Best AI Headshot Generators — We Tested Them All

Most of our first impressions now happen digitally, so your headshot isn’t merely a photo—it’s the cornerstone of your online presence. Whether you’re looking to crush LinkedIn, land remote work, or build your personal brand, having a professional headshot is no longer optional.

But let’s face it: Not all of us may have the cash and time to book a photoshoot with a professional photographer, and selfies just don’t cut it. Enter AI headshot generators, which use artificial intelligence to create studio-quality headshots from user-uploaded images at a fraction of the cost of a professional shoot.

I always wanted my own pro headshots, but had never found the time to squeeze a photography session (and the prep that goes into it) into my busy schedule. So I decided to scour the web for the best AI headshot generation platforms on the market. With just a few selfies and some patience, I was amazed to see how these AI tools transformed my casual snapshots into LinkedIn-ready portraits.

I had ended up testing some of the most popular tools on the market and decided to put together this review to help you decide which platform to use for your own headshots. Read on for my expert guide to the best AI headshot generators on the market, including real before and after photos.

Best AI Headshot Generators | My Shortlist

Here are the AI headshot tools that delivered the most professional, realistic, and practical results during my hands-on testing:

1. Portrait Pal [Best Overall Headshots]
2. PixelPose
3. Profile Bakery
4. Aragon.ai
5. Fotor

My Criteria for Selecting the Best AI Headshot Generators

No two AI headshot generators are exactly the same. For example, some offer customization features that allow you to choose among specific styles, while others utilize advanced diffusion models to render realistic photos.

These were the top criteria I considered when reviewing AI headshot tools in comparison to one another.

✓ Photo Quality

Final image quality is arguably the most important factor when reviewing AI headshot generators. AI tools vary significantly in their ability to accurately reproduce realistic facial features, textures, and lighting. Some advanced platforms use diffusion models or Generative Adversarial Networks to render hyperrealistic photos based on your input; others may employ rudimentary template overlays, which will often result in photos that feel less dynamic.

So I evaluated each generator on overall image sharpness, natural skin tone rendering, background realism, and whether the results genuinely resembled professional headshots. I awarded bonus points to tools that produced clean, polished photos without excessive skin smoothing or facial tuning. In other words, I wanted photos that looked and felt authentically me.

✓ Customization Options

Everyone’s idea of a professional headshot is different. Just look around LinkedIn and you’ll see a range of profile photos. Some people prefer a formal look, while others opt for a relaxed, creative vibe. Your preference may likewise align with your profession, whether it’s tech, legal, finance, design, or marketing. I therefore looked for an AI headshot generator that offered a variety of styles and themes, including options such as formal attire, business casual, or artistic studio lighting. I also examined whether users could select from a library of backgrounds, clothing options, and expression styles.

✓ Ease of Use

The whole point of using an AI headshot generator is to save time and avoid hassle, right? That’s why user experience was a top consideration. I tested each platform for how easy it was to sign up, feed images to the AI, and navigate the process. Did the platform guide users on how to take effective selfies? Did it flag blurry or poor-quality uploads? There’s nothing worse than requesting a small edit and getting a result that’s even further away from your desired output. That back-and-forth can feel like a total waste of time. For these reasons, I awarded points to platforms that worked smoothly and intuitively, and provided clear guidance at every step.

✓ Value for Money

Affordability is one of the biggest advantages of using AI headshot generators over hiring a professional photographer, who may charge hundreds of dollars per hour. In this review, value for money was a serious consideration. I took note of how many headshots each platform included with each tier of service and whether the service was subject to any hidden fees for revisions or downloads. I kept an eye out for platforms offering a free trial, a refund policy, and/or a satisfaction guarantee. Naturally, a solid platform isn’t going to be free, but it also shouldn’t put a dent in your wallet. After testing each tool to its fullest, I considered whether the quality provided justified the cost.

✓ Turnaround Time

AI headshot generators aren’t as quick to produce as a chatbot like ChatGPT or a standard image generator like DALL-E, but they’re significantly faster than having to schedule and attend a photoshoot IRL and then wait for the results. I timed each tool from the moment of upload to the final output. Some tools delivered results in under twenty minutes, while others took a few hours. Speed alone wasn’t a dealbreaker, but I gave preference to tools that offered quicker turnarounds without sacrificing quality. It was also a nice touch for a platform to provide status updates via email or text.

