When it comes to AI-powered image enhancement, one debate stands out: Topaz Photo AI vs Gigapixel. Both are cutting-edge tools from Topaz Labs, but they serve creators in different ways.
According to insights by WifiTalent, due to the surge in AI adoption, 65% of professional photographers have already integrated AI tools into their workflows. This is not just a niche trend, but a mainstream shift in creative workflows.
So, how does the performance of Photo AI vs Gigapixel compare, and which one truly stands out as the best AI upscaling software? This Topaz Gigapixel vs Photo AI comparison will give you the answers.
Key Takeaways
- Topaz Photo AI is built for all-around photo enhancement, while Gigapixel focuses purely on upscaling.
- Photo AI works better with low-quality or imperfect photos, while Gigapixel excels with sharp, high-quality images.
- For streamlined editing workflows, Photo AI is more versatile; for batch upscaling, Gigapixel is faster.
- Your choice depends on whether you need an all-in-one tool or a specialised enlargement solution.
What is Topaz Photo AI?
Topaz Photo AI is an all-in-one photo enhancement software developed by Topaz Labs. It uses artificial intelligence to automatically improve image quality by sharpening details, correcting focus, and even enlarging photos without losing quality.
The standout feature is its Autopilot mode, which analyses each photo and applies the best adjustments automatically, making it useful for photographers who want professional results quickly without juggling multiple editing tools.
Key Features of Topaz Photo AI
Topaz Photo AI is designed as a complete photo enhancement solution that combines several AI-powered tools into one platform.
Instead of switching between different applications, users can sharpen details, correct blur, and upscale images seamlessly in a single workflow. Below is a quick breakdown of its standout features:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| AI Autopilot | Automatically analyses images and applies the most effective corrections. |
| Noise Reduction | Removes digital noise, making images cleaner and smoother without losing detail. |
| Sharpening | Restores clarity to soft or slightly out-of-focus images. |
| Super Focus | Enhances depth and texture for greater sharpness. |
| Upscaling | Enlarges images by up to 16× while preserving fine details. |
| Object Removal | Deletes unwanted objects or distractions from photos with AI precision. |
| Dust & Scratch Repair | Cleans up old or damaged photos by repairing imperfections. |
| Colour & Lighting Adjustments | Improves overall balance, vibrance, and exposure for a natural look. |
Pricing
Topaz Labs offers multiple purchasing and upgrade options for Photo AI to suit different usage needs:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifetime License | One-time purchase of US $199, which includes one year of free updates. |
| Upgrade License | For existing users, an upgrade costs US $99 (auto-renewal) or US $119 (manual renewal). |
| Monthly Subscription | US $35/month, includes access and updates. |
| Pro License (Enterprise) | Annual subscription for businesses with more than US $1M in revenue: US $799/year (volume rates apply). |
Topaz also supports cloud rendering credits for advanced features like Super Focus or Dust & Scratch Repair, which are especially useful when your hardware is underpowered or when you are processing large batches.
What is Gigapixel AI?
Topaz Gigapixel AI is a specialist software built specifically for upscaling and enlarging images. Unlike all-in-one editors, its single focus is to make small or low-resolution images larger while preserving, and often enhancing, fine details.
Using advanced AI models like Recover and Redefine, it can enlarge photos by up to 6× or more, making it ideal for creating sharp prints, restoring old images, or improving textures for creative projects.
Its streamlined interface and powerful batch processing also make it popular with professionals who need to upscale hundreds of files quickly and consistently.
Key Features of Gigapixel AI
Gigapixel AI is designed as a dedicated upscaling tool, making it the go-to option for enlarging images without sacrificing quality.
It does not include broader editing features like noise reduction or object removal, but instead focuses entirely on producing the highest-quality enlargements.
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| High-Fidelity Upscaling | Enlarges images up to 6× or more while preserving natural details and textures. |
| AI Models (Recover & Redefine) | Two specialised generative AI models for creating realistic or creative enlargements. |
| Batch Processing | Processes large numbers of images efficiently, ideal for professional workflows. |
| Face Refinement | Detects and enhances facial details when enlarging portraits. |
| Texture & Detail Preservation | Maintains natural surface textures, crucial for prints and design work. |
| Standalone & Plugin | Works as a standalone app or as a plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom Classic. |
| Clean, Focused Interface | Simple design focused only on upscaling, with minimal distractions. |
Pricing Overview
Topaz Labs keeps Gigapixel AI pricing straightforward, especially compared to Photo AI’s multi-tier model:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifetime License | One-time purchase of US $99, which includes one year of free updates. |
| Upgrade License | Renew updates after the first year for US $64 (auto-renewal) or US $79 (manual renewal). |
| Subscription | $19.99/month |
See Also: 5 Best Image to Video AI Tools for Creators and Entrepreneurs
6 Key Differences Between Topaz Photo AI vs Gigapixel
Choosing between Topaz Photo AI vs Gigapixel often comes down to whether you need an all-in-one photo enhancement tool or a specialised upscaler.
