waifu2x

Single-image super-resolution for anime-style art using deep convolutional neural networks.

About waifu2x

waifu2x is a free web service and open-source project that upscales images using deep convolutional neural networks. Specializing in anime-style artwork, it can enlarge images up to two times while reducing JPEG noise at several strength levels, and it also supports photographs. Users simply upload an image, choose the style, noise reduction, and scale, and download the result, making it popular with illustrators, fans, and archivists restoring small artwork.

waifu2x website preview

Live preview of waifu2x.udp.jp via the WordPress mShots service — it can take a few seconds to generate on a first visit.

waifu2x: strengths & things to check

Strengths

Completely free to use — this directory lists no paid plan for it.
Covers image upscaler, anime, open source, noise reduction — see the focus areas listed in its key facts.
Has 6 close alternatives in the same category on this page, so switching or comparing is easy.

Things to check

Free tools can change their model or shut down — avoid locking critical work into it without an export path.
Current plan prices are not listed here (they change too often to print reliably) — confirm the exact price on the official site.
It is one of 808 tools in the AI Image & Video category here — compare it against the alternatives below before you commit.

Derived from this listing's own data (pricing model, focus areas and category) — not a hands-on review score.

waifu2x pricing

Pricing model	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
Free access	Yes — fully free
Current plan prices	Listed on the official site — prices change, so this directory links out instead of printing a number that may already be stale.
Official site	waifu2x.udp.jp

waifu2x key facts

Category: AI Image & Video
Pricing: Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
Focus areas: image upscaler, anime, open source, noise reduction
Official site: waifu2x.udp.jp

waifu2x FAQ

How much does waifu2x cost?

Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. Current plans and prices are listed on the official site (waifu2x.udp.jp).

What is waifu2x used for?

Single-image super-resolution for anime-style art using deep convolutional neural networks. Its focus areas in the AI Image & Video category: image upscaler, anime, open source, noise reduction.

Where can I try waifu2x?

On its official site, waifu2x.udp.jp — the Visit Official Site button above goes straight there.

waifu2x vs alternatives

	waifu2x	Upscayl	AI Horde	Ampache
Pricing	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
Focus areas	image upscaler, anime, open source, noise reduction	image upscaler, open source, enhancer	open source, image generation, crowdsourced, stable diffusion	music streaming, self hosted, open source
Official site	waifu2x.udp.jp	upscayl.org	stablehorde.net	ampache.org
Directory status	Listed	Listed	Listed	Listed

Side-by-side from each listing's own directory data. Full alternative cards are below.

About the AI Image & Video category

AI tools for generating images, videos, music, and voices from simple prompts. The AI Image & Video category on Tools Hub currently lists 808 tools. Alongside waifu2x, it includes YouCam Makeup, TouchRetouch, Midlibrary, ThreeDee AI 3D Generator.

FreeAI Image & Videoimage-upscaleranimeopen-sourcenoise-reduction

Alternatives to waifu2x

Tools in the same AI Image & Video category that share focus areas with waifu2x — worth comparing before you commit:

AI Image & Video

Upscayl

Free open-source AI image upscaler for desktop

Freeimage-upscaleropen-sourceenhancer

AI Image & Video

AI Horde

Free, community-run, open-source crowdsourced image and text generation

Freeopen-sourceimage-generationcrowdsourcedstable-diffusion

AI Image & Video

Ampache

Web based audio and video streaming application and file manager

Freemusic-streamingself-hostedopen-source

AI Image & Video

Audacity

Free multi-track audio editor and recorder used by podcasters and musicians

Freeaudio-editorrecordingopen-source

AI Image & Video

AzuraCast

Web radio management suite that installs everything in minutes

Freeradiostreamingself-hosteddocker

AI Image & Video

Beets

The music geek's media organizer and MusicBrainz tagger

Freemusic-librarytaggingcliopen-source

More in AI Image & Video

Comparing tools in the AI Image & Video category? These related listings are worth a look: YouCam Makeup — All-in-one AI beauty camera and selfie editor with virtual makeup try-on; TouchRetouch — AI object removal and photo editor app for clean, professional-looking photos; Midlibrary — Library of 10,142 Midjourney styles, prompts, and SREF codes to copy.