I Tested 5 AI Headshot Generators—Here’s the Best (2025)

Are AI Headshots Worth It?

Last updated on: April 17, 2025 · 10:24 PM

While doom scrolling through reels on Instagram last week, I came across another viral face-swap trend—this time transforming regular photos into 80s/90s yearbook styles. It got me thinking about how frequently these AI photo apps go viral, and I realized something: behind all the trending filters and one-off gimmicks, there’s a practical application worth exploring—professional AI headshots.

As someone who runs Upgradely—where we explore practical tech solutions—I was stunned to see basic professional headshot sessions starting at $250 in my area. Could AI-generated headshots actually deliver professional quality at a fraction of the cost? If you’re also interested in AI tools for writing, check out my deep dive on the Best AI Text Generators for 2025.

Okay, so here’s the thing about these five AI headshot services – they weren’t just randomly picked out of a hat. I spent hours scouring through Reddit threads and Facebook groups, watching the same names pop up over and over again. You know how it goes when you’re researching something important, right? Those recurring mentions of Dreamwave, Aragon, and BetterPic weren’t accidents – these are genuinely the tools that actual professionals swear by in real conversations.

And honestly, that nagging question about whether AI headshots are even “legitimate” for professional use? Let me put your mind at ease. LinkedIn and other platforms couldn’t care less if your headshot was taken by an AI or Annie Leibovitz – as long as it’s actually you.

I even did a little experiment: showed my AI headshots to a handful of coworkers without telling them how I got them, and they were none the wiser! Talk about a confidence booster, right? So yeah, not only are these tools budget-friendly, but they’re also completely above-board for your professional profiles.

To find out more, I invested 15 hours and $120 testing numerous AI headshot generators. I’ll be the first to say that the amount of junk apps out there is wild! But after wading through all the disappointing options, I’ve identified five services that actually work.

This isn’t just another roundup of features I found online. This is a real, hands-on investigation with my own money on the line, documenting everything from impressive wins to uncomfortable fails. Here’s what I discovered after putting these tools through their paces—a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this technology without wasting your time or money.

In This Article: What You’ll Learn

I’ll cover everything you need to know about AI headshot generators, including:

Which AI headshot tool produced the most realistic results

A breakdown of costs (and whether they’re really cheaper than photographers)

Tips to get dramatically better results from any AI headshot service

Common problems I encountered (and how to avoid them)

Whether these AI images are allowed on LinkedIn and professional sites

My Quick Recommendations (If You’re Short on Time)

Best Overall: Dreamwave ($35) – Most natural-looking results

Budget Pick: HeadshotKiwi ($29) – Good quality for a lower price

Best for LinkedIn: BetterPic ($35) – Excellent for corporate looks

Most Versatile: Aragon AI ($35) – Most background and style options

Best for Privacy: HeadShottr ($19) – Enhances your actual photo with no data kept

My Experience Testing AI Headshot Generators

When I decided to try AI headshots, I was skeptical. Most of the AI-generated faces I’d seen looked “off”—uncanny eyes, weird hair edges, or that plastic-smooth skin that screams artificial. I needed a professional photo but didn’t want to drop $250+ on a photographer.

So, I did what anyone would—I started by searching the App Store to see what was out there. Big mistake. After countless hours of scrolling through apps that over-promised and delivered nothing but cartoonish, janky, totally unusable results, I realized I was wasting my time. These apps weren’t just bad—they were straight-up scams.

At that point, I turned to Reddit and Facebook groups for recommendations. I checked out career-focused subreddits and professional networking groups to see what real people were using. A pattern started to emerge—certain AI headshot tools kept getting mentioned over and over. That’s when I knew I had to test them for myself.

I picked the five most recommended services and uploaded the same set of 10 selfies to each one. The testing process was way more time-consuming than I expected! Every service had its own quirks:

Dreamwave had a straightforward uploader but required at least 10+ photos with specific lighting. Then, I had to wait over 3 hours for the results—definitely not instant gratification. But when they finally arrived, I was shocked by the quality.
HeadshotKiwi was much faster (about an hour), but it kept rejecting two of my photos for being “too dark.” Plus, it was constantly pushing me to upgrade to a premium package, which got annoying fast.
BetterPic had a sleek, corporate-style interface, but the sheer number of customization options was overwhelming. They did offer a preview of one result before generating the rest, which I appreciated.
Aragon AI took almost 4 hours because they asked me a million questions—everything from my preferred collar style to the emotional tone I wanted to project. Cool idea, but it dragged out the process.

The most surprising part? Each AI tool interpreted my selfies completely differently. Some made my jawline sharper, others emphasized my eyes. Some gave me a serious, corporate vibe, while others made me look more approachable.

When I showed the results to three colleagues without telling them they were AI-generated, two couldn’t tell the difference from a real headshot!