Below, we break down six clear differences to help you decide which software is the better fit for your workflow.
1. Core Purpose and Function
The most fundamental difference between Topaz Photo AI and Gigapixel lies in what each tool is built to do.
Photo AI
Topaz Photo AI is designed as an all-in-one enhancement suite. It does not just upscale images; it also reduces noise, sharpens details, fixes focus issues, balances colour, and even removes unwanted objects.
In essence, it aims to be the one-stop solution for photographers who want to transform an average photo into a polished, professional-looking image without juggling multiple editing tools.
Gigapixel
On the other hand, Gigapixel is a specialist upscaler. It has one mission: to make small or low-resolution images larger while preserving, and sometimes enhancing, fine details.
It does not try to fix noise or colour balance. Instead, it focuses entirely on upscaling with precision, making it especially valuable for print work, digital art, and scenarios where enlarging is the primary goal.
Think of it this way: Photo AI is a Swiss army knife, offering many tools in one package, while Gigapixel is a scalpel, crafted for one specific task, which is delivering the cleanest and sharpest enlargements possible.
2. Feature Set and Editing Capabilities
Beyond their core purpose, the tools diverge in the breadth of features they offer.
Photo AI
Topaz Photo AI features go well beyond upscaling. It includes Noise Reduction, Sharpening, Super Focus for extra detail, Object Removal, Dust & Scratch Repair, and even colour and lighting adjustments.
The built-in Autopilot mode automatically analyses a photo and applies the right mix of enhancements, ideal for those who want results without spending time fine-tuning settings.
Gigapixel
Gigapixel AI features are intentionally limited but highly refined. Its strength lies in upscaling models, particularly the Recover and Redefine modes, which use generative AI to rebuild lost detail.
It also includes Face Refinement to enhance portraits and supports powerful batch processing for handling hundreds of files efficiently.
Put simply, Photo AI gives you a toolkit for fixing and improving multiple aspects of an image, while Gigapixel gives you a microscope focused entirely on enlargement quality.
3. Upscaling Quality and Results
Both tools excel at enlarging images, but their strengths show up under different conditions.
Topaz Photo AI
Topaz Photo AI shines when dealing with low-quality or imperfect images, those that are noisy, slightly blurred, or lacking detail.
Because it combines sharpening, denoising, and upscaling in a single pass, it can clean up and enlarge problem photos in a way Gigapixel alone cannot.
For photographers working with older files, smartphone shots, or event photos taken in poor lighting, Photo AI produces clearer, more usable results.
Gigapixel AI
Gigapixel AI delivers the highest-quality enlargements from clean, high-resolution images. Its advanced AI models are tuned to preserve natural textures like skin, fabric, or landscapes while scaling up the image.
When the source photo is already sharp and well-lit, Gigapixel produces enlargements that look impressively natural, making it the go-to choice for large prints, digital artwork, or texture generation in design projects.
In summary, Photo AI rescues flawed images before enlarging them, while Gigapixel maximises the beauty of already good photos, ensuring the enlargement looks as natural and detailed as possible.
4. Workflow Efficiency and Speed
When it comes to getting work done, both tools approach efficiency differently.
Photo AI
Topaz Photo AI integrates multiple enhancements, sharpening, denoising, and upscaling into a single workflow. This means you can process a photo from start to finish without switching tools, saving time when dealing with varied editing needs.
Its Autopilot mode also speeds up the process by automatically detecting issues and applying fixes, which is especially useful for photographers managing large libraries of mixed-quality images.
Gigapixel AI
Gigapixel AI is built for batch upscaling at scale. If your primary task is enlarging hundreds of clean images, Gigapixel handles it more quickly and with a cleaner, more focused interface.
It is optimised to churn through high volumes without distraction, making it efficient for print studios, stock photo curators, or anyone whose work involves scaling images in bulk.
While processing times are almost identical on high-quality files, Photo AI can run slower when dealing with RAW or low-quality photos because it performs more corrections before enlarging. Gigapixel, by contrast, is faster but focuses only on the enlargement step.
5. Usability and Workflow Integration
Both tools are easy to use, but they integrate into workflows differently. Topaz Photo AI focuses on automation and versatility across editing platforms, while Gigapixel AI keeps things simple with a streamlined, enlargement-only interface.
