Best AI Headshot Generator 2026: 8 Platforms Compared (With Real Results)
Matthieu van Haperen
Founder & CEO, TeamShotsPro · Updated Jan 2026
TL;DR: Quick Answer
Best overall for teams: TeamShotsPro with 60-second delivery, strongest team pricing, consistent quality across large groups.
Best for individuals on a budget: The Multiverse AI, $29 flat for 120 headshots.
Best customization: Secta Labs, 130+ styles and an advanced AI editor.
Fastest results: Headshots.com, 30-second turnaround, pay per photo.

Disclosure: This review is written by Matthieu van Haperen, founder of TeamShotsPro. We've done our best to evaluate every platform fairly, including calling out where competitors outperform us. You deserve an honest comparison, not a sales pitch. This review is part of our Complete Guide to AI Professional Headshots, which covers how the technology works, cost analysis, and corporate implementation.
We Tested 8 AI Headshot Generators So You Don't Have To
Looking for the best AI headshot generator in 2026? You have more options than ever, but also more noise. Dozens of platforms promise "studio-quality" results, yet the gap between the best and worst is enormous.
Traditional corporate headshots cost $150–600 per person. For a 50-person team, that's $7,500 minimum, before you factor in scheduling, coordinating wardrobes, and hoping nobody calls in sick on photo day. AI headshot generators promise to fix all of that. But which ones actually deliver professional results you'd feel confident putting on your LinkedIn profile or company website?
We put 8 of the most popular AI headshot platforms through a structured test: same source photos, same lighting conditions, tested across individual and team accounts. We measured generation speed, output quality, pricing transparency, and how well each platform handles real-world use cases like distributed teams, LinkedIn profiles, and corporate websites.
This isn't a surface-level roundup. We spent over 40 hours generating headshots across every platform, comparing results side by side, and calculating the true cost per usable photo. Here's our honest AI headshot comparison for 2026.
Our testing methodology
To make this comparison fair, we followed a consistent process across all 8 platforms:
Source photos. We used the same set of 15 high-quality selfies and casual portraits (varied lighting, angles, and expressions) as input on every platform. Where platforms required fewer uploads, we used subsets of this same photo library. Evaluation criteria. Every platform was scored across five dimensions: facial accuracy (does the output look like you?), background quality (realistic and professional?), lighting consistency (does the face match the environment?), accessory rendering (glasses, jewelry, hair edges), and overall "would you use this?" impression. Team testing. For platforms that offer team features, we tested with a group of 5 people to evaluate cross-team consistency, admin controls, and the bulk ordering experience. Pricing verification. All prices were verified on each platform's website in February 2026. Prices may change — check the platform directly for current rates. Independence note. As disclosed above, the author is founder of TeamShotsPro. To minimize bias, competitor sections were written first and the TeamShotsPro section was written last, using the same evaluation framework. Where we believe a competitor is the better choice for a specific use case, we say so directly.Quick Comparison: All 8 Platforms at a Glance
| Platform | Starting Price | Output | Speed | Best For | Upload Req. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeamShotsPro | $10.49/person (teams) | 10 customizable headshots | 60 seconds | Teams & enterprise | 2-3 selfie |
| HeadshotPro | $29 (individual) | 30–70 headshots | 15 min–2 hrs | Quick individual shots | 1–3 photos |
| Aragon AI | $35 (individual) | 40–100 headshots | 15–45 min | Customization options | 6–10 photos |
| ProPhotos.ai | $39 (individual) | 40–200 headshots | 30–90 min | Variety of outfits | Multiple photos |
| Secta Labs | $49 (individual) | 200+ headshots | 60–90 min | Advanced editing & styles | 15+ photos |
| BetterPic | €35/~$38 (individual) | 20–120 headshots (4K) | 1–2 hrs | 4K resolution output | 8 photos |
| The Multiverse AI | $29 (flat rate) | 120 headshots | 30 min | Budget-conscious users | 12–15 photos |
| Try It On AI | Varies (tiered) | Varies | ~20 min | Enterprise & agencies | Multiple photos |
1. TeamShotsPro
Website: teamshotspro.com Best for: Teams of 2–1,000+ who need consistent, professional headshots fast.TeamShotsPro is built specifically for teams rather than individuals. The core differentiator is speed and simplicity: upload 2-3 selfies, get studio-quality headshots in about 60 seconds. No scheduling, no coordination headaches.