Best AI Headshot Generators: Ranked and Reviewed

In preparation for my AI headshot experiment, I took a variety of well-lit selfies against a series of fairly neutral backgrounds—nothing too distracting, such as bold patterns or cluttered spaces. For the most part, I maintained a consistent camera angle and facial expression. I took most photos straight on, but also did a couple angled slightly above and below. The majority of my selfies were from the shoulders up, but I also had someone take a few chest-up shots to add range.

Here were the six images that I ended up using to feed to the AI headshot generation platforms I tested.

These six photos sufficed for me to thoroughly test the functionality of the five excellent AI headshot generators listed below.

#1 Portrait Pal | Best AI Headshot Generator in 2025

While several AI headshot generators ultimately worked out for me, Portrait Pal truly impressed me with these ultra-realistic and professional portraits.

I’d say pretty much anyone would believe these were done by a professional photography studio. Everything was spot on, including my skin texture, lighting, and background composition; the photos even captured subtle details, such as slight wrinkles in my clothing. Even better, Portrait Pal delivered over 30 professional-grade shots in under an hour.

To get started, Portrait Pal asked my age and some questions about my appearance, including my build, eye color, hair color and length, and ethnicity. It also asked if I wanted glasses on in the portrait. The platform provided clear guidelines for uploading source photos of myself for the generator to scan, such as ensuring the photos were strictly of me, that I was making eye contact, and that there were no extreme angles.

Each batch I received back included subtle variations in clothing and background—in some photos, I was in a studio setting or an office, while others were outdoors. Some of the photos even included nuances in my expression, and all results looked clean and believable. Portrait Pal provides exactly the kind of headshots that I can actually upload to LinkedIn without second-guessing myself.

Portrait Pal’s interface is sleek, minimalistic, and easy to navigate. It’s just one click to instantly download a headshot, and your photos are saved in an album so you can return to them later.

Portrait Pal Pricing

Portrait Pal’s Starter package is $35 for 20 headshots and a three-hour processing time. The Basic package sits a little higher at $45, but you’re getting triple the number of photos with a 2.5-hour processing time. Lastly, the Premium package costs $75, and you receive 100 headshots within a two-hour timeframe. As is evident, the higher the pricing tier within Portrait Pal, the quicker the processing time.

I ultimately saved hundreds of dollars and several hours of my time in comparison to a real-life photography session. I’d call that a win.

Conclusion: Portrait Pal sets the standard for AI headshot generators, making it a clear winner in my book. The photos are crisp, lifelike, and convincingly professional. They’re easily suitable for LinkedIn, your website, or even press kits. The platform is easy to use, fast, and fairly priced considering the quality of output.

#2 PixelPose

PixelPose is incredibly speedy and offers a diverse set of polished photos. Many of the portraits had a soft, editorial finish that didn’t feel too artificial. However, the skin smoothing was a little excessive—not total overkill, but noticeable enough.

Getting started was simple. PixelPose guides you through a straightforward setup. It first asked my gender, eye color, hairstyle, body type, and ethnicity, followed by a request to upload a minimum of six selfies. Their upload guide was clear, and they provided visual examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. After I uploaded my source photos and placed the order, I received an order confirmation and had my headshots in under 20 minutes!

The collection comprised over 35 images, featuring a variety of backgrounds and poses. Some were studio-style, while others were set in an office or outside. I was impressed, but as I mentioned, a few images looked a little too airbrushed. Apart from that, everything looked excellent. The platform itself was sleek and easy to use, not too unlike Portrait Pal’s.

PixelPose Pricing

Like Portrait Pal, PixelPose offers three pricing tiers at the same price points, but with some differences in what you receive. The $35 Starter package includes 20 headshots with a 1.5-hour processing time. The tier gives you five different outfits and backgrounds, along with five poses. The Basic package is $45 and includes 50 headshots, a three-hour processing time, 20 outfits/backgrounds, and 20 poses. The highest Premium tier is $75 and includes a whopping 100 headshots, a four-hour processing time, 40 outfits and backgrounds, and 40 poses. Unlike Portrait Pal, the higher tiers come with greater processing time, but that makes sense given the sheer amount of headshots it feeds back to you.

