The Best AI Headshot Generators Let's dive in and see if these digital wizards can really turn our quick snaps into professional-looking portraits.

Ever felt like your profile pic could use an update? Let's face it, not all of us have the time, money, or patience to hire a professional photographer every time we need a fresh headshot. As someone who'd rather watch paint dry than stage the perfect selfie, I totally get it.

When I first heard about AI headshot generators, I thought, "No way that'll work for me." But curiosity got the better of me and I decided to give them a shot. I've taken seven of these nifty tools for a spin, and boy, do I have some insights to share.

From "Whoa, is that really me?" moments to results that made me question if the AI had one too many virtual cocktails, I'll walk you through the good, the bad, and the "wait, is that even me?" of AI-generated headshots. You'll get the inside scoop on which ones might actually fool your coworkers and which ones are better suited for a laugh.

Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile or just want to see what all the fuss is about, this review's got you covered. Let's dive in and see if these digital wizards can really turn our quick snaps into professional-looking portraits!

The Raw Material: My Photo Selection Journey

Before diving into the AI-generated results, let's talk about the photos I used. Spoiler alert: I'm not exactly a selfie enthusiast.

Here are snapshots of what I look like in real life. These are the photos I submitted to all seven AI headshot generators I tested:

Selecting these images was an adventure in itself. As someone who'd rather solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded than take a selfie, my photo library was pretty sparse. To make things more challenging, bad weather during my experiment made it impossible to snap any new, well-lit outdoor selfies.

So, I had to work with what I had:

• A few existing photos, some of which I'd never shared publicly (the things we writers do for our craft!)
• A couple of hastily taken indoor shots

Not exactly ideal, but I figured this challenge would help separate the truly impressive AI tools from the mediocre ones.

Interestingly, two of the AI generators (spoiler: not the best ones) rejected some of my photos. It felt like a "do as I say, not as I do" situation with their own guidelines. But I played along, curious to see where it would lead.

This raised an important question: Shouldn't the best AI headshot generators be able to work magic with less-than-perfect input? Isn't that the whole point—to do what humans can't?

So, armed with my eclectic photo collection, I embarked on this AI headshot adventure. Would these digital wizards transform my amateur shots into LinkedIn-worthy headshots? Or would they gently suggest I keep my day job and leave the selfies to the influencers?

Stay tuned for the revealing results.

The Results Are In: Which AI Headshot Generator Is Best?

1. Portrait Pal

Both the chatbots and internet reviews rated Portrait Pal highly, and the results didn't disappoint!

I was stunned by Portrait Pal's transformative power. It took my amateur snapshots and turned them into professional headshots with a level of quality that seemed like it would have been unattainable.

What impressed me most was how it captured a polished yet authentic look, preserving my essence. The AI-generated poses felt natural, not stiff like my usual attempts. The backgrounds blended seamlessly, free from the telltale signs of AI editing.

Crucially, Portrait Pal kept my skin tones and facial features true to life, avoiding the distortions that often make AI portraits feel unnatural. Remarkably, the images conveyed warmth and approachability, something I've always struggled with in professional photos.

Portrait Pal created headshots that not only look professional but also feel genuinely "me." The result is a set of images I'm excited to use, solving a long-standing challenge—how to appear polished yet authentic in photos. It's given me newfound confidence in my visual presentation, earning its place as number one on my list.

How To Create Headshots With Portrait Pal

It's not just the quality of the images that places Portrait Pal at the top of this list; the entire process—from start to finish—is unbelievably easy and surprisingly quick, taking less than a few hours.

After creating an account with your email address, you'll find three packages to choose from. As of this writing, there are some fantastic discounts available, making it an even more appealing option.

Next, Portrait Pal asks you some standard questions about yourself, such as your gender, age, and body type.

You're also asked to select your hair and eye color, hair length, and if you want to wear glasses in your photos.

The final question asks for your ethnicity.

The next step is to upload your photos.