The big differentiator for TeamShotsPro is its unique approach. Each image is customizable with the Pose, Expression, Clothing Style or Colors. The team-admin sets the mandatory fixed parts, like branding, or colors, and then the team members can customize the rest.
Pricing
- Small teams (2–9): $29.99 per person for 10 headshots
- Mid teams (10–24): $19.90 per person for 10 headshots
- Large teams (25+): $15.96 per person for 10 headshots
- Enterprise (1,000+): $10.49 per person for 10 headshots
What we liked
- Speed is real. Turnaround isn't marketing. It actually delivers results quickly. Useful when onboarding new hires or updating headshots before a rebrand deadline. This makes it feasible for users to makes small changes, like changing the colors of the clothes.
- Team consistency. The platform keeps lighting, background, and style uniform across all team members. This matters for company websites and sales decks where mismatched photos look unprofessional.
- Low friction. Only requires 2-3 selfies to generate results. Most competitors need 6–15 uploads.
- Team admin features. Bulk ordering, consistent styling controls, and a dashboard for managing team-wide headshots.
Where it falls short
- Fewer output variations. You get a fully customizable headshots per session versus 40–200 from competitors. The quality-per-photo is high, but if you want dozens of different looks and outfits, other platforms offer more variety.
- Individual pricing isn't the cheapest. At $19.99 for 10 photos, solo users pay more per-photo than platforms like The Multiverse AI ($29 for 120 photos). The value proposition is strongest at team scale.
Who should use TeamShotsPro?
TeamShotsPro makes the most sense for HR managers onboarding new hires, marketing teams refreshing the company website, and distributed teams that can't gather in one location for a photo shoot. If you've ever tried coordinating headshots for 20+ people — booking a photographer, finding a date that works, dealing with no-shows — you'll appreciate a workflow where each person uploads a selfie and gets results in a minute. The platform also works well for companies going through a rebrand who need all employee photos updated to match new brand guidelines within a tight deadline.
For individual professionals, TeamShotsPro is best suited as a quick, high-quality option when you need results immediately. Eg, before a conference next week or a job interview tomorrow. If you have more time and want to browse through dozens of variations, individual-focused platforms offer more variety per dollar.
Verdict
The best option if you need headshots for a team. The speed, consistency, and team pricing are unmatched. Individual users who just need a quick LinkedIn photo may find better per-photo value elsewhere, but for anyone managing headshots across an organization, this is the most practical choice.
2. HeadshotPro
Website: headshotpro.com Best for: Individuals who want a large batch of headshots quickly.HeadshotPro is one of the more established players in the AI headshot space. It offers three pricing tiers with different turnaround speeds and output volumes.
Pricing
- Basic: $29 — 30 headshots, 2-hour turnaround
- Professional: $39 — 50 headshots, 30-minute turnaround (most popular)
- Executive: $59 — 70 headshots, 15-minute turnaround
- Team pricing available starting at $39/person with volume discounts
What we liked
- Proven track record. 17.9M+ headshots generated, 4.8/5 on Trustpilot (3,200+ reviews). The platform is battle-tested.
- Money-back guarantee. Full refund if unsatisfied — reduces risk for first-time users.
- Good output volume. Even the cheapest tier gives you 30 headshots to choose from.
- One-photo minimum. Only need to upload 1 photo to get started (3 recommended).
Where it falls short
- Facial accuracy can vary. Multiple reviews note that some generated headshots don't look enough like the user. The AI occasionally creates faces that feel like a different person.
- Strict photo approval. The upload review process can reject photos that seem perfectly fine, adding friction.
- Backgrounds aren't always realistic. Some outputs have artificial-looking or inconsistent backgrounds.
- Slower than advertised. The 2-hour window on the Basic plan can feel long compared to sub-minute alternatives.
Who should use HeadshotPro?
HeadshotPro works best for individual professionals who want a set-it-and-forget-it experience. Upload a few photos, pick a tier, and come back to a batch of options. It's a particularly good fit for job seekers updating their LinkedIn profile, freelancers building a personal brand, and solo consultants who need a professional headshot without overthinking it. The money-back guarantee makes it a low-risk starting point if you've never used an AI headshot generator before and want to test the waters.
