What is the best AI image upscaling model?

Based on blind community voting, Crystal Upscaler is currently the #1 ranked AI image upscaling model with an Elo rating of 1315. Rankings update in real time as new votes come in.

How are AI image upscaling models ranked on Lumenfall?

Lumenfall Arena ranks AI models through blind community voting. In each matchup, two models generate from the same prompt and voters pick the better result without seeing model names. Votes are processed using TrueSkill, a Bayesian rating algorithm developed by Microsoft Research, that produces a single Elo score reflecting each model's relative quality.

What is an Elo rating for AI models?

An Elo rating is a numerical score representing a model's skill relative to other models. Under the hood, Lumenfall uses TrueSkill, which tracks two values per model: mu (estimated skill) and sigma (uncertainty). The displayed Elo is calculated as 1000 + 10 x (mu - 3*sigma), a conservative lower bound. A model must prove itself consistently across many matchups to earn a high rating.

Best AI Models for Artifact Avoidance

Artifact Avoidance · Image Upscaling

Elo rankings from blind votes across 2 challenges in this category.

Recraft Crisp Upscale

1155 #4

Google Upscaler

Highlights

6 images

Quality bought per dollar

Every ranked model plotted by price against its Elo. The upper-left frontier is the best value: high quality at low cost.

Best Image Upscaling Models by Price

1 model without pricing omitted.

Best AI Models for Artifact Avoidance

4 models ranked · Last update: November 12, 2026 3:02 AM

#	Model	Price	¢/img	Elo
1	Crystal Upscaler Clarity AI	$$	1.6¢	1315
2	Topaz Image Upscale Topaz Labs	—	—	1199
3	Recraft Crisp Upscale Recraft	$	0.4¢	1175
4	Google Upscaler Google	$	0.5¢	1155

Crystal Upscaler (1315 Elo) dominates this category with a 96.4% win rate, establishing a significant 116-point Elo gap over the runner-up, Topaz Image Upscale. While Google and Recraft offer lower price tiers, their win rates fall below 31%, positioning Crystal Upscaler as the clear leader for artifact-free results despite the higher cost.

Rivalries

Aggregate head-to-head across the arena

Recraft Crisp Upscale Topaz Image Upscale

44% 1 challenge 56%

Crystal Upscaler Google Upscaler

88% 1 challenge 0%

Think a model is ranked wrong? Cast your vote

Highlighted challenges

Image Upscaling Detail & Texture Fidelity Artifact Avoidance

Weave Warfare

This challenge is highly revealing for an arena as it directly exposes whether models can maintain complex woven textures without introducing unnatural pattern repetition or losing the authentic fabric feel.

Image Upscaling Detail & Texture Fidelity Face & Skin Restoration

Freckle Fortress Challenge

This challenge is excellent for an arena because it forces AI models to prove they can enhance ultra-fine organic skin details without destroying freckles or turning skin into an unnatural plastic or overly smooth surface.

Awaiting blind votes

2 models have taken it on, but there aren't enough votes to rank them yet. Open the challenge to see every take.

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