AI photo editing
WaifuXL: review, pricing, data and alternatives
WaifuXL serves people enlarging anime-style illustrations. It enhances image details, enlarges the frames of animated GIFs and lets users compare the resulting image with the original. A free tier exists. Access and transparency score: 68/100, #10 of 24 in its category.
| Access | 15/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 20/30 | |
| Trust | 33/40 |
What is WaifuXL?
WaifuXL serves people enlarging anime-style illustrations. It enhances image details, enlarges the frames of animated GIFs and lets users compare the resulting image with the original.
According to its documentation, WaifuXL lets you:
- enlarge anime-style illustrations
- enhance an image's details
- enlarge the frames of an animated GIF
- compare the original image and the result
We file it under AI photo editing, the category of tools to edit, cut out and upscale photos. The category lists 24 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is The Future Gadgets Lab. The service launched in 2022, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: graphic designers. The need it covers is simple to state: edit, cut out and upscale photos.
WaifuXL is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you must keep your data in Europe or on your own machine
- you want to read the code or host it yourself
The best test is a concrete case from your daily work: if the tool does not beat your current method within a week, move on to an alternative.
How much does WaifuXL cost?
Pricing model: open source (public code). Basic use costs nothing.
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed on your device (local processing).
Local processing is the most favourable case: your files do not leave your machine for the features concerned.
Exporting your content: PNG, GIF. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
WaifuXL runs on: web browser.
Interface languages: English.
API availability is not documented.
The source code is public: TheFutureGadgetsLabTheFutureGadgetsLab/WaifuXL.
How we scored it
Our 68/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 15/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 33/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
WaifuXL against other tools in the aI photo editing category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WaifuXL | Yes | not published | – | 68 |
| remove.bg | Yes | $3 pay as you go | Yes | 81 |
| Picsart | Yes | ¥1,699 per month | Yes | 80 |
| Cleanup.pictures | Yes | $36 per year | Yes | 78 |
| HitPaw Online Photo Enhancer | Yes | $9.99 pay as you go | Yes | 73 |
| Fotor | Yes | not published | Yes | 68 |
| Colorize.cc | Yes | $12 one-off payment | Yes | 68 |
| Palette | Yes | $72 per year | Yes | 68 |
Verdict
WaifuXL is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public source code
- Local processing available
- Established since 2022
Alternatives
- remove.bgfree tier
- Picsartfree tier
- Cleanup.picturesfree tier
- HitPaw Online Photo Enhancerfree tier
- Fotorfree tier
- Colorize.ccfree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is WaifuXL free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits.
Where is WaifuXL data stored?
According to the publisher, on your device (local processing).
Does WaifuXL have an API?
It is not documented.
What are the alternatives to WaifuXL?
In the same category: remove.bg, Picsart, Cleanup.pictures, and HitPaw Online Photo Enhancer.
WaifuXL or remove.bg: which one to choose?
Our score is 68/100 for WaifuXL and 81/100 for remove.bg. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score