For teams, HeadshotPro offers group pricing but lacks the admin controls and consistency features that team-focused platforms provide. If you need 10+ people to look like they were photographed in the same session, you'll want a platform built specifically for that use case.
Verdict
A solid, reliable choice for individual professionals. The pricing is competitive for the volume you get, and the money-back guarantee removes risk. The main drawback is inconsistency — you'll likely get several great photos, but also some that miss the mark.
3. Aragon AI
Website: aragon.ai Best for: Users who want granular control over their headshot style.Aragon AI stands out for its customization depth. You can specify professional type (Healthcare, Lawyer, Realtor, Studio), plus adjust attributes like hair, attire, ethnicity, and body type.
Pricing
- Individual: $35–$75 depending on package
- Teams: Starting at $45/person with volume discounts
What we liked
- Deep customization. Choose from pre-built professional types (Healthcare, Lawyer, Realtor, Dark Studio) and fine-tune gender, age, hair, attire, background, and more.
- Fast turnaround. 15–45 minutes for most results.
- Solid output volume. 40–100 headshots depending on tier.
- Low upload requirement. Only 6 photos needed (most competitors need 10–15).
Where it falls short
- Quality variance. While some results are excellent, others show noticeable artifacts, especially with hands and accessories.
- Higher team pricing. At $45/person for teams, it's more expensive than TeamShotsPro for group orders.
- No one-photo option. You need at least 6 uploads, which means more preparation than platforms that accept a single selfie.
Who should use Aragon AI?
Aragon AI is ideal for professionals in client-facing roles who need their headshot to match a specific look, a lawyer in a dark suit, a real estate agent with an outdoor background, a healthcare provider in scrubs. The pre-built professional types save significant time compared to platforms where you have to describe everything from scratch. It's also a good fit for personal branding consultants who want to help clients explore multiple looks before choosing a direction.
For teams, Aragon AI's pricing ($45/person) makes it more expensive than dedicated team platforms, and the lack of admin controls means each team member manages their own session independently. This can lead to inconsistent results across a group.
Verdict
The best choice if customization is your priority. Being able to specify industry type, attire, and background gives you more control than most competitors. Quality is generally good but not perfectly consistent — expect to pick your favorites from a larger batch.
4. ProPhotos.ai
Website: prophotos.ai Best for: Professionals wanting variety across multiple outfits and backgrounds.ProPhotos.ai focuses on offering a wide range of looks within each package, with industry-specific options for executives, doctors, lawyers, chefs, and real estate agents.
Pricing
- Starter: $39 — 40 headshots, 8 outfits & backgrounds, 90-minute turnaround
- Premium: $49 — 100 headshots, 20 outfits & backgrounds, 45 minutes (most popular)
- Professional: $59 — 200 headshots, 40 outfits & backgrounds, 30 minutes
What we liked
- Outfit variety. Each package includes multiple outfit and background combinations baked in.
- Industry-specific options. Pre-built looks for specific professions save time on customization.
- Background customizer tool. A free tool included for tweaking backgrounds after generation.
- Full commercial license. All generated headshots are yours to use commercially.
Where it falls short
- Identity accuracy. Some reviews note the generated photos don't always closely match the user's actual appearance.
- Limited background realism. Backgrounds can look generic or obviously AI-generated in some outputs.
- No single-photo upload. Requires multiple source photos for best results.
Who should use ProPhotos.ai?
ProPhotos.ai works well for professionals who want to experiment with different looks before settling on one. Real estate agents who need both a formal headshot and a more approachable outdoor look, or consultants who present differently to different client segments, will appreciate the outfit variety. The industry-specific presets are a genuine time-saver — instead of describing what a "financial advisor headshot" should look like, you select it from a menu.
The platform is also a reasonable choice for solopreneurs building a personal brand across multiple platforms where different images suit different channels — a more casual look for Instagram, a formal shot for LinkedIn, and something in between for a personal website.
Verdict
A good mid-range option, especially if you want to see yourself in many different professional looks. The industry-specific presets are genuinely useful. Quality is average compared to the top performers — plan on sorting through outputs to find the best ones.
