Cleanup.pictures vs Topaz Labs (2026): Which Is Better?
Winner
Topaz Labs is the better pick for most people as of September 2026, rated 4.3/5 versus 4.2/5 for Cleanup.pictures. Both have free plans. Cleanup.pictures is the better choice for removing unwanted objects from photos.
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Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of Cleanup.pictures and Topaz Labs, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
- Starting at
- $6/mo
- Free plan
- Yes
- Criteria won
- 2 of 12
Cleanup.pictures vs Topaz Labs: side-by-side
| Criterion | Cleanup.pictures | Topaz Labs |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Starting price | $6/mo | $99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Ease of use | 5.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Features | 3.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Output quality | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Value for money | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Platforms | Web | Mac, Windows |
| API access | No | No |
| Best for | Removing unwanted objects from photos | Upscaling low-resolution photos/video |
| Company | Clipdrop / Cleanup.pictures, 2020 | Topaz Labs LLC, 2007 |
Strengths and weaknesses
Cleanup.pictures
- Fast, simple object removal via brushing
- Good AI inpainting quality on typical photos
- No account required for basic use
- Focused, easy-to-learn interface
- High-resolution export and batch processing require Pro
- Complex scenes with intricate detail can need touch-up
- Fewer general editing features than a full photo editor
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
Cleanup.pictures
- Brush-based object removal
- AI inpainting fill
- Batch processing (Pro)
- No-account quick editing
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 Cleanup.pictures if you need:
- Removing unwanted objects from photos
- Quick watermark/blemish removal
- Travel and listing photo cleanup
- A free plan (paid plans from $6/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 Cleanup.pictures better than Topaz Labs?+
For most people, Topaz Labs comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.3/5 against 4.2/5 for Cleanup.pictures. Cleanup.pictures is still the better fit for removing unwanted objects from photos.
Which is cheaper, Cleanup.pictures or Topaz Labs?+
Cleanup.pictures is cheaper, starting at $6/mo versus $99/mo for Topaz Labs. Both have free plans.
Do Cleanup.pictures and Topaz Labs have free plans?+
Cleanup.pictures has a free plan (limited free exports at standard resolution). Topaz Labs has a free plan (free trial with watermarked or limited exports).
What is the main difference between Cleanup.pictures and Topaz Labs?+
Cleanup.pictures is best for removing unwanted objects from photos, and its standout strength is fast, simple object removal via brushing. Topaz Labs is best for upscaling low-resolution photos/video, with high-quality AI upscaling and enhancement as its biggest advantage.