Conclusion: PixelPose is a strong choice and has rightfully earned its #2 rank on my list of the best AI headshot generators. The platform’s turnaround time is impressively fast, and the variety in backgrounds, outfits, and poses adds real value. You’re bound to receive at least one image that really wows you. The one potential downside is that the platform tends to over-polish some images; however, the overall quality makes this tool worthwhile.

#3 Profile Bakery

Like other tools that look to stand out in the crowded AI headshot market, Profile Bakery goes several steps beyond being a simple headshot generator. It’s a comprehensive personal branding toolkit featuring resume templates, LinkedIn background images, application helpers, and editable cover letters. It’s clearly geared toward professionals navigating a job hunt or career shift.

To start, I uploaded the same six photos of myself, along with one preferred “expression reference” photo to guide the AI on how I want to look. From there, I picked my desired style (in this case, business), selected my gender, and chose a package.

In just over an hour, I received an email confirming that my photos were ready. They were delivered in a Google Drive folder, and I was even given a CV template that included one of the headshots.

I was genuinely impressed with how my Profile Bakery headshots turned out. Many of the 48 photos I received followed a similar format, with only slight changes in body angle, camera distance, and background. The overall quality was high, and the consistency made it easy to choose a favorite. The amount of options you get is especially useful if you’re looking for that one perfect image for your resume, portfolio, or personal website. I observed minor airbrushing, but it was not enough to detract from the realism of the headshots.

Profile Bakery also features an extensive knowledge center, including informational blog posts, tips for selecting the best headshots, and discussions on general AI topics. Their clean website and diverse headshot options make Profile Bakery a solid option if you want dozens of photos with a polished finish, an extra boost for your professional presence and/or job search, and convenient Google Drive delivery.

Profile Bakery Pricing

Profile Bakery’s AI Mini Plan costs $24 and includes 30 photos with four outfit variations, delivered within 2-3 hours. The AI Pro Plan is priced at $49 and allows for 96 images with 12 clothing changes, as well as a broader mix of poses and settings. All plans include access to career advancement extras like CV templates, a cover letter generator, an application assistant, LinkedIn profile analysis, and more.

Conclusion: Profile Bakery is a smart choice for job seekers and content creators alike. The platform’s career-focused extras and realistic outputs make it both simple and convenient to amp up your digital presence. If your desire for solid headshots is professionally motivated, then you don’t want to miss out on the added value that Profile Bakery provides.

#4 Aragon.ai

Aragon.ai is easily one of the more advanced headshot tools on the market—and it has the reviews to prove it. The platform offers a post-generation editing suite including a blemish remover, background changer, magic eraser, and image extender. If one of your headshots is off in any way, you can quickly open the built-in tools to tweak the rendering without leaving the platform. Higher-tier plans even let you upload a location photo to replicate your preferred scenery.

The input details required were consistent with those of other platforms I’ve used: gender, age, hairstyle, eye color, build, and ethnicity. Aragon’s professional headshot dashboard had a limited number of styles to choose from: business formal, business casual, and casual. However, the platform has other headshot generators, including social media, holiday, travel, and yearbook themes.

After uploading my six selfies, the process was seamless and well-guided. The platform had its own image approval scanner to make sure I was following best upload practices. I was prompted a couple of times to ensure that my photos were on par with what would help Aragon produce the best images. Within a half hour, I had access to a set of 80 headshots—a surprising bonus after technically paying for only 40.

The lighting and composition felt intentional, and the platform delivered a range of poses, clothing, and background scenery. I received photos in office settings, city streets, studios, and outdoors. There were a couple of odd photos in terms of hand placement and clothing style. But of the 80 headshots I received, I would say well over half captured my likeness and would be legitimate options for my LinkedIn or other professional platforms.

Aragoin.ai Pricing

Aragon’s $35 Starter includes 40 headshots delivered within two hours, along with one outfit and one background. The Basic plan provides 60 headshots in an hour, with a choice of two attire options and two background settings. The Premium plan, priced at $75, unlocks the full catalog of styles, outfits, and locations—along with advanced editing tools and up to 100 AI-generated headshots. There’s also a Pro plan at $8 per week, ideal for users who want ongoing access to image enhancement features.

Conclusion: If you’re serious about creating a polished digital presence, Aragon.ai is worth every penny. It offers a rich mix of realism, customization, and post-editing control that not many other tools can match. The turnaround time isn’t as quick as that of other tools, but the quality of the images and diversity of tools make it an all-around excellent option.