5. Secta Labs
Website: secta.ai Best for: Users who want maximum control and studio-grade editing tools.Secta Labs positions itself as the premium option in the space, with 130+ professional styles and an advanced AI editing suite that lets you modify clothing, expression, background, hair, glasses, and more after generation.
Pricing
- Individual: $49 (one-time fee)
- Teams: Volume discounts available
- Add-on edits and customizations available separately
What we liked
- Studio-grade editing. 12+ AI editing tools let you modify outfit, expression, background, hair, and glasses after the initial generation. This is the most powerful post-generation editing in the market.
- Massive style library. 130+ professional styles to choose from.
- Privacy-first. Data is deleted regularly — important for enterprise clients with data policies.
- Strong support. 24/7 live chat. Multiple reviews praise responsive customer service.
- Featured in Forbes and Washington Post. Established credibility.
Where it falls short
- Expensive for what you get. At $49 for individuals, it's the priciest single-use option. Add-ons can push the total higher.
- Heavy upload requirement. Needs 15+ photos for training — the highest barrier to entry in our comparison.
- Over-polished results. Some outputs look too perfect, landing in the "uncanny valley" where they're technically flawless but obviously AI. This can be a problem in industries where authenticity matters.
- Strict photo approval. The review process is notably picky about what source photos it accepts.
Who should use Secta Labs?
Secta Labs is the platform for perfectionists. If you're the kind of person who would spend 30 minutes adjusting the color temperature of a photo in Lightroom, you'll appreciate having 12+ AI editing tools at your disposal. It's particularly well-suited for creative professionals (designers, art directors, marketing leads) who have a very specific vision for their headshot and want to fine-tune every detail.
It's also worth considering if you need multiple looks from a single session — the extensive post-generation editing means you can create a formal headshot, a casual variation, and a creative version from the same base generation without starting over.
The 15+ photo upload requirement is the main barrier. If you don't have that many decent photos of yourself readily available, the onboarding process becomes a project in itself.
Verdict
The most powerful platform if you want creative control. The editing tools are a genuine differentiator — no other platform lets you tweak this many attributes post-generation. But the high upload requirement and price tag mean it's best suited for users who want to invest time in getting a specific look, not those who need a quick professional photo.
6. BetterPic
Website: betterpic.io Best for: Users who prioritize resolution and want human editing as a backup.BetterPic differentiates on 4K resolution output and offers human editing in its top tier — a hybrid approach that combines AI speed with manual touch-ups.
Pricing
- Basic: €35 (~$38 USD) — 20 headshots in 4K, 1 style, 2 hours
- Pro: €39 (~$43 USD) — 60 headshots in 4K, 3 styles, 1.5 hours (most popular)
- Expert: €79 (~$87 USD) — 120 headshots in 4K, 6 styles, 1 hour, unlimited human edits
What we liked
- 4K output. Every headshot is generated in 4K resolution — useful for large-format prints, conference banners, or high-res website hero images.
- Human editing fallback. The Expert tier includes unlimited manual edits by real people, which can fix AI artifacts that automated tools miss.
- AI upload analysis. The platform analyzes your source photos before generating and suggests improvements.
Where it falls short
- Body rendering issues. Multiple reviews note problems with hand and body feature accuracy — a common AI weakness, but more pronounced here.
- Alters body proportions. Some users report the AI makes subjects appear thinner or changes body shape in unrealistic ways.
- Slower turnaround. 1–2 hours is behind the faster competitors.
- Euro pricing. Based in Europe with EUR pricing, which can cause confusion for US-based buyers.
Who should use BetterPic?
BetterPic is the right choice in two specific scenarios. First, if you need headshots for large-format printing — conference banners, office wall displays, event signage — the 4K resolution genuinely matters. Most AI platforms generate photos that look great on screens but fall apart when printed at large sizes. Second, if you want a human safety net, the Expert tier's unlimited manual edits by real people can catch and fix issues that automated tools miss.
The Euro pricing can be a minor annoyance for US-based buyers, but the actual costs are competitive with USD-priced alternatives.
Verdict
A good option if you need 4K resolution or want the safety net of human editors. The Expert tier's unlimited manual edits are a unique fallback for perfectionists. But the body rendering issues and slower speed put it behind faster, more consistent platforms.
7. The Multiverse AI
Website: themultiverse.ai Best for: Budget-conscious users who want maximum volume.At $29 flat for 120 headshots, The Multiverse AI offers the best per-photo value in the market. It also includes a text-prompt-based "Magic Editor" for post-generation tweaks.
