Icons8
Multi-capability online workspace by Icons8 LLC (2 benchmarked capabilities: Background removal, Image upscaling)
Product node overview & trust baseline
Operator provenance, privacy baseline and site-wide pricing belong directly to the product node and are inherited across linked task edgesIcons8, operated by Icons8 LLC (New York, USA (Global Distributed Team)) under a "Subscription + credits" model, has 2 published task assessments on RealTest (Background removal 73/100, Image upscaling 66/100). In background removal, trial limits are disclosed upfront, with full-size output and batch support without login; only three free trials and a notification prompt limit convenience. In image upscaling, login-free trials are available, but only three uses at 2× with a watermark; limits are not clear upfront, so usable final output generally needs payment.
New York, USA (Global Distributed Team) · 2012–Present
Provenance baseline: 19/20 · Developed by Icons8 LLC (founded in 2012 by Ivan Boyko, creator of Pichon, Lunacy, Smart Upscaler, and Generated Photos).
Prepaid entry confirms a $10 minimum and $50/$100/$200/custom choices. Displayed discounted prices are retained. Reviewed general terms assign applicable taxes to the user but do not specify background-remover subscription refund/cancellation details, which remain unconfirmed.
Pricing transparency baseline: 29/35 · Cancellation: Cancellation and refund terms follow official checkout and help policies.
30-day storage for paid plans; temporary guest uploads cleared periodically
No third-party services listed in this record; this is not proof that none exist.
Product-level pricing & rules baseline
Verified plans, billing periods and cancellation terms owned by this product node; task-specific credit costs and free export limits are detailed per capability edge belowIcons8 web background remover: monthly, annual and prepaid, excluding API · 2026-10-20
9 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Prepaid entry confirms a $10 minimum and $50/$100/$200/custom choices. Displayed discounted prices are retained. Reviewed general terms assign applicable taxes to the user but do not specify background-remover subscription refund/cancellation details, which remain unconfirmed.
Verification has gaps; unknown prices and quotas are not inferred.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
Cancellation and refund terms follow official checkout and help policies.
Official plans and usage terms ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗ · Capture 2 ↗
Minimum prepaid charge and amount choices ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Relevant official terms excerpts ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Archived official pricing sources: Official plans and usage terms (2026-10-20) [text snapshot ↗] · Minimum prepaid charge and amount choices (2026-10-20) [text snapshot ↗] · Relevant official terms excerpts (2026-10-20) [text snapshot ↗]
Capability map & linked task edges
Whenever a capability passes fixed-fixture testing, an edge is automatically linked between this product node and the task topic for horizontal comparison.
| Linked task edge | Score | Assessment · historical test | Test scope & delivery | Inspect capability / follow edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background removal | 73/100 | Trial limits are disclosed upfront, with full-size output and batch support without login; only three free trials and a notification prompt limit convenience. | 2048 × 2048 · PNG Historical test · 2026-10-17 Guest flow · Curly-haired portrait · Output attached | |
| Image upscaling | 66/100 | Login-free trials are available, but only three uses at 2× with a watermark; limits are not clear upfront, so usable final output generally needs payment. | 1024 × 1024 · PNG Historical test · 2026-10-17 Guest flow · Fixed low-resolution fixture · Output attached |
Tested task edges (with scores and native artifacts) are strictly separated from discovered untested capabilities (unscored).
Peer product comparison across shared task edges
Matched by overlapping tested task edges; compare site-wide billing models alongside per-task benchmark scoresThe official pricing page and credit table state that guests get 5 free runs and registered Free accounts receive 10 one-time Nero Credits (Standard/Photo/Anime 2× costs 1 credit/image, 4× costs 2 credits/image, paid-only 8× costs 4 credits/image). Standard monthly is USD 21.95/month promotional (regular USD 24.99/month, 300 credits/month). The yearly promo banner displays only "7.66 USD per month" (3,000 credits/year) without printing the annual invoice total before login, so the annual total is marked unverified.
- Background removal：Icons8 73/100 vs Nero AI 80/100
- Image upscaling：Icons8 66/100 vs Nero AI 84/100
Actual annual charges $59.99/$263.99. A 3-day trial is offered; cancel before expiry to avoid charges. Exact daily free count is unspecified. The 11,500-credit pack includes a current 1,500-credit bonus.
- Background removal：Icons8 73/100 vs PicWish 83/100
- Image upscaling：Icons8 66/100 vs PicWish 82/100
High-volume tiers expanded; removal costs 1 credit/image, other operations differ. Taxes are not stated on the cards.
