Adobe Firefly vs Topaz Labs (2026): Which Is Better?
Winner
Adobe Firefly is the better pick for most people as of September 2026, rated 4.3/5 versus 4.3/5 for Topaz Labs. Both have free plans. Topaz Labs is the better choice for upscaling low-resolution photos/video.
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Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of Adobe Firefly and Topaz Labs, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
- Starting at
- $9.99/mo
- Free plan
- Yes
- Criteria won
- 3 of 12
Adobe Firefly vs Topaz Labs: side-by-side
| Criterion | Adobe Firefly | Topaz Labs |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | $99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Ease of use | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Features | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Output quality | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Value for money | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | Mac, Web, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| API access | No | No |
| Best for | Commercial creative projects | Upscaling low-resolution photos/video |
| Company | Adobe Inc., 2023 | Topaz Labs LLC, 2007 |
Strengths and weaknesses
Adobe Firefly
- Designed for commercial-safe usage
- Deep integration with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere
- Covers images, vectors, and video edits
- Backed by Adobe's enterprise trust and support
- Generative credits are limited without a paid plan
- Best value requires being in the Adobe ecosystem
- Some generation styles trail specialist tools like Midjourney
Topaz Labs
- High-quality AI upscaling and enhancement
- One-time purchase rather than mandatory subscription
- Strong for rescuing low-resolution or noisy media
- Separate specialized apps for photo, video, and upscaling
- Requires a capable local machine, ideally with a strong GPU
- Upfront cost per app can add up if you need multiple
- Major version upgrades may require an additional payment
Key features
Adobe Firefly
- Text-to-image generation
- Generative Fill and Expand (Photoshop)
- Text-to-vector graphics
- Generative video edits (Premiere Pro)
- Commercial usage-focused training data
Topaz Labs
- AI photo upscaling (Gigapixel AI)
- AI video enhancement and upscaling
- Noise reduction and sharpening
- Frame interpolation and stabilization
Which should you choose?
Choose Adobe Firefly if you need:
- Commercial creative projects
- Existing Adobe Creative Cloud users
- In-app generative editing
- A free plan (paid plans from $9.99/mo)
Choose Topaz Labs if you need:
- Upscaling low-resolution photos/video
- Noise reduction and sharpening
- Restoring old footage or images
- A free plan (paid plans from $99/mo)
Frequently asked questions
Is Adobe Firefly better than Topaz Labs?+
For most people, Adobe Firefly comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.3/5 against 4.3/5 for Topaz Labs. Topaz Labs is still the better fit for upscaling low-resolution photos/video.
Which is cheaper, Adobe Firefly or Topaz Labs?+
Adobe Firefly is cheaper, starting at $9.99/mo versus $99/mo for Topaz Labs. Both have free plans.
Do Adobe Firefly and Topaz Labs have free plans?+
Adobe Firefly has a free plan (limited monthly generative credits on the free plan). Topaz Labs has a free plan (free trial with watermarked or limited exports).
What is the main difference between Adobe Firefly and Topaz Labs?+
Adobe Firefly is best for commercial creative projects, and its standout strength is designed for commercial-safe usage. Topaz Labs is best for upscaling low-resolution photos/video, with high-quality AI upscaling and enhancement as its biggest advantage.