Pricing
- $29 flat — 100 professional headshots + 20 custom headshots
- Team pricing available with dedicated account manager
What we liked
- Unbeatable value. 120 headshots for $29 works out to about $0.24 per photo. No other platform comes close on volume-per-dollar.
- Magic AI Editor. Text-prompt editing lets you describe changes ("change to blue suit," "add glasses") rather than navigating complex menus.
- Fast delivery. Results in about 30 minutes.
- 4.7/5 on Product Hunt. Strong early adopter reviews.
Where it falls short
- Hyperrealistic/uncanny results. Reviews consistently note the photos look too polished — shiny, overly smooth skin that screams "AI-generated."
- Facial identity drift. Some outputs look like a different person rather than a polished version of you.
- Heavy upload requirement. Needs 12–15 source photos.
- Limited customization control. Despite the volume, you don't get the fine-grained style control of Aragon or Secta.
Who should use The Multiverse AI?
The Multiverse AI is the obvious choice for anyone on a tight budget who just needs a professional-looking headshot. Students entering the job market, early-career professionals, freelancers just starting out — if spending $49+ on a headshot feels like a stretch, $29 for 120 photos removes the financial barrier entirely. The quality won't match premium platforms, but a decent AI headshot is vastly better than the bathroom selfie or cropped group photo that many people use on LinkedIn.
It's also worth considering if you want to experiment with AI headshots before committing to a more expensive platform. Spending $29 to understand what AI can do with your face is cheaper than most alternatives, and the experience will inform whether you want to invest more in a premium platform later.
Verdict
The budget pick. If you need a professional headshot and your main constraint is cost, $29 for 120 photos is hard to argue with. But the quality ceiling is lower — expect to sort through many outputs to find usable ones, and be prepared for some that don't look quite like you.
8. Try It On AI
Website: tryitonai.com Best for: Enterprise teams and agencies who need white-glove service.Built by MIT AI engineers, Try It On AI positions itself as the enterprise solution with dedicated team features, custom branding, and agency partnerships.
What we liked
- Enterprise features. Custom styles, brand consistency controls, dedicated account management. Built for companies deploying at scale.
- Industry solutions. Specific packages for consulting, finance, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, and media.
- Credibility. 800K+ professionals served, featured in WSJ (voted Top AI Tool), BBC, and Business Insider.
- Accuracy. User testimonials consistently praise identity accuracy — the generated photos actually look like the person.
Where it falls short
- Pricing opacity. No clear pricing on the website. You need to request a quote, which adds friction for evaluation.
- Less suitable for individuals. The platform is optimized for team and enterprise deployments. Solo users may find it over-engineered.
- Slower onboarding. The custom setup process takes longer than "upload and go" competitors.
Who should use Try It On AI?
Try It On AI is built for companies where headshots are a procurement decision rather than an individual choice. If you're an HR director at a 500+ person company, a marketing agency managing headshots for multiple clients, or an organization in a regulated industry that needs custom data handling agreements, this is the platform designed for your workflow.
The lack of transparent pricing is frustrating for comparison purposes, but enterprise buyers are accustomed to this model — and the custom quoting process means you may negotiate better rates than the published prices of other platforms for large deployments.
For individuals or small teams, Try It On AI is over-engineered. The setup process is slower, the pricing requires conversation, and you'll be paying for features you don't need. Stick with HeadshotPro or TeamShotsPro for smaller-scale needs.
Verdict
The right choice for large enterprises and agencies that need custom branding, compliance features, and dedicated support. Not ideal for individuals or small teams who just want quick, affordable headshots.
Professional headshots from $10.49
Upload a selfie. Get studio-quality headshots in 60 seconds.
