Tired of a desktop renewal?
Here's the Online Alternative.
You shouldn't have to install a 2 GB desktop app — and pay for renewals — just to upscale one image. UpRes gives you 14 public aliases, video upscaling, and a REST API, all from your browser.
“I use Topaz maybe twice a month. Why am I paying for a desktop install?”
Topaz Gigapixel is excellent software. For local processing, offline privacy, or heavy desktop batch workflows it's probably the right tool. But if your workflow is browser-based, API-driven, or includes video — the desktop-only model leaves a real gap.
UpRes vs Topaz Gigapixel
| Feature | UpRes | Topaz Gigapixel |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | ||
| Free tier | ||
| Entry price | ||
| Max output resolution | ||
| AI model variety | ||
| Video upscaling | ||
| REST API access | ||
| Requires install | ||
| Batch processing | ||
| Offline processing | ||
| Commercial license on entry plan | ||
| PAYG / credits |
Check Topaz for current pricing and licence terms.
Before & After: AI Upscaling in Action
How It Works
Upload
Drag and drop an image or video. JPEG, PNG, WebP, MP4, MOV. Up to 50 MB images, 2 GB video.
Pick a model
Choose a public alias — Flare for photos, Prism for product shots, Visage for faces. The picker recommends a match from the file.
Download at up to 8K
Most jobs finish in under 30 seconds. Commercial use included on Pro and Business.
What staying on Topaz costs you
- Pay for a desktop licence you use twice a month
- No API — every batch job is a manual click session in the Topaz UI
- Video upscaling requires a separate Topaz Video AI purchase at extra cost
- Can't integrate upscaling into a web app or pipeline without screen-scraping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Topaz Gigapixel alternative?
UpRes is a strong Topaz Gigapixel alternative for cloud-based workflows: browser-based with no install, 14 public aliases, video upscaling, REST API, and a free tier (5 images/month). Paid plans start at $9/mo (Creator), all with up to 8K output; check Topaz for current pricing. If you need offline processing or local privacy, Topaz remains the leading desktop option.
Is UpRes better than Topaz Gigapixel?
It depends on your workflow. UpRes wins for API access, video upscaling, and browser-based jobs with no software install. Topaz Gigapixel wins for local processing (no upload), offline privacy, and users already invested in the Topaz Photo AI suite. Both deliver professional-grade upscaling quality.
Does Topaz Gigapixel have a free tier?
Topaz Gigapixel offers a trial period only — no ongoing free tier. UpRes provides a permanent free tier of 5 images per month, no credit card required, with all 14 AI models available.
Does Topaz Gigapixel support video upscaling?
Topaz has a separate Video AI product for video upscaling, sold separately or as part of Topaz Photo AI. UpRes includes video upscaling (Motion and Motion X) on paid plans, plus Still for denoise and Cadence for new frames.