- Background removal：Icons8 73/100 vs Cutout.pro 81/100
- Image upscaling：Icons8 66/100 vs Cutout.pro 87/100
Actual annual amounts are $77/$278/$854. Absolute removal quotas and per-image credit usage are unpublished; 1×/5×/20× cannot be converted into image counts.
- Background removal：Icons8 73/100 vs Img2Go 88/100
- Image upscaling：Icons8 66/100 vs Img2Go 84/100
Linked capability test: Background removal
2026-10-17 · Native output attached. Findings cover the recorded fixture and conditions; paid specifications may be untested.
Task quality
Clean subject contours and free full-size output in the record; the finest flyaway hairs are cut sharply.
Detailed facts & historical record
- Measured fixture results
Edge error MAD: 0.1653 (Lower is better) · Global error SAD(k): 52.608 (Lower is better) · Foreground retention: 99.070% (Higher is better) · Background residue: 0.260% (Lower is better)
- Fixture findings
Clean subject contours and free full-size output in the record; the finest flyaway hairs are cut sharply.
- Original historical observation
Clean main subject and inner curl separation (99.07% foreground recall) with slightly firmer outer flyaway cutoffs (mad_band=0.1653) at full 2048×2048 native resolution.
- Suitable uses · historical assessment
Designers needing 1–3 full-resolution 2048×2048 unwatermarked cutouts without creating an account
- Result & output evidence
Delivery capabilities
2048 × 2048 · PNG · No watermark in test
Detailed facts & historical record
- Recorded export specifications
2048 × 2048 · PNG · No watermark in test
- Historical specification note · not an official maximum
2048×2048 (Unwatermarked 2048×2048 RGBA PNG within 3 free guest demo removals)
- Watermark observation
No watermark
- Batch & API
Batch upload up to 500 images, REST API, Mac app, and Figma/Photoshop plugins
- Recorded free-tier dimensions
2048 × 2048
- Attached file dimensions
2048 × 2048 · PNG
Speed & reliability
About 10.2s end to end in this run; reliability not retested
Detailed facts & historical record
- Timing observation
Network-observed server wait: 7.4s · End-to-end reference: 10.2s
- Date & fixture
2026-10-17 · anchor_bgremove_v1 · US-West (California, AS2914)
- Repeated tests & reliability
No standardized repetition count, success rate or variability range is recorded.
Interaction experience
No login in this run
Detailed facts & historical record
- Account requirements
No login in this test
- Sign-in methods
No login required for 3 full-res demo images; supports Email / Google / GitHub sign-in
- Manual adjustment
Not verified
- Interaction observations
Triggers a browser notification permission prompt during upload to alert when background processing completes, but allows direct 2048×2048 unwatermarked export within the 3-image demo quota without forced signup.
Background & reputation
Icons8 LLC · Long-term reputation not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Service lifecycle notice
Not verified
- Operator
Icons8 LLC
- Recorded origin
New York, USA (Global Distributed Team)
- Domain history record
2012–Present
- Background & reputation assessment
Developed by Icons8 LLC (founded in 2012 by Ivan Boyko, creator of Pichon, Lunacy, Smart Upscaler, and Generated Photos).
- External reputation record
Not verified
Engineering & privacy
Uploaded for cloud processing；Explicit retention period unconfirmed; inspect policy record
Detailed facts & historical record
- Processing location
Uploaded for cloud processing
- Third-party tracking record
Not verified
- Engineering & privacy assessment
Supports batch drag-and-drop up to 500 images (JPG/PNG/WebP) via the ai-cdn.icons8.com async pipeline, plus native Mac app, Figma/Photoshop plugins, and REST API.
- Retention statement
Explicit retention period unconfirmed; inspect policy record
Task free allowance & pricing disclosure
Anonymous visitors get 3 free demo background removals at full resolution; additional images cost $0.20/image or $9/mo
Disclosed upfront in the landing page hero subtitle ("Try it with 3 demo removes")
Site-wide plans belong to the product node (see Product-level pricing baseline ↑).
Expand site-wide plans aligned for Background removal (9 records)
Icons8 web background remover: monthly, annual and prepaid, excluding API · 2026-10-20
9 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Prepaid entry confirms a $10 minimum and $50/$100/$200/custom choices. Displayed discounted prices are retained. Reviewed general terms assign applicable taxes to the user but do not specify background-remover subscription refund/cancellation details, which remain unconfirmed.
Verification has gaps; unknown prices and quotas are not inferred.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
Cancellation and refund terms follow official checkout and help policies.
Official plans and usage terms ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗ · Capture 2 ↗
Minimum prepaid charge and amount choices ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Relevant official terms excerpts ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Evaluation basis & full scores · Overall 73.2/100
Overall = honesty & reputation × 30% + capability × 70%. Component maxima follow this report’s rubric. List scores are rounded for display; original precision is retained here.
