ESRGAN Review 2026: Is This AI Upscaler Still Worth Using?

Part 1: What Is ESRGAN? Key Features and Models

ESRGAN stands for Enhanced Super Resolution Generative Adversarial Network. This method of AI image upscaling allows for the improvement of low-resolution images by adding more detail, cleaner edges, and texture. It is an improved version of older models of super-resolution and became popular for its ability to enhance and clarify enlarged images.

What ESRGAN Is Used For

ESRGAN can be used for image restoration, upscaling images, enhancing game image textures, editing digital artwork, improving product images, and repairing old images. It is also heavily used by many creators to optimize images for social media, websites, and print and also for visual projects that need a certain level of image quality.

The Problems ESRGAN Solves

The principal issue that ESRGAN is able to resolve is the low image quality after resizing. Regular image resizing can blur images or elongate them. ESRGAN assists in the upscaling of low-quality images for all personal, creative, or even business images.

Part 2: ESRGAN Features & Real Performance

ESRGAN is popular for its ability to enhance images with clearer details and superimposed textures. It's probably the best for users who prefer more control over the results of AI upscaling. Performance can vary depending on the image quality, the model used, and the hardware used for processing.

Key Features of ESRGAN

• AI super-resolution: This feature allows ESRGAN to enlarge low-resolution images and reconstruct missing image content in an intelligent manner, resulting in sharper and clearer images.
• Realistic texture generation: It allows the improvement of intricate details of images such as hair, fabric, skin, and the lines in anime and game textures as well as old photos that are printed.
• Pretrained model support: Support of the official ESRGAN GitHub repository allows people to find pretrained models, testing files, and instructions on how to use them, therefore making the repository useful.
• Model flexibility: It allows people to use different ESRGAN models on images and game assets of their own, as well as photos and anime.
• Strong detail output: ESRGAN upscale provides a result that is sharper and clearer than what is offered by normal image resizing.

Popular ESRGAN Models

ESRGAN models are used to upscale images, but the use case for each model varies. Some models may be optimized for faster upscaling in the browser and improved image quality and detail, and others for better support for legacy workflows.

ESRGAN -Slim

ESRGAN-slim is the fastest model of ESRGAN optimized for browser use. It is useful for quick previews and basic tests and is most suitable when users prioritize upscaling speed over detail in the image, especially in the browser.

ESRGAN -Medium

ESRGAN-medium strikes a good balance between speed and image quality. It is well suited to the general purpose of scaling images when users want a clear output, better than what slim models provide, but do not want the slower processing of heftier models. This model is useful for everyday use.

ESRGAN -Thick

ESRGAN-thick is the most powerful ESRGAN upscaling model in this group. This model offers better detail and quality, but the processing time is slow, and it is better suited for a Node.js environment with a GPU for heavy upscaling.

ESRGAN - Legacy

ESRGAN-legacy is a collection of TensorFlow.js ESRGAN models that perform image upscaling. Having ESRGAN-Legacy available is beneficial for older ESRGAN-based workflows and for users with legacy models who want to evaluate the performance of these older models.

ESRGAN Default - Model

Default-model is the primary upscaling model that comes with UpscalerJS. It does not require a separate installation because it is directly derived from the 2x model included in the esrgan-thick package, which enhances the user experience.

Real Performance Summary

ESRGANs perform very well on clean images, anime, digital graphics, some older pictures, and especially if the model used is appropriate. They can produce great results, but are not optimal for noisy or heavily compressed images and blurred pictures. The results can be overly sharpened or synthetic and artificial. For everyday pictures taken on cell phones or social media, newer tools are better and more advanced at dealing with blur, noise, and compression.

Part 3: How to Install and Use ESRGAN in Simple Steps

ESRGAN doesn't install like conventional desktop software, so it's no surprise that many novices are searching for instructions on how to install ESRGAN. Installing ESRAGAN requires Python, PyTorch, Git, model files, and a command-line. The process can be daunting to someone looking to quickly upscale images.

