Leonardo 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 Leonardo. Both have free plans. Leonardo is the better choice for game asset generation.
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Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of Leonardo and Topaz Labs, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
Leonardo vs Topaz Labs: side-by-side
| Criterion | Leonardo | Topaz Labs |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Starting price | $12/mo | $99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Ease of use | 3.0/5 | 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 | API, Web | Mac, Windows |
| API access | Yes | No |
| Best for | Game asset generation | Upscaling low-resolution photos/video |
| Company | Leonardo Interactive (Canva), 2022 | Topaz Labs LLC, 2007 |
Strengths and weaknesses
Leonardo
- Strong custom and fine-tuned model support
- Large community model library
- Real-time canvas editing
- Good for consistent asset pipelines
- Interface has a learning curve for newcomers
- Free tier daily credits are limited
- Quality varies across community-trained models
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
Leonardo
- Text-to-image generation
- Custom model fine-tuning
- Community model library
- Real-time canvas editing
- Upscaling tools
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 Leonardo if you need:
- Game asset generation
- Consistent character/style pipelines
- Custom model fine-tuning
- A free plan (paid plans from $12/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 Leonardo better than Topaz Labs?+
For most people, Topaz Labs comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.3/5 against 4.2/5 for Leonardo. Leonardo is still the better fit for game asset generation.
Which is cheaper, Leonardo or Topaz Labs?+
Leonardo is cheaper, starting at $12/mo versus $99/mo for Topaz Labs. Both have free plans.
Do Leonardo and Topaz Labs have free plans?+
Leonardo has a free plan (limited daily generation credits on the free plan). Topaz Labs has a free plan (free trial with watermarked or limited exports).
What is the main difference between Leonardo and Topaz Labs?+
Leonardo is best for game asset generation, and its standout strength is strong custom and fine-tuned model support. Topaz Labs is best for upscaling low-resolution photos/video, with high-quality AI upscaling and enhancement as its biggest advantage.