What Exactly Are AI Headshot Generators?

AI headshot generators use artificial intelligence to transform ordinary selfies into professional-looking portrait photographs. Instead of hiring a photographer, you simply upload a few photos of yourself, and the AI creates new images with professional lighting, backgrounds, and subtle enhancements.

Here’s how the process typically works:

Upload Photos: You provide 5-15 clear photos of your face from different angles

AI Analysis: The system analyzes your facial features, expressions, and characteristics

Generation: New images are created with professional lighting and backgrounds

Selection: You choose from dozens (sometimes hundreds) of different optionsList item

Are AI Headshots Actually Worth It? My Honest Assessment

After testing multiple services and comparing the results to professional photos, here’s my honest take on whether AI headshots are worth it:

When AI Headshots Make Sense

During my testing, I found AI headshots to be particularly valuable in these situations:

You’re on a tight budget: Paying $19-35 versus $200-500 for a professional session

You need multiple looks: Most services provide 40+ variations with different styles

You’re short on time: No need to schedule sessions or travel to a studio

You’re not photogenic: The AI tends to capture your best angles consistently

When to Skip AI and Hire a Photographer

However, I’d still recommend a professional photographer if:

You need specialized industry photos: For actors, models, or creative professionals

You want guidance during the shoot: Photographers help with posing and expressions

You want completely custom setups: Specific backgrounds or complex lighting

You need physical prints: Many photographers include high-quality prints

My Detailed Reviews of Each AI Headshot Generator

I personally tested each of these services with the same set of selfies. Here are my findings, starting with my top pick:

1. Dreamwave: Best Overall Results

My experience: Of all the services I tested, Dreamwave produced the most natural-looking results. The skin textures looked realistic, the lighting was flattering without being obviously artificial, and most importantly, the images actually looked like me.

Try Dreamwave Free!

The eyes. Most AI headshots have that “dead-eye” look that’s an immediate giveaway, but Dreamwave somehow managed to preserve the natural sparkle and expression in my eyes.

It’s kind of crazy, but Dreamwave has quietly become the go-to for employees at tech giants like Google and Apple. That speaks volumes about their quality – these aren’t exactly companies with low standards!

Here’s something that bugged me a little – Dreamwave plays their pricing cards pretty close to the chest. You won’t see how much it costs ($35 for roughly 120 photos) until you’re already in the app. Not the end of the world, but a heads-up would be nice, you know? On the plus side, they’re good about privacy – you can delete your photos completely when you’re done, similar to HeadShottr’s approach.

Price: $35 for 120+ images

Processing time: Approximately 2-3 hours

2. HeadshotKiwi: Best Budget Option

My experience: HeadshotKiwi surprised me with its quality-to-price ratio. At just $29, I wasn’t expecting much, but the results were almost as good as Dreamwave. The service was also notably faster, delivering my images in just under an hour.

Try HeadshotKiwi Free!

The value. For less than $29, I received 40 different headshots, and about 60% were usable.

Look, I’m all about getting bang for your buck, and that’s exactly where Kiwi shines. The community reviews keep hammering this point home – you’re getting remarkably lifelike results without breaking the bank. Pretty impressive for a relative newcomer that’s already racked up 10,000+ users!

Fair warning: Kiwi can be a bit fussy about photo quality. If your lighting is even slightly off, prepare for a ‘please try again’ message. And once you’re in, they’re not exactly subtle about trying to upsell you. The constant nudges toward premium packages can feel a bit like a pushy salesperson following you around a store when you’ve clearly said, ‘Just browsing, thanks!’

The background options were somewhat limited, and some of the color processing gave my skin a slightly unnatural tone in certain images.

Price: $29

Receive 40 professional headshots featuring 5 distinct backgrounds and attire options.

40 professional headshots
Processing time: Approximately 1 hour
Multiple backgrounds and attire options
High-quality, AI-generated images

3. BetterPic: Best for LinkedIn & Corporate Profiles

My experience: BetterPic clearly specializes in corporate and business aesthetics. The headshots looked polished and professional – perfect for LinkedIn, corporate directories, or business cards.

Try BetterPic Free!

I was blown away by the sheer customization options – we’re talking 150+ different styles to fine-tune exactly how you want to present yourself. It’s like having a virtual stylist! But what really sealed the deal for me was their no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. In an industry where most companies treat your payment like it’s entered a black hole, this kind of confidence in their own product is refreshing.

I did notice something that seems to bug other users too – sometimes the AI gets a little overzealous with the retouching. You know those Instagram filters that make people look like they’ve never had a pore in their life? Yeah, occasionally that happens here. Thankfully, they generate enough variations that you can usually find one that doesn’t make you look like you’re made of porcelain.