Here are the simple steps:

• Step 1.Download the official ESRGAN files from GitHub.

  

• Step 2.Download the pretrained model file and place it in the correct folder.

  

• Step 3.Add your low-resolution image to the input folder.

  

• Step 4.Run the test command from the command line.

  

• Step 5.Check the output folder for the enhanced image.

  

People looking to learn how to use ESRGAN will quickly find the main process to be simple. It's really just about choosing a model, adding an image to the input directory, executing the script and viewing the resultant image. The challenge is really in the technical setup, not the concept.

Part 4: ESRGAN Performance Review: Pros and Cons (Price Included)

Upscaling images using ESRGAN is still successful in 2026. It is a powerful tool to help develop image details. However, using ESRGAN can be challenging, as it requires knowledge of AI models and technical aspects. How beneficial this software can be depends on the type of images you want to upscale, the computer you are using, and how much you want to control the details of the output.

Pricing and Plan

ESRGAN is free and open source, there is an associated cost with running the models on cloud platforms, APIs, and dedicated GPUs. The final cost will depend on storage, credits, request limits, support, and hardware usage.

Flexible Plan

• Starts with a $10 pay-as-you-go option.
• Includes all model APIs and 1 GB storage.
• Best for beginners testing the platform.

Pro Plan

• Costs $39 per month for professionals.
• Includes $50 monthly credits and 10 GB storage.
• Supports 120 requests per minute.

Business Plan

• Costs $99 per month for production use.
• Includes $99 monthly credits and 100 GB storage.
• Supports 500 requests per minute.

Is ESRGAN still worth using?

Yes, ESRGAN is still worth using in 2026 for the more technical AI users, hobbyists, upscalers of anime art, digital image restoration, and model testing. As for the less technical users or beginners who want quick results, an advanced but easy-to-use desktop AI photo enhancer can be a more suitable option.

Part 5: Best ESRGAN Upscale Alternative for AI Image Upscaling

ESRGAN stands as one of the leading options for image upscaling with AI, but it isn't the most accessible tool for performing upscales and touch-ups on images. If you want to avoid relying on GitHub files, going through Python setups, arranging model folders, and figuring out how to navigate the command line, HitPaw FotorPea can be a better daily-use option.

HitPaw FotorPea is designed for users who want to improve image quality with a simple interface. It is useful for photo upscaling, face enhancement, old photo repair, denoising, color improvement, and general image cleanup. Instead of setting up code, users can upload an image, choose an AI model, preview the result, and export the final file.

Key Features of HitPaw FotorPea

• Create fresh visuals with AI image generation tools.
• Use an all-in-one workflow for faster editing.
• Enhance image to 4K/8K for sharper upscaling results.
• Keep local privacy when editing personal photos safely.
• Enjoy a user-friendly interface without ESRGAN coding steps.
• Access advanced models support for faces and noise.
• Repair blurry photos without difficult model setup steps.
• Improve old photos with cleaner detail recovery results.
• Preview upscaled results before exporting final images.
• Process multiple images faster with batch enhancement support.

Simple steps to use HitPaw FotorPea

• Step 1.Download and install HitPaw FotorPea on your computer.

  
  

• Step 2.Open HitPaw FotorPea and select Enhance Photos Now from the main dashboard screen.

  

• Step 3.Upload the blurry, old, noisy, or low-quality photo and choose the AI model that best matches your image type and quality needs.

  

• Step 4.Preview the enhanced result carefully and compare details before saving your final image.

  

• Step 5.Export the enhanced photo once you are happy with the result.

  

FAQs on ESRGAN

Conclusion

In 2026, ESRGAN is still best suited for AI upscaling for users seeking to use model control while maintaining sharpness. This software is also optimal for use with anime, artwork, textures, and other images. Despite the numerous features it offers, ESRGAN is not beginner-friendly. If you want an easy, quick, advanced, and more convenient image upscaling, HitPaw FotorPea is a great option.