UpRes vs Gigapixel AI
Gigapixel is a proven desktop tool for photographers. UpRes is cloud-native with video and API support. Here's the honest difference.
Pricing
- Free — $0/mo · 5 upscales, watermarked
- Creator — $9/mo (launch deal, was $19) · 50 stills, 20 videos up to 8K
- Studio — $39/mo · 250 stills, 90 videos up to 8K
- Pay-as-you-go — credit packs from $5 for 50 upscales
- Pricing and licensing — check Topaz for current terms
- Check current upgrade terms with Topaz
- Part of the Topaz app suite; Photo AI and Video AI are separate products
- No free tier — 30-day trial
Feature Matrix
| Feature | UpRes | Gigapixel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web-based (no install) | Gigapixel requires macOS or Windows desktop install. | ||
| Video upscaling | UpRes supports video up to 2GB. Gigapixel AI is image-only. | ||
| API access | UpRes Business plan REST API. Gigapixel has no public API. | ||
| Batch processing | Both support batch. Gigapixel runs on local GPU; UpRes queues in the cloud. | ||
| Free tier | UpRes free tier: 5 images/month. Gigapixel: no free tier, 30-day trial only. | ||
| Offline / local processing | Gigapixel runs fully offline. UpRes requires internet. | ||
| Pricing | Check Topaz for current pricing and licensing. UpRes: subscription or PAYG. | ||
| Faithful photo upscale | Flare is the faithful photo path. Gigapixel uses proprietary desktop models. | ||
| Video upscale | Motion and Motion X upscale video. Gigapixel does not. | ||
| Max output resolution | UpRes: up to 8K on every paid plan. Gigapixel: bounded by local GPU VRAM. | ||
| No GPU required on user device | UpRes runs on our cloud GPUs. Gigapixel benefits significantly from local GPU. | ||
| Face enhancement | Visage restores a face and does not enlarge the frame. Gigapixel has its own face recovery. | ||
| RAW file support | Gigapixel handles RAW via Topaz integration. UpRes requires JPEG/PNG/WebP/HEIC. | ||
| Commercial license | UpRes: Pro/Business/PAYG plans. Gigapixel: included in purchase price. |
When to choose each
Choose UpRes if…
- You need video upscaling alongside photos
- You want cloud processing — no GPU required
- You want a free tier before spending anything
- You need API access for automated workflows
Choose Gigapixel if…
- You're a photographer with a powerful desktop workstation
- You prefer a desktop workflow and have checked current licensing terms
- You need RAW file support or Topaz's face recovery
- Data privacy requires fully offline processing
Frequently asked questions
Is Gigapixel AI worth the price?
Gigapixel AI is an option for photographers who regularly upscale high volumes of images on a powerful desktop. For occasional use or if you need API access or video support, UpRes with its free tier and $9/mo Creator plan (launch deal, was $19) may be more practical.
Does Gigapixel AI support video?
No. Gigapixel AI is an image-only tool. For video upscaling, Topaz offers Video AI as a separate product. UpRes supports video upscaling natively including files up to 2GB.
Can Gigapixel AI upscale to 8K?
Gigapixel AI can upscale to large resolutions, but practical limits depend on local VRAM. Every UpRes paid plan supports up to 8K output on cloud GPUs with no local hardware constraint.