#5 Fotor

Fotor is an all-in-one creative suite featuring built-in tools for image editing, templates, presentations, and video editing. The platform may appear free at first glance, but only a few select editing tools (excluding the headshot generator) are offered at no cost. The AI headshot creator offers portraits in a range of settings, including office, café, beach, studio, private jet, and more. Fotor is one of the more versatile tools I’ve tested, but with so many diverse offerings, does it really shine where it matters?

I was only required to upload one selfie to get started. So while the upload guidelines were specific, I was immediately skeptical: How could the tool capture my likeness from just one photo? In terms of styling, I chose the professional, office, and casual options. After signing up for an account, I was able to check the progress of my headshots with a simple loading bar. To Fotor’s credit, the headshots were ready in record time: I received a total of 40 photos in just under 10 minutes!

Unfortunately, the results were mixed. Because I only provided one reference photo, most of the headshots appeared to be variations on a single facial expression and pose. The backgrounds and outfits changed according to my selections, but my face stayed stiff and lacked variation. The facial rendering was likewise. While the AI captured a few of my general features, the portraits felt overly airbrushed and didn’t quite pass as me. Compared to tools like Portrait Pal or PixelPose, the likeness and realism just weren’t there.

While the headshots were slightly disappointing, Fotor shouldn’t be written off entirely. It’s a colorful, creative suite including tools for graphic design, video editing, and presentation building. There’s even a community built into the platform that allows you to share your creations, repost AI-generated content, and follow other Fotor users.

You’ll find customizable templates for everything from social media posts and business cards to event flyers and e-commerce product displays. It even includes background removers, one-click filters, and product photo enhancers designed for online sellers. By upgrading your account, you can also take advantage of the brand kit feature and upload your own fonts, colors, and other aspects of your brand’s visual identity.

So while the headshot generator might not be its strongest feature, Fotor still serves as a valuable all-in-one tool for creators, small business owners, and anyone who needs quick, professional visuals without a steep learning curve.

Fotor Pricing

Fotor has several different pricing tiers and categories. If you’re looking to take advantage of its numerous tools, their plans range from $0 (for basic editing) to $39.99 per year for the Pro tier and $89.99 per year for Pro Plus. There is a one-off payment for the AI headshot-only plan, which starts at $20 for 20 headshots.

Conclusion: Fotor offers an impressive range of headshot environments, and it wins points for speed. However, its decision to only require one photo comes at a cost, primarily in terms of accuracy and variety. If you’re already using Fotor for other design tasks, the headshot generator might be worth exploring. Just don’t expect results on par with more specialized platforms.

Final Verdict: Portrait Pal is Picture Perfect

After testing some of the best AI headshot generators available, I found that Portrait Pal consistently delivered the most convincing results. The portraits it delivered were natural, well-lit, and polished without losing touch with my real facial features. Each image struck the right balance between realistic and enhanced, which is precisely what I wanted from an AI headshot tool.

What really stood out was Portrait Pal’s simplicity and ease of use, especially since I didn’t want to fiddle with advanced settings or spend hours tweaking my inputs. The platform’s interface was clean, the instructions were clear, and the processing time was remarkably fast. Within an hour, I had a full set of headshots that looked ready for a corporate website, LinkedIn profile, or personal portfolio.

Portrait Pal also excels in consistency, which isn’t entirely common among other tools on the market. Every image felt thoughtfully generated, not just duplicated with a different background tacked on. The flexible style presets made it easy to get photos that aligned with my goal of getting a headshot that was simultaneously casual and professional.

Here’s my before and after, thanks to Portrait Pal:

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, cost-effective platform to generate your very own professional headshots, check out Portrait Pal.

Why Use an AI Headshot Generator

✓ Feel Confident About Your Online Presence

Whether you’re applying for jobs, building your personal brand, or just updating your LinkedIn profile, a headshot is often your first impression. A polished, professional photo instantly communicates credibility, approachability, and confidence. AI headshot tools empower you to shine in the digital sphere, without the stress or expense of a traditional photoshoot.

✓ Access a Library of Quality Photos

Each tool on my list of the best AI headshot generators gives you well over a dozen photos. With a library of diverse portraits across different backdrops, styles, and expressions, you don’t have to settle for a handful of photos that all look the same. Many of these platforms offer both professional and casual shots, ideal for corporate use, social media, and online dating profiles. All of these options are available within a single, easily accessible album. Some headshot generators also include their own editing tools and customization options, allowing you to fine-tune the results without leaving the platform.