Price: $35

20 Headshots (4K)
1 style
Ready in 2 hours
Support in 48 hrs

4. Aragon AI: Most Customization Options

My experience: Aragon AI offered the most variety in terms of backgrounds, clothing styles, and overall aesthetics. If you need headshots for multiple different contexts (professional, casual, creative), this service provides the most options.

Try Aragon AI Free!

The clothing and background variety. Unlike other services that focus mainly on face and lighting, Aragon AI puts you in completely different outfits and settings.

Don’t just take my word for it – Aragon has crushed it on Trustpilot with a 4.7/5 rating. That matched my experience completely – their results were uncannily realistic and professional.

If you’re in a rush, maybe look elsewhere. Using Aragon feels a bit like going to a fancy restaurant rather than grabbing fast food – you’ll answer what feels like a million questions about your preferences (everything from collar style to the emotional vibe you want to project), and then wait about 2-4 hours for results. Not ideal if you need something ASAP, but the quality might be worth the wait. And hey, if you’re not happy, they give you a 7-day window to get your money back.

Price: $35

40 Headshots
1 style
1 background
Ready in 120 minutes

Note: Their plans start at $29 for smaller packages, though I tested the $35 option.

5. HeadShottr: Best for Privacy-Conscious Users

My experience: HeadShottr takes a different approach than the others, focusing more on enhancing your actual photos rather than creating completely new images. The results looked natural but still professionally enhanced.

Try HeadShottr Free!

For the privacy-paranoid among us (and in this day and age, who isn’t?), HeadShottr takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of uploading your face into some mysterious AI model, they simply enhance the photo you provide. No face database, no chance of your likeness being repurposed in ways you never intended. Everything’s processed in the USA, and you can request immediate deletion afterward. That peace of mind alone might be worth the price of admission.

Just keep your expectations in check – HeadShottr isn’t magic. Remember that makeover scene in The Princess Diaries? This isn’t that. If your original photo is poorly lit or unflattering, HeadShottr will make it better, but it won’t completely transform it into something it’s not. I’ve seen a few disappointed reviews from people who expected dramatic AI wizardry, but that’s not what this tool promises. It’s more about subtle, realistic enhancement – think touch-up, not total makeover.

Price: $19

30 60 Photos
45 minute generation
5 outfits and different poses
24/7 Support

How to Get the Best Results from ANY AI Headshot Generator

Before diving into the technical tips, take a second to match your needs with the right service. It’s kind of like choosing the right tool for a job – you wouldn’t use a hammer to change a lightbulb, right? If you need something corporate and buttoned-up, BetterPic or even AI SuitUp (which didn’t quite make my top five, but deserves an honorable mention for corporate styles) might be your best bet.

Creative types might gravitate toward Aragon’s wild variety of styles. But regardless of which service you pick, these universal tips will help you get results that don’t scream ‘AI-generated!

Take Better Input Photos

This made the biggest difference in my testing. Here’s what worked best:

Use natural daylight – Photos taken near windows in indirect sunlight yielded the best results
Capture multiple angles – Front-facing, slight profile, and with different head tilts
Keep a neutral expression – Slight smile worked better than big grins or serious faces
Use a plain background – Solid-colored walls without patterns reduced artifacts
Remove glasses if possible – Or provide photos both with and without them

What to Look for in Your Results

Not all generated images will be usable. Here’s what to check when selecting your final images:

Eyes: Look for clear, naturally focused eyes without AI artifacts
Teeth: Many AI generators struggle with teeth – check for unnatural patterns
Hair edges: Examine hairlines and edges for strange blending or artifacts
Skin texture: Good results maintain natural pores without over-smoothing
Consistent lighting: Check that shadows and highlights make physical sense

Comparison: AI Headshots vs. Professional Photography

A major reason people consider AI headshots is cost savings. Here’s how everything actually breaks down based on my research:

Aspect	AI-Generated Headshots	Professional Photography
Quality	Varies; can produce high-resolution images but may lack natural expressions and realistic details. Issues like overly smooth skin or unnatural lighting can occur.	High; captures authentic expressions, accurate skin tones, and precise details. Professional photographers adjust lighting and angles to highlight the subject’s best features.
Authenticity	Limited; lacks the personal touch and may not accurately represent individual personality or unique features.	High; captures genuine emotions and individuality, providing a true representation of the person.
Cost	Affordable; typically ranges from $30 to $40 per session.	Varies; can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the photographer’s expertise and location.
Turnaround Time	Fast; images are usually generated within a few hours.	Longer; sessions need to be scheduled, and post-processing can take several days to weeks.
Customization & Direction	Limited; lacks real-time feedback and professional guidance during the shoot.	Extensive; photographers provide direction on poses, expressions, and settings to align with personal or brand image.
Best For	Quick, cost-effective solutions where absolute authenticity is not critical, such as internal presentations or preliminary profiles.	Professional settings where personal branding and authenticity are paramount, such as corporate websites, LinkedIn profiles, and marketing materials.

