Best 3 FREE Image Upscalers in 2024 + Comparison!
TLDRIn this video, the host reviews the top three free image upscalers in 2024, providing a comparison of their performance and ease of use. The upscalers discussed are 'Upscale with a Y', which is a downloadable application for various operating systems that supports batch processing and offers customization through different AI models; 'DB.LOL', a web-based tool that requires waiting in a queue for processing but is otherwise straightforward to use; and 'Pixel Cut', another web-based tool that allows for easy uploading and upscaling without the need for an account. The video also includes a comparison with Photoshop's upscaling capabilities. The host concludes that 'Upscale with a Y' is the best choice for those with powerful systems and a need for batch processing, while 'Pixel Cut' is recommended for those with less powerful systems or who prefer not to wait for processing on 'DB.LOL'. The summary is rounded out with a call to action for viewers to engage in the comments section and a reminder to support the channel.
Takeaways
- 🌟 Upscale with a Y is a free image upscaler that works offline, supports all major formats, and allows for multiple upscaling options.
- 📘 To use Upscale with a Y, simply download the installer for your operating system and start the application.
- 🔍 Users can experiment with different upscaling models to see which one works best for their images.
- 📂 The application defaults to exporting images to the same folder, but users can choose a custom output folder.
- 🚀 Upscale with a Y can handle heavy loads, such as 16x upscaling, but it requires a powerful system.
- 💻 DB.LOL is a web-based tool that offers image upscaling among other free tools, but it requires waiting in a queue for processing.
- 📈 PixelCut is another tool for image upscaling that does not require signing up, and it offers batch upscaling for a fee.
- 🎨 Photoshop's upscaling feature, while quick, may not produce the best results compared to the dedicated upscaling tools.
- 🤔 The comparison of the three tools (Upscale with a Y, DB.LOL, and PixelCut) shows that they yield almost identical results in most cases.
- 📊 Upscale with a Y offers customization options, such as selecting different AI models or uploading custom models for upscaling.
- ⏱️ DB.LOL can be a slower option due to waiting times, making it less ideal for users with less powerful systems or those needing quick processing.
- 💬 The video encourages viewers to discuss in the comments which tool they think is the best for their needs.
Q & A
What are the three free image upscalers mentioned in the transcript?
-The three free image upscalers mentioned are Upscale with a Y, DB.LOL, and Pixel Cut.
What is the main advantage of using Upscale with a Y?
-The main advantage of using Upscale with a Y is that it is installed on your system, so you don't need online access or internet to use it. It also supports batch upscaling if you have a powerful system.
How does the DB.LOL image upscaler work?
-DB.LOL is a web-based tool that allows you to drag and drop your image for upscaling. However, it requires you to wait for your turn to process the image, which can take up to 15 minutes due to the high demand for the free service.
What is the primary feature that differentiates Pixel Cut from the other two free upscalers?
-Pixel Cut does not require you to sign up or jump through hoops to use it. It also allows you to select different upscaling models and provides a more straightforward interface for upscaling images.
How does the upscaling process on Photoshop compare to the free upscaling tools mentioned?
-Photoshop's upscaling feature is quicker and more instantaneous than the free tools, but it may not produce as high-quality results, especially when it comes to fine details like fur or whiskers.
What is the main downside of using DB.LOL for image upscaling?
-The main downside of using DB.LOL is the waiting time. Since it's a free service with high demand, users may have to wait for up to 15 minutes or more for their image to be upscaled.
What customization options does Upscale with a Y offer?
-Upscale with a Y offers customization options such as choosing different AI models for upscaling, the ability to upscale multiple times (2x, 3x, 4x), and the option to select a custom output folder.
How does the quality of the upscaled image from Upscale with a Y compare to the other free tools?
-The quality of the upscaled image from Upscale with a Y is comparable to Pixel Cut and DB.LOL, with minor differences. It offers flexibility with different AI models, which can help in achieving better results depending on the image.