Upload a Selfie → Get Team HeadshotsWhat's Changed in AI Headshots Since 2025
If you read an AI headshot review last year, here's what's different in 2026:
Quality floor has risen dramatically. In 2024 and early 2025, many AI headshot generators produced results that were obviously synthetic, plastic-looking skin, distorted hands, inconsistent lighting. In 2026, even budget platforms like The Multiverse AI produce results that pass a casual glance. The worst AI headshots of 2026 are better than the best AI headshots of 2024. Speed has compressed. What took 2–4 hours in 2025 now takes minutes on most platforms. TeamShotsPro's rapid delivery was an outlier last year; now several platforms deliver results in under 30 minutes. This changes the use case — AI headshots are no longer a "plan ahead" tool but a same-day solution. Team features have matured. In 2025, most platforms were built for individuals. The team use case — consistent styling, admin controls, bulk ordering — was an afterthought. In 2026, several platforms (TeamShotsPro, Try It On AI, HeadshotPro) offer genuine team management features, though depth varies significantly. Pricing has compressed at the top, expanded at the bottom. Individual pricing remains in the $29–59 range, but team pricing has become more competitive. At the same time, budget options like The Multiverse AI ($29 for 120 photos) have made AI headshots accessible to essentially everyone. Detection is harder but not impossible. As AI quality improves, the tells become subtler — but they still exist. Accessories, hair edges, and skin texture remain weak spots across all platforms. We cover this in detail in the authenticity section below.Which Is the Best AI Headshot Generator for Your Needs?
Not every platform fits every situation. Here's where each one genuinely shines:
Best for teams (5–500+ people)
TeamShotsPro. The team pricing ($10.49–$29.99/person) scales better than any competitor. Uniform styling across all team members, admin controls, and near-instant delivery mean you can update headshots for an entire department in an afternoon instead of scheduling weeks of photo sessions.Best for individuals on a budget
The Multiverse AI. At $0.24 per photo, you can't beat the value. Quality isn't the highest, but if you just need a decent professional headshot for LinkedIn without spending much, it's the pragmatic choice.Best for maximum customization
Secta Labs or Aragon AI. Secta offers the most powerful post-generation editing tools. Aragon gives you the most pre-generation control over style, attire, and background. Pick Secta if you want to tweak after the fact; pick Aragon if you want to set your preferences upfront.Best for enterprises with compliance needs
Try It On AI. Custom branding, data handling policies, dedicated account management, and industry-specific solutions make it the best fit for organizations where procurement, security, and brand governance matter.Best for quick individual headshots
HeadshotPro. Proven platform, high output volume, money-back guarantee. Upload 1–3 photos, pick a plan, get 30–70 headshots within a couple of hours.For a complete step-by-step guide to rolling out AI headshots across your organization, including pilot programs, brand guidelines, employee communication templates, and vendor evaluation checklists, see our corporate implementation playbook
How to Get the Best Results From Any AI Headshot Generator
For foundational headshot tips on lighting, wardrobe, and posing, see our professional headshot tips guide. Below are authenticity tips specific to AI-generated headshots.
The Authenticity Question: Can People Tell These Are AI?
This is the question everyone asks. The honest answer: it depends on the platform and the context.
What gives AI headshots away
The most common tells in 2026 are:
- Over-smooth skin. AI tends to remove natural texture, creating a "porcelain" look that experienced recruiters and photographers can spot.
- Inconsistent lighting. The face lighting doesn't always match the background lighting — subtle but noticeable to trained eyes.
- Jewelry and accessories. AI still struggles with earrings, necklaces, tie clips, and glasses frames. Warped or asymmetric accessories are a red flag.
- Hair edges. The boundary between hair and background can look unnatural — either too sharp or with visible blending artifacts.
- Background details. Generic, blurred office backgrounds that don't look like any real space.
Risk level by industry
Not every industry cares equally:
- Tech, startups, marketing: Low risk. AI headshots are widely accepted and even expected. Most people won't notice or care.
- Real estate, consulting, financial advisory: Medium risk. Client-facing professionals in trust-based industries should ensure the headshot looks natural, not overly polished.
- Law, medicine, executive leadership: Higher risk. Partners at law firms, hospital department heads, and C-suite executives may face more scrutiny. Consider traditional photography or premium AI platforms with the most realistic output.
- Creative industries: Varies. Designers and photographers may have a more critical eye for AI artifacts, but are also more likely to appreciate the technology.
How to minimize detection
1. Choose platforms with natural rendering over those that over-polish. Platforms that retain some natural skin texture tend to produce more believable results than those that smooth everything out.
2. Avoid the most "perfect" photos. Slight asymmetry and natural skin texture actually make headshots look more real. If you have the option to choose between a flawless output and one with minor natural imperfections, go with the latter.