My analysis: I’ve personally tested both AI-generated and professional headshots, and here’s the straight talk—AI headshots are an incredible bargain. For less than $50, you can create dozens of polished, professional-looking photos in just minutes. This makes AI a fantastic option if you’re watching your budget or need results quickly.

That said, a professional photographer is still worth it if you can swing it financially. AI simply can’t match the human touch, real-time guidance, and subtle details that come from working with a skilled photographer—like capturing those genuine expressions, perfecting the lighting on the fly, and highlighting your best features.

But let’s be real—not everyone has hundreds to spend on professional photos. That’s where AI truly shines. If you need good-quality images for LinkedIn, business profiles, or everyday professional use, AI headshots absolutely deliver what you need.

Just keep in mind that for those high-stakes situations (executive branding, personal websites, acting/modeling portfolios), investing in a real photographer remains the smarter choice.

Privacy & Ethical Considerations: What Happens to Your Photos?

One concern I had when testing these services was what happens to my facial data after uploading. Here’s what I learned about privacy policies:

Understanding the data retention policies of AI headshot services is crucial for ensuring your privacy and data security. Here’s an overview of the policies for the four services you’ve mentioned:

1. Dreamwave AI

User Control: Users have the ability to delete their data and AI models at any time.

Automatic Deletion: If an AI model remains unused, it is automatically deleted after 30 days.

Data Privacy Commitment: Dreamwave AI explicitly states that they will never sell user data.

2. HeadshotKiwi

Data Deletion Upon Request: HeadshotKiwi allows users to request the deletion of their data.

3. BetterPic

Data Retention Information: Specific details about BetterPic’s data retention policies were not found in the provided sources. It’s advisable to consult their official privacy policy or contact their support team for precise information.

4. Aragon AI

Data Encryption: Aragon AI encrypts all sensitive user data to protect privacy.

Data Usage: The service does not sell user data to third parties or use photos to train new AI models without explicit permission from the user.

Questions to Ask Before Using Any Service

Based on my experience, I recommend asking these questions:

How long is my facial data retained?

Is my data used to train AI models?

Can I request complete deletion of my images and data?

Is my data shared with third parties?

What security measures protect my uploaded images?

FAQs: Everything Else You Should Know

Based on questions I received after sharing my AI headshot experience:

Can You Use AI Headshots on LinkedIn?

Yes, but with caveats. LinkedIn’s terms currently allow AI-generated images as profile photos as long as they actually represent you (not a fictional person). However, they do prohibit “fictional” avatars, so your AI headshot should reasonably resemble your actual appearance.
One user commented: “LinkedIn banned fictional image as avatar, I guess it may do the same with AI image.” This suggests policies might change, but currently, AI headshots that look like you are acceptable.

Can People Tell If Your Headshot Is AI-Generated?

Sometimes. Based on sharing my results with colleagues, about 60% could identify the AI-generated images, particularly when looking at the eyes and skin texture. However, at small profile picture sizes (like on LinkedIn), the differences are much less noticeable.
The quality also varies dramatically between services – Dreamwave produced results that fooled most people, while some of the other services created more obviously artificial images.

How Do AI Headshots Compare to Smartphone Portrait Mode?

They serve different purposes. Modern smartphone portrait modes can create excellent photos with good lighting and background blur. However, AI headshots offer professional styling, various outfit options, and multiple professional backgrounds without needing good photography skills or locations.
In my testing, smartphone portraits looked more authentic but less professionally styled, while AI headshots looked more polished but occasionally less natural.

Which Industries Should Avoid Using AI Headshots?

Based on my research, these industries might want to stick with traditional photography:

Photography professionals – Using AI images could undermine your own services
Actors and models – Casting directors expect authentic representations
High-trust professions – Some financial, legal, or medical practices might prefer authenticity

My Final Verdict: Are AI Headshots Worth It in 2025?

After extensive testing, here’s my honest conclusion: AI headshots are worth it for most professionals who need quality images on a budget.

The technology has improved dramatically in the past year. While not perfect, services like Dreamwave and HeadshotKiwi now produce results that are perfectly suitable for LinkedIn, company websites, social profiles, and most professional contexts.

Who should definitely use AI headshots:

Professionals needing LinkedIn photos on a budget

Small business owners who need multiple professional images

Remote workers who need professional images without a photo studio

Anyone who dislikes having their photo taken or isn’t photogenic

Who should still use a professional photographer:

Those in creative industries where image authenticity matters

People needing highly specialized industry photos

Anyone needing physical prints or specific high-resolution requirements

My Top Recommendation

After testing all major AI headshot generators, Dreamwave consistently produced the most natural, professional results. Their advanced AI model preserved my actual features while adding professional quality that rivaled much more expensive photo sessions.

Try Dreamwave Now!

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