What is the recommended approach if you have a powerful system and want to batch process a large number of images?
-If you have a powerful system and want to batch process a large number of images, Upscale with a Y is recommended due to its ability to utilize your system's resources and the option to select different AI models for better results.
What is the recommended tool if your system is not powerful enough to handle batch processing?
-If your system is not powerful enough for batch processing, Pixel Cut is recommended as it is less resource-intensive and does not require waiting times like DB.LOL.
How can users support the developers of these free tools?
-Users can support the developers by donating if they find the tools helpful. There is usually a 'Donate' button in the settings of the application, which allows users to contribute financially to the maintenance and development of the tools.
Outlines
📚 Introduction to Free Image Upscaling Tools
The video introduces viewers to free image upscaling tools that do not require signing up or complex setup. It highlights 'Upscale with a Y' as a versatile option available for multiple operating systems, including Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. The tool supports major image formats and allows users to choose from different upscaling models and resolutions. It also offers the ability to select the number of times an image is upscaled, from 2x to 4x, and provides options for output folder preferences. The video demonstrates the upscaling process and the impressive results, including a detailed comparison of the original and upscaled images, focusing on details like eyes, nose, and whiskers. It also mentions the option to upscale images up to 16 times, which is computationally intensive but yields high-resolution results. The video encourages viewers to donate if they find the tool helpful.
🖼️ Comparison of Upscaling Tools and Techniques
The video compares different image upscaling tools and techniques, including 'db. LOL', 'Pixel Cut', and Adobe Photoshop's 'Preserve Details 2.0'. It discusses the pros and cons of each method, such as the waiting time for free upscaling on db. LOL, the batch processing capabilities of Pixel Cut, and the immediate but sometimes less satisfactory results from Photoshop. The video provides a detailed visual comparison of the upscaling results from each tool, noting the differences in detail and quality. It also discusses the flexibility of 'Upscale with a Y', which allows users to choose different AI models, including a 'Ultra Sharp' model that produces better results without introducing unwanted lines. The video concludes by suggesting that 'Upscale with a Y' is the best option for those with powerful systems and the need for batch processing, while 'Pixel Cut' is recommended for users with less powerful systems or those unwilling to wait for upscaling on db. LOL. It ends with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for notifications, and thanks the Patreon supporters of Piximperfect.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Image Upscaler
💡Free and Open Source
💡Drag and Drop
💡System Requirements
💡AI Models
💡Batch Processing
💡Customizability
💡Resolution
💡Donation
💡Processing Time
💡Photoshop
Highlights
Upscale with a Y is a free image upscaler that works offline and supports all major formats.
It allows users to choose from different models and set the desired upscaling factor, up to 4x.
The application is available for Linux, Mac OS, and Windows platforms.
Upscale with a Y can process images without an internet connection, making it convenient for offline use.
The software provides an option to choose an output folder for the upscaled images.
Users can upscale images up to 16 times the original size using the 'double upscale' feature.
The upscaled images are of high quality, with impressive results on details like eyes and whiskers.
Donations are accepted to support the development of Upscale with a Y.
Db.LOL is an online image upscaler that offers a free option with a wait time due to high demand.
PixelCut is another free tool that does not require signing up and allows batch upscaling for a fee.
Photoshop's upscaling feature is compared, showing mixed results and some limitations.
PixelCut outperforms Photoshop's upscaling in terms of detail and quality.
Upscale with a Y offers flexibility with different AI models, including an 'ultra sharp' model.
All three free upscaling tools—PixelCut, Db.LOL, and Upscale with a Y—produce almost identical results.
Upscale with a Y is recommended for users with powerful systems and the need for batch processing.
For users with less powerful systems, PixelCut is a viable alternative due to its efficiency.
The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for updates.
Support for Piximperfect on Patreon is acknowledged, helping to keep the platform free for everyone.