Scoring version 2.3.1 · Test fixture anchor_bgremove_v1
Honesty & reputation · 84/100 · 30%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | 29 / 35 | The landing page (01_landing.png) explicitly states "Try it with 3 demo removes" in the hero subtitle. Anonymous guests can upload and download full 2048×2048 unwatermarked RGBA PNG cutouts (02_workspace.png) for up to 3 demo images before hitting the "$0.20 per image / $9 per month" paywall (03_download.png). | Evidence A → |
| Interaction restraint | 24 / 30 | Triggers a browser notification permission prompt during upload to alert when background processing completes, but allows direct 2048×2048 unwatermarked export within the 3-image demo quota without forced signup. | Evidence A → |
| Background & reputation | 19 / 20 | Developed by Icons8 LLC (founded in 2012 by Ivan Boyko, creator of Pichon, Lunacy, Smart Upscaler, and Generated Photos). | Evidence A → |
| Engineering & privacy | 12 / 15 | Supports batch drag-and-drop up to 500 images (JPG/PNG/WebP) via the ai-cdn.icons8.com async pipeline, plus native Mac app, Figma/Photoshop plugins, and REST API. | Evidence A → |
Capability · 68.6/100 · 70%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task quality | 38.6 / 65 | Transition band error mad_band=0.1653 · Global SAD(k)=52.608 · Foreground recall 99.07% / Background leak 0.260% | Evidence A → |
| Deliverable specifications | 20 / 20 | True Alpha channel (8/8); Max deliverable spec: 2048×2048 (Unwatermarked 2048×2048 RGBA PNG within 3 free guest demo removals) | Evidence A → |
| Processing speed | 10 / 15 | Network-observed server wait: 7.4s (API mode: async; network upload 1.6s / end-to-end 10.2s shown for reference only, never penalized) | Evidence A → |
Legacy scores may include advertised maximum capabilities. Read tested output separately from paid capabilities. Records without matching tiers and scope are not ranked together.
Linked capability test: Image upscaling
2026-10-17 · Native output attached. Findings cover the recorded fixture and conditions; paid specifications may be untested.
Task quality
Tested scale 2×
Detailed facts & historical record
- Measured fixture results
Tested scale: 2×
- Fixture findings
Colours and facial features looked natural; the free trial output was 2× with a watermark.
- Original historical observation
Smart Upscaler 3 delivers natural skin and hair tone fidelity (PSNR=26.21 dB, SSIM=0.9644) without harsh oversharpening halos, but restricts free demos to 2x (1024×1024) with a watermark—contrasting sharply with Icons8 Background Remover's unwatermarked 2048×2048 free demos.
- Suitable uses · historical assessment
Designers with an Icons8 prepaid pack ($0.20/image) or subscription needing up to 500-image batch upscaling + 1-click background removal
- Result & output evidence
Delivery capabilities
1024 × 1024 · PNG · Check watermark record
Detailed facts & historical record
- Recorded export specifications
1024 × 1024 · PNG · Check watermark record
- Historical specification note · not an official maximum
1024 × 1024 (2x watermarked PNG; 4x 2048×2048 requires payment)
- Watermark observation
Free tier is stamped with an Icons8 watermark via ai-cdn.icons8.com ('Remove watermark' costs $0.20/image or subscription)
- Batch & API
Batch upload up to 500 images, GoProd Mac desktop app, and REST API
- Recorded free-tier dimensions
1024 × 1024
- Attached file dimensions
1024 × 1024 · PNG
Speed & reliability
About 9.5s end to end in this run; reliability not retested
Detailed facts & historical record
- Timing observation
Network-observed server wait: 6.8s · End-to-end reference: 9.5s
- Date & fixture
2026-10-17 · anchor_upscale_v1 · US-West (California, AS2914)
- Repeated tests & reliability
No standardized repetition count, success rate or variability range is recorded.
Interaction experience
No login in this run
Detailed facts & historical record
- Account requirements
No login in this test
- Sign-in methods
No login required for 3 demo 2x upscales; Email / Google login supported
- Manual adjustment
Not verified
- Interaction observations
Allows unauthenticated visitors to download the 1024×1024 watermarked 2x sample for quality inspection and provides a 1-click handoff to Icons8 Background Remover.
Background & reputation
Icons8 LLC · Long-term reputation not independently verified
Detailed facts & historical record
- Service lifecycle notice
Not verified
- Operator
Icons8 LLC
- Recorded origin
New York, USA (Global distributed team)
- Domain history record
2012–present
- Background & reputation assessment
Official product by Icons8 LLC (founded 2012, creator of Icons8, Lunacy, Background Remover, Smart Upscaler, and Generated Photos).
