use software application that makes photo editing simple and fun. The intuitive user interface makes it natural to apply cool filters, borders, frames, stickers, and effects. piZap is robust and easy-to-use: Crop, Resize, Deskew, Straighten, Rotate, Mirror image, Flip image, ...

Read more about piZap
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $4.99/Month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

What each Smart Upscaler alternative is best known for

Deep Image AI7.8Best for teams of all sizes

Deep Image AI upscales images to meet print and marketplace DPI standards without sacrificing clarity, making it ideal for product listings and print catalogs.

Watch for: Users who want precise adjustments or creative modifications may find the automated system too restrictive.

AI Image Upscaler7.2Best for teams of all sizes

High-quality image enhancement

Watch for: Limited to image upscaling

Fotor9.8Best for teams of all sizes

Easy to use with a user-friendly interface, suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.

Watch for: Some advanced features may require a paid subscription, limiting access for users who prefer free versions.

PicMonkey9.7Best for small & mid-size businesses

Easy to use, even for non-designers, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive functionality.

Watch for: Limited undo/redo functionality and less extensive history of changes, affecting workflow efficiency for artists.

Befunky9.6Best for small & mid-size businesses

Wide variety of tools for easy and hassle-free photo editing, including filters and effects.

Watch for: Limitations on free features and access to templates, with more advanced features restricted to paid versions.

Adobe Photoshop9.5Best for teams of all sizes

Wide range of tools for image editing and manipulation, catering to various creative needs.

Watch for: Overwhelming richness of features and customizations might be complex for newcomers without proper guidance.

Pixlr9.4Best for teams of all sizes

Free web-based image editor with a broad feature set comparable to Photoshop.

Watch for: Free version has a storage cap, shows ads, and excludes premium features.

Photopea9.3Best for small & mid-size businesses

The tool is a great alternative for users looking for free or low-budget editing options and has a good set of features.

Watch for: Some users experienced performance issues like lagging, slowing down after prolonged usage, and occasional crashes.

FotoJet9.3Best for small & mid-size businesses

Easy-to-use interface with a variety of options for creating collages and editing photos.

Watch for: Some users faced challenges with saving their work or downloading without paying for certain features.

Adobe Photoshop Elements9.1Best for teams of all sizes

Provides a user-friendly experience for both beginners and enthusiasts.

Watch for: Limited selection in the Marketplace for additional apps and connectors.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom9Best for teams of all sizes

Ease of use, accessibility, and user-friendly interface for quick and efficient photo editing.

Watch for: Steep learning curve for beginners, especially in mastering advanced features and navigating the interface.

piZap9Best for small & mid-size businesses

Intuitive user interface

Watch for: Limited advanced features

Why teams look for a Smart Upscaler alternative

When teams go looking for a Smart Upscaler alternative, it's often because of issues like these:

  • Limited file format support
  • No mobile app available
  • Requires internet connection

How to find the right Smart Upscaler replacement

Here's what the data says about these 12 photo editing software free alternatives: 12 offer a free tier; paid plans run $0.89–$7.5, with AI Image Upscaler the cheapest entry point; and Deep Image AI is the highest rated at 4.8 across 3 reviews.

How each tool earns its spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.

The top-rated alternatives to Smart Upscaler are Deep Image AI (4.8★), Adobe Photoshop (4.7★), Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (4.6★). Compare all 12 alternatives side-by-side above.

When evaluating alternatives to Smart Upscaler, prioritize: Text Tool, Remove objects, Enhancement Tools, Batch Editing, Auto Select, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with your existing tools. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Smart Upscaler is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend shortlisting 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.

How to choose the right Smart Upscaler alternative for you

  • On a budget / just exploring: start with a free tier — Deep Image AI, AI Image Upscaler and Fotor let you evaluate without paying upfront.
  • If real-user ratings matter most: Deep Image AI has the strongest star rating (4.8★) among the options with verified reviews.
  • Want the safest pick: Deep Image AI has the highest Spotsaas Score (7.8) in this list — a strong default if you're unsure.

Moving off Smart Upscaler

Before retiring Smart Upscaler, take the cautious route. Export your data, make sure the new tool accepts it, and confirm the workflows you rely on transfer. Pilot on a free tier or trial, then go all in, leaving Smart Upscaler active until migration finishes.

Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].