Portrait Pal requires just six images (or more if you have them), which is another positive if you're in a hurry and don't have many selfies to submit. But before you upload, Portrait Pal shows you its image guidelines to ensure you get the best results.

After submitting my photos, I was asked for my credit card details. Then it was time to take a little break while waiting for my headshots.

Just under four hours later, I received my headshots.

The AI headshots showcased a spectrum of professional looks, from formal suits to business casual attire, in a palette of classic colors. Settings varied between office interiors, outdoor locations, and studio backdrops, with poses ranging from seated desk shots to standing street scenes. Each image captured a different facet of a professional persona, suitable for various business contexts.

Once you've chosen your preferred headshot, simply tap the download icon on the image. Your selected picture will instantly save to your device, ready for use.

Portrait Pal secures the top spot on my list with its outstanding range of high-quality headshots. The platform's professional and intuitive interface streamlines the entire process, from effortless sign-up to simple photo submission, making it exceptionally user-friendly.

2. PixelPose

PixelPose promises the world's most realistic AI headshots using cutting-edge technology developed by experts.

Like Portrait Pal, the process was fast and user friendly, and the results were truly impressive.

I was struck by the remarkable similarities between this platform and Portrait Pal. It seems clear to me that they both utilize a comparable AI model to generate headshots.

How To Create Headshots With PixelPose

After selecting "Get Started" from the home page, I was asked to create my account.

The next step involved selecting my package. Interestingly, PixelPose's pricing structure and promotional offers are quite similar to those of Portrait Pal. However, PixelPose sets itself apart by promising faster turnaround times and offering a wider variety of outfits and backgrounds for those willing to invest a little more.

While PixelPose's actual delivery time exceeded their initial estimate, taking 24 hours to produce my headshots, their customer service was prompt and courteous. When contacted about the delay, they explained they were experiencing higher than usual demand and offered a sincere apology.

Like most of the AI headshot generators I tested, the next step involved answering some standard questions.

Next, it was time to upload my photos. I could either drag and drop or upload using several options.

After making the payment, it was time to wait and see how the headshots would turn out.

And the wait was well worth it.

From here, downloading an image is as simple as selecting it, and within seconds, it's yours.

PixelPose's standout feature is undoubtedly the quality of their AI-generated headshots. The images are incredibly lifelike and professional, rivaling those of their top-tier competitors. Their attention to detail in facial features, lighting, and overall composition sets them apart in the crowded AI portrait market.

Although PixelPose experienced a 24-hour delay in delivering my headshots—which is probably what cost them the top spot—their impressive image quality speaks for itself. For users who prioritize top-notch output over speed, PixelPose remains an excellent choice in the AI headshot arena.

3. Dreamwave

Dreamwave proved to be another impressive AI headshot generator, earning the number three spot on my list.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Initially, I was genuinely impressed with the results. However, upon closer inspection, I began to question whether the skin tone appeared a bit too digital. Additionally, some lines on my face made me wonder about the overall naturalness of the photos. That said, when compared to the other generators on this list, I was still very satisfied with the headshots produced by Dreamwave.

How To Create Headshots With Dreamwave

The Dreamwave process starts right from the homepage, allowing you to quickly upload your images. A minimum of five photos is required.

After uploading a photo, you can select the "Guide to choosing your photos" option.

Dreamwave provides plenty of guidelines on what not to do, which is appreciated if it leads to better results. I tested their AI by uploading a blurred selfie that I like. As expected, it was rejected. Perhaps one day, the technology will evolve to handle blurred selfies without any issues.

After uploading my photos, I submitted my email address.

Dreamwave offers four packages. I was impressed by the number of headshots I received, with a whopping 500 provided when choosing their 'Best Value' package. The option of 'free redos' is also unique to Dreamwave.

Next, I paid for my headshots, and was asked to confirm my email and select my gender.

Surprisingly, that was the only question Dreamwave asked me. I started to feel a bit nervous about how the headshots would turn out. However, when the results arrived about three and a half hours later, I was pleasantly surprised.