3. Use the headshot in context. A professional headshot on a corporate website alongside other team photos will attract far less scrutiny than a standalone profile photo on LinkedIn. Context normalizes any minor artifacts.
4. Update regularly. A headshot that looks noticeably different from how you appear on video calls raises more questions than the photo's technical quality.
5. Keep accessories simple. Remove jewelry, avoid patterned ties, and skip glasses if possible in your source photos. These are the elements AI struggles with most, and errors in accessories are the quickest giveaway.
6. Match your current appearance. The biggest "tell" isn't the AI quality — it's when someone meets you on a video call and you look nothing like your photo. Use a recent selfie and choose outputs that look like a polished version of you today, not an idealized version from five years ago.
The employer and recruiter perspective
It's worth noting that attitudes toward AI headshots are shifting fast. A 2025 survey by Resume Builder found that a majority of hiring managers consider AI-enhanced profile photos acceptable for LinkedIn. The stigma that existed in 2023 is fading, particularly in tech, marketing, and startup environments. That said, trust-dependent industries (financial advisory, law, medicine) tend to be more conservative — not because AI headshots are inherently problematic, but because perceived authenticity carries more weight in those relationships.
Pricing Deep Dive: What You Actually Pay Per Headshot
Raw prices can be misleading. Here's the cost-per-usable-headshot math, assuming you use 3–5 photos from each batch:
| Platform | Price | Total Output | Usable Photos (est.) | Cost Per Usable Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeamShotsPro (individual) | $19.99 | 8 | 8 | ~$2.50 |
| TeamShotsPro (25+ team) | $15.96/person | 20 | 20 | ~$0.80 |
| HeadshotPro (Professional) | $39 | 50 | 8–15 | ~$2.60–$4.88 |
| Aragon AI | $35–$75 | 40–100 | 10–20 | ~$1.75–$7.50 |
| ProPhotos.ai (Premium) | $49 | 100 | 15–25 | ~$1.96–$3.27 |
| Secta Labs | $49 | 200+ | 20–40 | ~$1.23–$2.45 |
| BetterPic (Pro) | ~$43 | 60 | 10–15 | ~$2.87–$4.30 |
| The Multiverse AI | $29 | 120 | 10–20 | ~$1.45–$2.90 |
Volume vs. quality: the usability trap
A common mistake is choosing a platform based on raw output volume. "120 photos for $29" sounds better than "4 photos for $20@, until you realize you're spending 45 minutes sorting through 120 photos to find 3 good ones, while the other platform quickly delivered 4 usable photos.
The cost-per-usable-photo metric is what actually matters. A platform that generates fewer photos but with higher consistency can be more cost-effective (and less time-consuming) than one that generates hundreds of mixed-quality results.
Time cost matters too. If you value your time at $50/hour and spend 30 minutes sorting through 120 photos on a $29 platform, your true cost is $54. The same headshot from a $20 platform that delivers quickly costs you $20.83. Factor in the time cost when comparing platforms, especially at team scale.vs. traditional photography
For context, traditional corporate headshots cost $150–600 per person for a photographer session that yields 5–10 edited photos. That's $20–100 per usable photo, 5x to 40x more expensive than any AI platform. The time savings are equally dramatic: AI generates results in minutes versus weeks of scheduling and editing for traditional shoots.
But the comparison isn't purely financial. Traditional photography offers things AI can't: a human photographer who can direct your expression and posture, a specific physical location, and the social experience of a photo session that can build team rapport. For many companies, the right answer is a hybrid approach, AI headshots for day-to-day professional use, with a traditional photographer for annual team photos and major brand refreshes.
When AI Headshots Don't Work (And You Should Hire a Photographer)
AI headshot generators have improved dramatically, but they're not the right choice in every situation. Understanding when to go traditional saves both money and frustration. For a deeper look at what traditional headshots cost and when they're worth it, see our professional headshot pricing guide.