Here is how they compare:
| Aspect | Topaz Photo AI | Gigapixel AI |
|---|---|---|
| User Experience | Autopilot mode automatically detects and fixes issues for faster editing. | Clean, minimal interface focused purely on upscaling. |
| Learning Curve | Slightly higher due to multiple features and tools. | Very low, designed only for enlargement tasks. |
| Plugin Support | Works with Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Capture One, Apple Photos, and Affinity. | Works with Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, with fewer integrations overall. |
| Flexibility | Handles multiple editing needs in one place. | Highly specialised and is best suited for dedicated upscaling workflows. |
| Best For | Photographers who need all-in-one enhancement and editing convenience. | Professionals focusing solely on enlargements and batch scaling efficiency. |
In summary, Photo AI integrates into a wide range of editing environments, making it a flexible choice, while Gigapixel keeps things simple and dedicated, perfect for those who only want the best enlargements.
6. Pricing and Value Proposition
Pricing often determines which tool makes the most sense for your workflow. Topaz Photo AI is positioned as a premium all-in-one solution, while Gigapixel AI is the more affordable, specialised option.
Here is a breakdown:
| Aspect | Topaz Photo AI | Gigapixel AI |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime License | US$199 one-time purchase (includes 1 year of updates). | US $99 one-time purchase (includes 1 year of updates). |
| Upgrade License | US $99 auto-renew / US $119 manual renewal after first year. | US $64 auto-renewal or US $79 manual renewal after first year. |
| Subscription Option | US $35/month; Pro license at US $799/year for large enterprises. | $19.99/month |
| Value Proposition | Higher cost but versatile and saves on buying multiple editing tools. | Lower cost, best if you only need world-class upscaling. |
In summary, Photo AI offers better value if you need an all-in-one solution, while Gigapixel AI is the cost-effective choice if enlargement is your sole focus.
Topaz Photo AI vs Gigapixel – Which Tool Should You Use?
Choosing between Topaz Photo AI and Gigapixel AI isn’t about which is better overall, but which is better for your workflow. Each shines in different situations.
Here is a quick guide:
| Best For | Topaz Photo AI | Gigapixel AI |
|---|---|---|
| Image Quality | Works best with imperfect photos—noisy, blurry, or taken in poor lighting. | Excels with already sharp, high-quality images. |
| Editing Needs | Offers a full enhancement suite: denoise, sharpen, colour balance, object removal. | Purely focused on high-quality upscaling with generative AI models. |
| Workflow Efficiency | Ideal for mixed editing tasks in one streamlined workflow. | Faster and cleaner for bulk upscaling only. |
| Budget Fit | Higher cost, but replaces multiple editing tools. | Lower cost if enlargement is your main requirement. |
| Best User Profile | Photographers, hobbyists, and creators who need versatility. | Designers, print studios, and pros focused solely on enlargements. |
Conclusion
The debate over Topaz Photo AI vs Gigapixel comes down to purpose. Photo AI is the all-in-one solution for fixing, enhancing, and enlarging photos, while Gigapixel is the specialist for high-quality upscaling.
If your work involves cleaning up and improving varied images, Photo AI is the better fit. If you just need flawless enlargements from already sharp photos, Gigapixel is the smarter, more affordable choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between Topaz Photo AI and Gigapixel?
Topaz Photo AI is an all-in-one tool that enhances and up-scales images, while Gigapixel is focused purely on high-quality upscaling.
Which software is better for enlarging old or low-quality photos?
Topaz Photo AI is better suited because it can denoise, sharpen, and upscale in one workflow, rescuing imperfect images.
Is Gigapixel AI worth it if I already have Photo AI?
Yes, if your main task is enlarging sharp, high-quality images at scale. Gigapixel often delivers more natural and detailed enlargements.
Does Gigapixel produce better enlargements than Photo AI?
Yes, in many cases. Gigapixel is more consistent with sharp, high-quality images, often delivering the most natural enlargements.
Can I use Topaz Photo AI and Gigapixel together?
Absolutely. Many professionals enhance their images in Photo AI first, then run them through Gigapixel for final enlargements.
Do both tools work as plugins?
Yes. Photo AI supports Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Capture One, Apple Photos, and Affinity, while Gigapixel mainly supports Photoshop and Lightroom.
Which software is faster?
For mixed editing tasks, Photo AI saves time by doing everything in one place. For bulk upscaling, Gigapixel is faster and more efficient.
Do I need a powerful computer to run them?
Both rely heavily on GPU performance. A modern graphics card speeds up processing, though Topaz also offers cloud rendering credits if your hardware struggles.
Who should choose Photo AI over Gigapixel?
Photographers and creators who often work with imperfect images and want an all-in-one enhancement tool.
Who should choose Gigapixel over Photo AI?
Designers, print studios, and anyone who only needs reliable, high-quality enlargements at scale.