When you hover over a photo, Dreamwave provides six options: add an image to your favorites, hide an image from your gallery, report an offensive image, download, edit, or generate more images like the one you've chosen.

The editing function includes options to auto-improve teeth, auto-improve eyes, remove blemishes, crop the image, or apply filters (black and white or Sepia). I experimented with the editing and got mixed results.

The blemish remover—which they warn is still in beta—seemed to leave evidence of the photo being touched up. In a few photos, the AI had done a poor job with my teeth, but the "auto improve teeth" feature fixed them up.

Overall, Dreamwave provided some impressive images that certainly wowed me when I first scrolled through them. However, when viewed on a larger screen and zoomed in, I started to question the quality of the AI modeling as it made my skin appear a bit too smooth and "air-brushed."

Despite this, the process was fast and easy to navigate, and the quantity of images I received for the price was unmatched by any of the other generators I reviewed.

4. Aragon.ai

Aragon.ai is another company that frequently appears in "best AI headshot generator" lists.

However, when the photos arrived, the results were somewhat disappointing. The top row below displays the best four images, while the bottom row shows some that had potential but were marred by a few inaccuracies.

I was very happy with the first image and shared it with my family, who responded positively. I was also impressed with the clothing and background choices, although they were similar to Portrait Pal and PixelPose.

However, upon closer inspection, I noticed some issues. The AI had altered my nose in some images, and there seemed to be scarring on the side of my face. In fairness to Aragon.ai, I reviewed the pictures I uploaded and identified a couple that may have caused these issues. That said, the same photos were used for other generators without such noticeable issues.

There were also some lighting problems, with overexposure in a few pictures. In some images, my beard didn't line up or had a hairless gap when viewed closely.

I also questioned whether I should have selected 'slim build' instead of 'average build,' as I appeared more well-built than I am. And a few photos had a red spot or lesion on my lips, but this was only noticeable when I zoomed in.

How To Create Headshots With Aragon.ai

Creating headshots with Aragon.ai was similar to Portrait Pal and PixelPose. You start by creating an account and then answering standard questions, such as your gender, eye color, and ethnicity.

You're then asked to upload your photos, with tips on how to get the best results.

Next, select your package. Aragon.ai offers some great deals at the time of writing.

After making your payment, you're asked to select up to three types of attire from three options for your headshots. Wanting a range of headshots, I selected all three.

Next, I was asked if I wanted glasses in my headshots and to confirm my details. At this point, the process seemed to be dragging on a bit, but I understand it's all in the interest of creating the best headshots.

Aragon.ai provided the headshots in the shortest time; it only took 20 minutes!

One feature I loved about Aragon.ai is the ability to view your headshots in a full-screen slideshow. Only Aragon.ai and Insta Headshots offer this feature. It's also easy to "heart" your photos and add them to a "favorites" album, making it simple to review your best pictures.

The "Edit" button provides access to tools to change the background, remove text, expand the photo, enhance your face, and use a "magic eraser." However, unlike Dreamwave, an Aragon.ai Pro account is required to use these tools.

As mentioned above, there were some inaccuracies with these headshots, possibly due to the images I submitted. I would be keen to try Aragon.ai again, taking better care to ensure the images I upload show my face in perfect light. With better-lit images, I believe Aragon.ai could deliver even better results.

5. Insta Headshots

Insta Headshots makes you think of quick, Instagram-ready headshots. Their growing popularity inspired me to give them a shot.

Here are some of the results.

My first impressions were positive. The images provided were high-quality, with various outfits and backdrops that appealed to me. However, on closer inspection, I noticed some distortions around my nose and the side of my face in some images. However, Insta Headshots did a great job of delivering professional headshots that captured my facial expressions well, and I was reasonably happy with the results.

How To Create Images With Insta Headshots

From the Insta Headshots homepage, selecting "Create Your Headshots" invites you to create your account.

After creating your account, log in to your dashboard and create a new profile by selecting your gender and providing your name.