- External reputation record
Not verified
Engineering & privacy
Uploaded for cloud processing；Explicit retention period unconfirmed; inspect policy record
Detailed facts & historical record
- Processing location
Uploaded for cloud processing
- Third-party tracking record
Not verified
- Engineering & privacy assessment
Supports batch drag-and-drop of up to 500 images (up to 5MB each) and offers the GoProd Mac desktop app and commercial REST API.
- Retention statement
Explicit retention period unconfirmed; inspect policy record
Task free allowance & pricing disclosure
Guests get 3 demo upscales ('2 demo upscales left'), but unlike Icons8's unwatermarked Background Remover, Smart Upscaler watermarks free exports and locks 4x enlargement
Displays 'Remove watermark' and 'Enlarge to 4x' paid toggles underneath the result card after upload
Site-wide plans belong to the product node (see Product-level pricing baseline ↑).
Expand site-wide plans aligned for Image upscaling (9 records)
Icons8 web background remover: monthly, annual and prepaid, excluding API · 2026-10-20
9 plan / billing-period records, all listed; — means that period is not recorded.
Prepaid entry confirms a $10 minimum and $50/$100/$200/custom choices. Displayed discounted prices are retained. Reviewed general terms assign applicable taxes to the user but do not specify background-remover subscription refund/cancellation details, which remain unconfirmed.
Verification has gaps; unknown prices and quotas are not inferred.
Cancellation, sources & verification record
Cancellation and refund terms follow official checkout and help policies.
Official plans and usage terms ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗ · Capture 2 ↗
Minimum prepaid charge and amount choices ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Relevant official terms excerpts ↗ · 2026-10-20 Capture 1 ↗
Evaluation basis & full scores · Overall 65.9/100
Overall = honesty & reputation × 30% + capability × 70%. Component maxima follow this report’s rubric. List scores are rounded for display; original precision is retained here.
Scoring version 2.3.1 · Test fixture anchor_upscale_v1
Honesty & reputation · 68/100 · 30%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | 18 / 35 | Landing page (01_landing.png) advertises 'Images can be upscaled up to 7680x7680px' without upfront notice that free trials are capped at 2x and watermarked. Uploading the 512×512 anchor grants 3 guest demo upscales ('2 demo upscales left'), but caps free output at 2x (1024×1024) with a server-side imgproxy watermark (02_workspace.png); clicking 'Enlarge to 4x' or 'Remove watermark' opens the '$0.20 per image / $9 per month' Upgrade modal (03_download.png). | Evidence A → |
| Interaction restraint | 20 / 30 | Allows unauthenticated visitors to download the 1024×1024 watermarked 2x sample for quality inspection and provides a 1-click handoff to Icons8 Background Remover. | Evidence A → |
| Background & reputation | 19 / 20 | Official product by Icons8 LLC (founded 2012, creator of Icons8, Lunacy, Background Remover, Smart Upscaler, and Generated Photos). | Evidence A → |
| Engineering & privacy | 11 / 15 | Supports batch drag-and-drop of up to 500 images (up to 5MB each) and offers the GoProd Mac desktop app and commercial REST API. | Evidence A → |
Capability · 65/100 · 70%
| Criterion | Score | Rationale | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task quality | 44 / 65 | Smart Upscaler 3 preserves facial and curly hair structure well at 2x (PSNR=26.21 dB, SSIM=0.9644, edge_corr=0.4670), though overall score is constrained by the 2x (1024×1024) free cap and watermark overlay (44.0/65). | Evidence A → |
| Deliverable specifications | 10.5 / 20 | 3 guest demo upscales allow downloading a 1024×1024 PNG, but include an imgproxy brand watermark (wmid:upscaler2) and lock 4x (2048×2048) behind a paywall (10.5/20). | Evidence A → |
| Processing speed | 10.5 / 15 | Cloud async 2x super-resolution completes in ~6.80s (10.5/15). | Evidence A → |
Legacy scores may include advertised maximum capabilities. Read tested output separately from paid capabilities. Records without matching tiers and scope are not ranked together.
Developer & citation kit · Claim updates, request benchmarks & embed verified badges
Product developers and writers can embed these SVG badges in official websites, GitHub READMEs or documentation, or use the channels below to sync product-wide plans and capabilities.
[](https://realtest.org/tools/icons8.com/) <a href="https://realtest.org/tools/icons8.com/"><img src="https://realtest.org/badges/icons8.com.svg" alt="Icons8 — RealTest" height="24" /></a> 
[](https://realtest.org/tools/icons8.com/#feature-background-remover) 
[](https://realtest.org/tools/icons8.com/#feature-image-upscaler)