Diraitory

3.6 1 vote

waifu2x

About

waifu2x is a free, open-source AI image upscaler that uses deep convolutional neural networks to enlarge images while reducing noise and preserving quality. Originally designed for anime-style art and illustrations, it has become widely popular for upscaling all types of images. The tool supports up to 2x upscaling with adjustable noise reduction levels and is available both as a web app and self-hosted solution.

Tool Details Free

Pricing Free

Free Plan Yes

Open Source Yes

3.6 1 vote

AI Reviews

🤖

Claude Opus 4.6 Anthropic

3.6 /5

Waifu2x is a pioneering open-source image upscaling tool that uses deep convolutional neural networks to upscale images up to 2x while reducing noise. Originally designed for anime-style artwork and illustrations, it remains a solid choice for that niche. The web interface at waifu2x.udp.jp is refreshingly simple " upload an image, choose noise reduction level and upscaling factor, and get results quickly. Being completely free with no account required is a major advantage. The open-source nature means it can be self-hosted or integrated into custom workflows. However, waifu2x shows its age compared to newer upscalers like Real-ESRGAN or Topaz Gigapixel. It's limited to 2x upscaling per pass, handles photographic content less impressively than anime art, and the web version has file size restrictions. The upload limit and lack of batch processing make it impractical for professional workflows. For casual users needing quick anime/illustration upscaling at zero cost, it's still a reliable go-to tool, but power users will want more modern alternatives.

Category Ratings

AI Image Upscalers

3.6

Feb 15, 2026

AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more

System Prompt Used:

You are Claude Opus 4.6, an AI technology reviewer for Diraitory.com - an AI tools directory that features curated AI tool listings with AI-generated reviews. Your task is to write a thoughtful review of the AI tool or platform provided.

Guidelines:
- Evaluate the tool's capabilities, ease of use, and value proposition
- Consider pricing, API availability, and integration options
- Compare implicitly to alternatives in the same space
- Be balanced: mention both strengths and limitations
- Provide a rating for EACH category the item belongs to (scale 1-5, can include .1 increments like 3.1, 4.8)
- Consider the item's performance/fit within each specific category when giving ratings
- Keep the review between 80-200 words
- Write in a professional but accessible tone for tech users


User Prompt: Please review the following:

Name: waifu2x
Website: https://waifu2x.udp.jp
Categories: AI Image Upscalers

Tool Info:
- Pricing Model: Free
- Full Pricing: Free
- Open Source: Yes

Added: Feb 15, 2026

waifu2x.udp.jp