That's all the questions you're asked at this stage. It's time to upload your images!

Insta Headshots makes a point of outlining the type of images you shouldn't upload.

There is a warning to follow the requirements carefully, which I wish I had paid more attention to. However, confident from my Portrait Pal and PixelPose headshots, I went ahead and uploaded my photos.

Insta Headshots requires ten images. Once my images were accepted, it was time to select the package and choose some styles.

Styles on offer include colors, locations like office, beach, and street, as well as profession-specific options like realtor, clinic scrubs, and clinic coat. I chose black, office, beach, city skyline, and street.

Next, you make your payment and select the image that best represents you. This prompt was a first for me and led to a slight existential crisis. Are they after the image that looks most like me or the one that speaks to me on a deeper level?

Finally, I confirmed my photoshoot choices, excited to see the results in under two hours.

Impressively, the headshots were ready in 30 minutes. I was pleased to see they have a slideshow feature that enlarges the images, allowing you to easily scroll through and select the best ones to download.

Editing an image offers some interesting options. You can adjust outfits and backdrops, erase blemishes, tweak features, or even recreate an image.

With the basic package, you can make five adjustments at no extra cost. Editing the images was easy, with no drop in image quality or long wait time—less than 60 seconds for all available edits.

Changing my hair length was fun, while aging myself 20 years provided a sobering look at what's to come—but not as dramatic as I expected. Note that the photo I aged already had some issues with the sides of my face.

Insta Headshots delivered some quality results, though some images had warped facial features. The process was user-friendly, with a nice interface and quick turnaround time. I appreciated the slideshow for sorting through images, and the editing tools were fun to use. It would be interesting to see if submitting higher-quality images would reduce the facial warping I experienced. Perhaps I'll give it another try sometime.

6. Try It On

In the early days of AI headshot generators—considering the rapid pace of technology, that was just a year ago—Try It On emerged as one of the most popular platforms to avoid the high costs of professional photographers. I was curious to see how it compares to the popular generators featured on this list today.

However, the images that greeted me when I opened the app to see my headshots made me spit out my coffee. Who is that?

Here are the top eight where I can see some kind of resemblance.

It's difficult to know what to say about these results. The last image isn't too bad, but the others speak for themselves. Let's go through the ordering process and see if I can find an explanation.

How To Create Headshots With Try It On

Perhaps the clue was in the price and heading, 'Express AI Headshots?'

Initially, it seemed this AI generator was ideal for people without many quality headshots. It certainly gives that impression

After creating an account, instead of choosing from packages, you can opt to have over 100 headshots generated. Additionally, you can pay an extra $9 per editor to have a real human perfect any image you like.

Being new to AI headshots and not having encountered a pricing menu like this before, I decided to decline the human editor. I reasoned it wouldn't be fair to the other generators, and an AI headshot generator should be able to deliver without human intervention.

Next, I paid for my headshots and was welcomed to "the studio."

Next, the app asked for my gender and supplied its image guidelines.

After studying the guidelines, I uploaded my images.

Ten images were required. However, some of my images accepted by other generators were rejected by Try It On. This led me to try some selfies that I didn't think were good enough but were surprisingly accepted by the AI.

Looking at the beach selfie with a dark shadow across one side of my face, it seems this may be to blame for the bad lighting and distortion in my appearance that affected nearly all of my results.

Another feature I hadn't encountered before was a cropping tool that popped up when I uploaded an image.

I soon had ten images that were accepted, so I proceeded to the next screen, which asked me to choose some styles.

Customization came next, with prompts asking about my eye color, hair color, hair length, and whether I wanted glasses or a beard in all of the pictures. I decided it was better to provide these details rather than take the optional route.

That concluded the ordering process. I then just sat back and waited for my results.

I received the headshots about an hour later. With the images, Try It On provided 100 credits for editing.

The editing features effectively enhanced the photos, allowing for changes in attire and backgrounds. Additionally, I had the option to input a prompt describing my desired image, making it easy to regenerate the photo according to my preferences.

