What are AI Headshot Generators?
AI headshot generators use image-to-image AI generators to turn casual pics into professional photos. Here’s how it works:
- You upload a selfie
- Optionally, describe how you want the headshot to look
- The AI will produce a polished headshot for LinkedIn, resumes, and business profiles
When to use them: These tools work best when you need quick professional images without booking a photographer. They're ideal for updating LinkedIn profiles, creating team photos for remote workers, or refreshing your online presence across platforms.
Popular options include Overchat AI, which uses Google's Nano Banana model for photorealistic results, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Canva.
Comparison of the Best AI Headshot Generators
After testing over 15 different tools, we’ve zeroed in on the 5 that consistently perform the best. Here they are, in no particular order:
Platform |
Free Tier |
Unlimited Free Use |
No Signup Needed |
Multiple Models |
Coding/Code Preview |
Web Search |
Voice Chat |
Mobile App |
Artifacts/Canvases |
Browser Extension |
Price for Pro/Plus |
Overchat AI |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
Soon |
Soon |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
Soon |
$4.99/wk or $59.99/yr |
Claude |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
$20/mo |
Gemini |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
$20/mo (Advanced) |
Perplexity |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
$20/mo (Pro) |
Mistral le Chat |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ (Python only) |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
$14.99/mo* |
Pi |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
No paid plan |
Merlin AI |
✓ |
✗ |
✓* |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
$29/mo |
Tool |
Best For |
Speed |
Free Option |
Starting Price |
Key Feature |
Overchat AI |
Most realistic results |
10-30 seconds |
5 free images |
$4.99/week |
Nano Banana model, no watermark |
ChatGPT |
Quick generation |
Under 1 minute |
Yes (with account) |
$20/month |
Integrated with ChatGPT workspace |
Gemini AI |
Free testing |
10-30 seconds |
Yes |
Free |
Same model as Overchat, with watermark |
Canva |
Design integration |
1-2 minutes |
Limited |
$120/year |
Built-in editing tools |
Fotor |
Budget-conscious users |
5-10 minutes |
Yes |
$8.99/month |
Simple interface |
Each tool has distinct strengths. Let's examine them in detail.
Overchat AI
Overchat AI headshot generator runs on Google's Nano Banana model, the same technology powering Gemini 2.5 Flash. This produces some of the most photorealistic headshots available in 2025.
How it works: Upload a selfie, describe the look you want, and receive a headshot in seconds. Nano Banano is the perfect model for a headshot generator, because it maintains photorealistic likeness.
Pricing: Five images free, then $4.99 weekly or $59.99 annually. Unlike Gemini, Overchat delivers high-resolution images without watermarks.
✅ Pros:
- Photorealistic results using advanced Nano Banana model
- No watermarks on images
- High-resolution output suitable for print
- Affordable pricing compared to photographer sessions
- Fast generation times (under 30 seconds)
Best for: Users who want the best quality results without resolution limits or branding.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT's image generation uses the GPT Image 1 model, which creates headshots directly within your conversation. This integration makes it convenient if you're already using ChatGPT for other tasks like writing or research. The tool generates images quickly, but the results tend to have a slightly artificial quality compared to specialized headshot generators.
How it works: Describe the headshot you want in the chat, upload a reference photo of yourself, and ChatGPT generates an image based on your prompt. You can refine the result by asking for adjustments, though the model cannot edit existing images — it only creates new ones from scratch.
Pricing: Free users get limited access to image generation. ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) provides faster generation and higher usage limits.
✅ Pros:
- Integrated with ChatGPT's full feature set
- No separate account needed if you use ChatGPT
- Quick generation times
- Can iterate through conversation
- Includes access to all other ChatGPT features
❌ Cons:
- Results look somewhat artificial or overly smoothed
- Cannot edit existing images
- Less photorealistic than Nano Banana
- High monthly cost if used only for headshots
Best for: ChatGPT subscribers who want occasional headshots without switching platforms. The convenience factor makes it worthwhile if you're already paying for Plus, but dedicated headshot tools produce more realistic results.
