Photoshop AI Upscale vs Firefly vs Topaz Gigapixel vs imgmend: Which Upscaler Wins?

For quick, free 2x upscaling of everyday photos, a browser tool like imgmend is enough; for demanding enlargements of poor-quality sources, paid desktop tools such as Topaz Gigapixel or Adobe's generative upscaling usually give more detail, at higher cost and effort.

Based on Adobe's help pages and independent reviews as of October 2026. Features, credits and prices change; confirm current terms.

Method	Where	What it does	Cost model
Preserve Details 2.0	Photoshop (Image Size)	Classic enlargement with reduced blockiness	Adobe subscription
Super Resolution	Camera Raw / Lightroom	Doubles width and height (2x)	Adobe subscription
Generative upscale (Topaz Gigapixel in Adobe apps)	Lightroom and Photoshop	2x and 4x, per Adobe's FAQ	Uses generative credits
Topaz Gigapixel app	Desktop	AI upscaling with model choices	Paid license/subscription
imgmend	Browser	Real-ESRGAN 2x free, 4x on Pro	3 free/day; $9.90 one-time

How Do You Upscale an Image in Photoshop?

Option 1: Preserve Details 2.0

1. Open Image → Image Size.
2. Enter the new width or height (keep the chain linked).
3. Set Resample to Preserve Details 2.0 and use the noise slider to taste.

Option 2: Camera Raw Super Resolution

Open the image in Camera Raw, right-click and choose Enhance, then enable Super Resolution. It doubles each side, producing a larger file.

Option 3: Generative upscale

Adobe has added generative upscaling, powered by Topaz Gigapixel, in its apps. Adobe's Lightroom FAQ states that Super Resolution offers 2x only, while generative upscale offers 4x as well as 2x and consumes generative credits. Check Adobe's current docs for where it appears in your version.

What Do Reviewers Say?

• Topaz Gigapixel is generally reported as sharper on heavy enlargements and low-quality sources.
• Photoshop's methods are faster and less likely to invent odd detail, so they suit already good images.
• Test results vary with the image; no method wins every time. Older head-to-heads predate the newest models.

Where imgmend Fits

imgmend uses the Real-ESRGAN model in your browser: upload, wait about 10 to 30 seconds, download. Free is 2x with a small imgmend watermark on downloads and a 3-image daily limit; Pro ($9.90 one-time) adds 4x with face enhancement and removes the watermark. Images above roughly 2 megapixels are scaled down first, so it is best for small and medium files.

You need…	Pick
A quick 2x for a web image, no install	imgmend
Already working in Photoshop or Lightroom	Super Resolution or Preserve Details
Large, difficult prints from poor sources	Topaz Gigapixel or Adobe generative upscale
Hundreds of files	A desktop tool with batch support

Fix Problems Before You Upscale

Whatever you use, clean first: noise and blur get enlarged too. Try the enhancer and blur fixer before upscaling. See also imgmend vs Topaz Photo AI and best free AI image upscalers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I upscale an image in Photoshop?

Image Size with Preserve Details 2.0, or Camera Raw's Enhance → Super Resolution, which doubles width and height.

Is Topaz Gigapixel better than Photoshop for upscaling?

Reviewers generally find Gigapixel sharper on heavy enlargements and poor sources; Photoshop is faster and safer. It depends on the image.

What is the best free AI upscaler?

For quick 2x jobs without installing anything, imgmend is a simple choice. For difficult images, paid desktop tools are stronger.

Does Lightroom upscale images?

Per Adobe's FAQ, Super Resolution is 2x; generative upscale with Topaz Gigapixel offers 2x and 4x and uses generative credits.