Overall, I was disappointed that most images barely resembled the photos I provided. Many had one side of my face in shadow, which seemed unacceptable. The headshot quality varied, with some looking realistic and others clearly AI-generated.

Try It On was no worse than other generators regarding warping and the scarring effect. And I appreciated the range of backdrops, clothing, and easy-to-use editing features.

Issues with uploading my images and having to use questionable selfies may have contributed to my dissatisfaction. However, it was Try It On's AI that accepted or rejected the images I provided.

7. Snap Headshots

Snap Headshots is a new AI headshot generator from the company behind PFPMaker. Because they promise hyper-realistic business headshots, I decided to put them to the test.

I have to rank Snap Headshots last because it was hard to find any images that resembled me. The strange lighting effects and exaggerated eye color made this app rank slightly below Try It On. Here are the top eight images that slightly resemble my actual appearance.

From 100 images, these were the best in terms of likeness. A couple were decent headshots if only I looked like the person in the photo. Also, strange lines and markings appeared on my face in at least half of the headshots.

The lighting in many images seemed unnatural, with an unwanted filter effect. In some photos, my eyes appeared overly bright, further reducing the realism.

How To Create Headshots With Snap Headshots

After creating an account, Snap Headshots offers three packages: Basic, Standard, and Premium.

You then pay for your headshots and provide the AI with some basic information, which you confirm at the end.

Next, Snap Headshots provides guidelines for images to create the best possible headshot.

Confident my pictures followed the guidelines, I began uploading images. However, I soon realized that the app had stricter upload requirements than what I expected. In the end, it took me nearly an hour to find and capture the images I needed.

By the time I had the required 12 images uploaded and accepted, 19 had been rejected. It was strange that Snap Headshots rejected many images I'd used with other generators, including those accepted by Try It On's stringent AI.

The headshots were ready within the promised one-hour timeframe; however, I didn't expect to wonder who the person in the images was. The filters on the images were also jolting.

On the flip side, it was fun to see what my long lost relatives might look like if I have any.

In hindsight, spending more time to ensure the images I uploaded were perfect might have produced better results.

Takeaways

Before trying these AI headshot generators, I assumed the AI would enhance the images I provided, so I didn't put much thought into the quality of the images I chose to upload. The key lesson I learned is that submitting high-quality images is crucial for good headshots.

Most importantly:

1. Your eyes must look straight into the camera. Some of my headshots had eyes slightly off-camera, ruining otherwise excellent photos.
2. Ensure your face is well-lit for the best results.

Despite wanting headshots, the best images to provide seem to be three-quarter portrait shots that capture more of your body than a traditional headshot. Including a couple of mid-shots (full body shots were rejected by most generators) will also help improve the results.

Final Thoughts

After testing seven AI headshot generators, it's clear that this technology has made significant strides. Portrait Pal and PixelPose stood out from the others, delivering the high-quality, professional-looking headshots I was hoping for. Dreamwave, Aragon.ai, and Insta Headshots also showed promise, producing images that impressed my friends and family.

While not every AI-generated image was perfect, the time and cost savings, coupled with user-friendly interfaces, explain the rapid growth of this technology. It's becoming increasingly clear that AI headshot generators are here to stay, potentially reshaping the landscape for professional photographers.

As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more impressive results in the future. The ability to transform an average selfie into a jaw-dropping professional headshot will only improve with time.

It's worth noting that photo appreciation has a subjective element. The examples in this review allow you to form your own opinions about which generator performed best. I'll admit that after reviewing hundreds of my own AI-generated photos, my ability to assess them objectively was challenged. I often found myself reconsidering my initial impressions, liking and disliking the same photo at different times.

Ultimately, this deep dive into AI headshot generators has shown me their potential to democratize professional-looking portraits. While they may not completely replace professional photographers, they offer a compelling alternative for people seeking quick, affordable, and impressive headshots for work or personal use.