AI headshots are everywhere right now, and let’s be honest, the temptation is real. The idea of skipping the studio, staying in your sweats, and somehow ending up with a LinkedIn-worthy headshot? Yes, please. Who doesn’t want to look a little younger, a little thinner, and in my case, maybe just a tad taller (me!). Plus, a studio or on-location headshot can range anywhere from about $200 to north of $3,000 depending on the photographer's talent, availability and demand - some are flying all over the country to work with executive teams they're that good.
So, in the name of research and curiosity, I decided to put two of the most talked-about AI headshot platforms to the test: BetterPic (ranked #1 by multiple expert sites) and Aragon (ranked #3). Both claim studio-quality results without ever stepping in front of a camera.
Here’s what happened.
The Lineup According to “the Experts”
If you’ve Googled “Best AI Headshot Generator,” you’ve seen these names pop up again and again, then ran queries through ChatGPT and asked it to compile reviews from tech experts at organizations like Cybernews, TechRadar, and Medium, and here’s the ranking and what it revealed:
| Rank | Platform | Cost | Summary |
| 1 | BetterPic | $35–$79 (one-time) | Highest-rated overall. Exceptional realism, fast turnaround, 150+ styles, solid data transparency. Ideal for professional use. |
| 2 | HeadshotPro | $39–$59 | Designed for teams and consistent corporate shots. Realistic and balanced, but slower processing. |
| 3 | Aragon AI | $39 | Fast, user-friendly, solid realism. Best value for price, but limited style variety. |
| 4 | StudioShot AI | $49–$69 | Excellent lighting accuracy, slightly artistic look. Great for executives or branded teams. |
| 5 | Portrait Pal | $35+ | More creative options—vintage, lifestyle, artistic headshots. Less suited for corporate settings. |
| 6 | InstaHeadshots | $29 | Quick, affordable, decent realism for LinkedIn or internal use. Good entry-level pick. |
| 7 | Try It On AI | $17–$35 | “Best for fun.” Quick, playful portraits with mixed accuracy. Great for social, not exec bios. |
| 8 | HeadshotMaster.io | Free | Completely free, fast, no sign-up required. Quality inconsistent but solid for basic use. |
| 9 | Supawork AI | Free / Optional Upgrades | Free generator for simple business portraits. Lightweight, quick, but low customization. |
| 10 | Headshot Kiwi | $29+ | Balanced paid option from New Zealand. Good for neutral corporate looks. |
Looks like a solid list and sounded convincing enough. So I rolled up my sleeves (figuratively) and uploaded pics of myself - selfies, regular close ups and waist-up shots.
Round One: BetterPic (Ranked by 'the Experts' as #1)
BetterPic's process for uploading photos was so frustrating and limiting (many of my photos were rejected for various reasons) I was convinced that the outcome would reflect the up front trouble and time investment. BetterPic delivered 60 photos, few were actually decent, most downright confusing. Many shots looked like me 20 pounds ago (I said my build was regular), 20 years earlier after a great night’s sleep and perfect lighting. Others looked like somebody else's DNA all together - people I’ve never met. They all looked like avatars to me. The backgrounds were polished, but the faces varied wildly: eyes shifted shape, smiles felt “off,” and in some, teeth were sort of missing if you look close. I looked like I’d joined a new species of very polite humanoids.
Round Two: Aragon (Ranked #3)
Aragon's photo uploading process was much easier - a few were rejected but not near as many as BetterPic's and this platform produced 103 images. This set was much stronger. The lighting, posture, and realism were undeniably better - closer to something I’d actually post. Still, there were moments where I caught myself thinking, “She looks nice. Look at that flawless skin. I wonder what her skincare regiment is and what she does for a living.” Then realizing 'she' is me.
What I Learned
So here's the deal. After testing two of the top 10 options, I walked away with one clear takeaway:
You can’t really trust the rankings and you can’t really experiment, because each “experiment” costs money.
AI headshot platforms aren’t scams, but they’re not magic either. Like much of AI right now, they tend to over-promise and under-deliver.
And while I’ll admit some of the photos looked pretty damn good - good enough that I could probably get away with using a few, none of them felt like me.
Because there’s something a lens captures that an algorithm never will: presence, truth, humanity and yes, imperfection.
That, and I'm reminded that I just don’t like things that aren’t real. That goes for people, relationships, art and now, apparently, my own reflection.
As tempting as it is to smooth a wrinkle or sharpen a jawline, nothing replaces the true you. That’s the version people love. And the only one worth showing the world.