Gemini AI
Gemini AI uses the same Nano Banana model (Gemini 2.5 Flash) that powers Overchat AI, which means the underlying image quality is identical. Google's model excels at photorealistic generation and maintains facial accuracy better than most competitors. The main limitation is that free access comes with trade-offs that affect professional use.
How it works: Upload a selfie to Gemini, and describe the professional look you want. The interface is straightforward, and you can refine results through follow-up prompts. Gemini can also edit existing images, giving you more flexibility than ChatGPT.
Pricing: Get 3 image generations free, then $19.99/month with Gemini Pro subscription.
✅ Pros:
- Same advanced Nano Banana model as Overchat AI
- Can edit and refine images, not just generate new ones
- Fast generation (10-30 seconds)
- Integrated with Google's ecosystem
❌ Cons:
- Watermark appears on bottom right of images
- Low resolution output
- Less polished interface than dedicated headshot tools
Best for: Testing AI headshots before committing to paid tools, or casual use where watermarks aren't a dealbreaker. The image quality matches premium services, but the watermark limits professional applications like LinkedIn profile photos or business websites.
Canva
Canva's AI headshot generator integrates directly into its broader design platform, making it convenient for users who already create presentations, social media posts, or marketing materials with Canva.
How it works: Access the headshot generator through Canva's AI tools menu. Upload your photo, select from preset styles or customize backgrounds and lighting, and the AI generates professional-looking portraits.
You can immediately drop these images into presentations, resumes, or other Canva projects without switching platforms.
Pricing: Basic features available on free tier. Canva Pro ($120/year) unlocks full AI capabilities and removes limits on generation.
✅ Pros:
- Seamlessly integrates with Canva's design tools
- Easy to use for non-technical users
- Can export directly to presentations and documents
- Multiple professional templates available
- Background removal and editing included
❌ Cons:
- Results can look overly polished or stock photo-like
- Less photorealistic than Nano Banana
- Requires Pro subscription for full feature access
- Higher annual cost if used only for headshots
Best for: Canva users who need headshots as part of larger design projects.
Fotor
Fotor offers a budget-friendly approach to AI headshots with a straightforward generation process. The tool requires minimal input—just 4 to 10 selfies—and produces results quickly. While the output quality doesn't match premium services, Fotor provides decent headshots for users who need professional-looking images without spending heavily.
How it works: Upload your selfies, select your preferred style and background from available options, and wait while the AI processes your images.
Pricing: Free tier available with limited features. Pro+ subscription starts at $8.99/month for full access.
✅ Pros:
- Free tier lets you test before subscribing
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- Includes additional photo editing tools
❌ Cons:
- Less detailed and accurate than premium tools
- Some headshots may look generic or artificial
Best for: internal team pages or casual professional use, but LinkedIn profiles or client-facing materials benefit from higher-quality alternatives like Overchat AI.
FAQs
What is the best AI headshot generator?
Overchat AI delivers the best results for most users. It uses Google's Nano Banana model to produce photorealistic headshots without watermarks or resolution limits. The $4.99 weekly option makes it affordable while maintaining professional quality suitable for LinkedIn and business profiles.
Do AI headshots look realistic?
Quality varies significantly by tool. Nano Banana-based generators (Overchat AI, Gemini) produce highly photorealistic results that pass as professional photography. ChatGPT's output looks slightly artificial with smoothed features. Canva and Fotor create polished images that may appear somewhat templated.
Can I use AI headshots on LinkedIn?
Yes. High-quality AI headshots from tools like Overchat AI, BetterPic, or Aragon AI are appropriate for LinkedIn. Avoid using images with visible watermarks or obviously artificial features, as these undermine professional credibility.
How many photos do I need to upload?
Requirements vary by platform. Overchat AI and Gemini need just one selfie. ChatGPT works with a single reference image. Fotor requests 4-10 photos for better accuracy. More photos generally produce better results, but advanced models achieve strong accuracy with minimal input.
Bottom Line
To sum up, AI headshot generators have gotten good enough that most people won't need a professional photographer for their LinkedIn profile anymore. The technology works fast, costs less, and produces results that look professional in most contexts.