✓ Save Time, Money, and More

For many users, the biggest draws of AI headshot generators are the time, money, and energy savings. Booking a professional photographer can take weeks, cost hundreds of dollars, and leave you with just a sprinkle of usable images. Not to mention, you might feel awkward during a photoshoot, which can be reflected in the photos themselves. AI headshot generators make the entire process a breeze. Simply upload your selfies, select your preferences, and let the tool handle everything else. Your wallet and your schedule will thank you later.

FAQs About AI Headshot Generators

Are AI-generated headshots really suitable for professional purposes?

AI-generated headshots undoubtedly have a place in our digital world and are becoming increasingly commonplace. If you’re a LinkedIn user, you likely scroll past AI headshots every day without even realizing it. The best AI headshot generators produce images that are polished and realistic enough for professional settings, including LinkedIn, resumes, business websites, and press kits. As my headshot generator review showed, not every tool is created equal in terms of image quality, realism, and stylistic variety. Having a clear objective for your headshots will help you select the best option for your needs.

How many selfies do I need to upload to get AI headshots?

Most AI headshot platforms ask you to upload anywhere between six and 20 photos for processing. Fotor was unique in that it only required one photo, but the output wasn’t at the same caliber as that of other tools on this list. You’ll get the best results if you submit well-lit selfies from multiple non-extreme angles, without any filters, and each platform will outline guidelines for what constitutes a good photo submission. I recommend taking a variety of high-quality selfies with different poses and facial expressions, from all possible angles in relation to your light source.

Do AI headshots look fake or “too AI”?

Whether your AI headshots will be realistic will depend on your tool of choice. Advanced headshot generators, such as Portrait Pal and PixelPose, leverage diffusion models to render studio-grade photos that appear indistinguishable from those taken in a standard setting. Other tools overuse smoothing filters or provide results with anatomical anomalies, such as crooked fingers. If you’re in doubt whether your AI headshot is realistic, it’s useful to get a second opinion from a friend or family member who’s familiar with your appearance.

How long does it take to get my headshots?

AI headshot turnaround times vary by platform. Some tools deliver results in under an hour, while others take 2-6 hours or even more, depending on the processing load and the package you select. Some tools allow you to select rush delivery for an extra fee. Regardless of your AI headshot generator of choice, you’ll almost certainly save time compared to scheduling and attending a professional photoshoot, before waiting on photo editing and delivery.

Is my personal data safe?

Trustworthy headshot generators have clear privacy policies and let you delete your images once the final portraits are delivered. The platforms included in the list explicitly assure that they delete your portraits after a set period of time—this makes it a good idea to download your headshots soon after receiving your album link. Before uploading any personal data, including photos, check how the company plans to use your data, including whether and how it will be stored and for how long.

Can I choose a background and outfit for my AI headshot?

Absolutely. AI headshot generation platforms offer customization options for your clothing, the scenery, and overall vibe. You will typically be able to choose between a studio, office, or outdoor setting, as well as your attire, such as business casual or formal. Some tools even branch out into more creative backdrops, such as cafes, healthcare settings, and the beach. Whether you’re aiming for a conservative LinkedIn photo or looking to refresh your dating profile, the headshot generators on this list have got you covered.

What if I don’t like my AI-generated headshots?

Some platforms offer satisfaction guarantees or allow you to take a second try if your headshots don’t turn out to your satisfaction. Other platforms, such as Fotor, also provide built-in editing tools, allowing you to make quick adjustments without having to start over from scratch. It’s a good idea to review the refund or revision policy before purchasing your package. AI headshot generators typically offer fast and friendly customer service, so when in doubt, consider sending the brand an email or creating a support ticket.

Do these tools work for all skin tones, ages, and hair types?

The best AI headshot generators work well for just about any physical appearance or profile. For example, both Portrait Pal and PixelPose utilize in-depth training data to produce accurate results that truly resemble you. If you have specific requests or unique physical features, be sure to check reviews or examples before choosing a platform. For example, I have green eyes, but the color is not always apparent when I’m squinting. The best tools on this list accurately recognized my eye color through the photos I uploaded and reflected the feature accurately in my results.