Group photos. AI generates individual headshots, not team group shots. If you need a photo of your leadership team standing together, you still need a photographer. Some companies solve this by using AI headshots for individual profiles and hiring a photographer once a year for group shots. Specific locations or branded environments. If you need headshots taken in your actual office, in front of your product, or at a specific venue, AI can't replicate that. This matters for companies where the physical space is part of the brand — architecture firms, restaurants, boutique hotels. Very formal, high-stakes contexts. Annual reports for publicly traded companies, partner pages at elite law firms, or hospital leadership — these are situations where the investment in traditional photography still makes sense. The cost of professional headshots is significant, but in these contexts, it's a reasonable business expense. Unique poses, props, or wardrobe. If you need a chef holding a knife, a doctor with a stethoscope, or an executive at a whiteboard, AI can attempt it but traditional photography delivers more reliably. Hands and props remain AI's biggest weakness across all platforms. Consistency across diverse appearances. While AI has improved significantly, some platforms still render certain skin tones, hair textures, and facial features less accurately than others. Always test with a small group before committing to a company-wide rollout. When you need the headshot to tell a story. AI headshots are fundamentally about generating a clean, professional photo. If you need your headshot to communicate something specific — approachability for a therapist's website, authority for a keynote speaker's page, warmth for a nonprofit's about page — a skilled photographer who can direct expression, posture, and setting will produce better results than any AI tool. For tips on getting the most out of either approach, read our professional headshot tips guide.AI Headshot Recommendations by Industry
Different industries have different headshot needs. Here's our platform recommendation by sector, based on what matters most in each context:
Technology & Startups
Recommended: TeamShotsPro (teams) or HeadshotPro (individuals) Tech companies typically need headshots for "about us" pages, LinkedIn, and conference speaker profiles. Speed and convenience matter more than perfect polish — tech culture values authenticity over formality. The low-friction approach of uploading one selfie and getting results in minutes aligns well with startup culture. AI headshots are widely accepted and expected in tech, so detection concerns are minimal.Real Estate
Recommended: Aragon AI or ProPhotos.ai Real estate agents live and die by their headshot. It appears on every listing, every business card, every Zillow profile. The customization options in Aragon AI (outdoor backgrounds, approachable expressions) and the variety of looks in ProPhotos.ai (formal for luxury listings, casual for residential) make them strong fits. The key requirement: the headshot must look warm and approachable, not stiff and corporate.Financial Services & Consulting
Recommended: HeadshotPro or Secta Labs Trust is the currency in financial services. Headshots need to convey authority, competence, and approachability — without looking obviously artificial. HeadshotPro's natural rendering produces believable results, while Secta Labs' editing tools let you fine-tune for exactly the right impression. Avoid platforms that over-smooth skin or produce obviously AI results.Healthcare
Recommended: TeamShotsPro (hospital teams) or Aragon AI (individual practitioners) Healthcare organizations typically need headshots for provider directories, and patients do judge their doctors by their photo. TeamShotsPro's team consistency is valuable for hospital department pages where 30+ providers need to look cohesive. Individual practitioners will appreciate Aragon AI's "Healthcare" professional type preset. Note: some healthcare organizations have strict data governance requirements — verify platform compliance before uploading employee data.Legal
Recommended: Secta Labs or traditional photography Law firm headshots carry significant weight — they appear in court filings, client pitches, and firm marketing. The legal industry is more conservative about AI headshots than most, and senior partners at top firms may still prefer traditional photography. If using AI, Secta Labs' editing tools let you achieve the specific, polished look that legal professionals expect. For AmLaw 100 firms, traditional photography is still the safer choice.Creative & Marketing Agencies
Recommended: Secta Labs or The Multiverse AI Creative professionals want headshots that express personality, not corporate conformity. Secta Labs' 130+ styles and extensive editing tools give you the creative freedom to produce something distinctive. The Multiverse AI's budget pricing lets you experiment with many different looks without financial commitment. The key advantage for creatives: you probably have strong opinions about your headshot, and you want a platform that gives you creative control rather than a one-size-fits-all output.Education & Nonprofit
Recommended: The Multiverse AI or TeamShotsPro Budget-constrained organizations benefit from either The Multiverse AI's $29 flat rate (for individuals) or TeamShotsPro's team pricing (for departments). Universities with hundreds of faculty pages, nonprofits with rotating staff — these organizations need affordable, consistent headshots at scale. Premium editing tools and maximum resolution are less important than cost-effectiveness and speed.Data Privacy: What Happens to Your Photos
This is an increasingly important consideration, especially for companies uploading employee photos. Here's what we know about each platform's data practices:
| Platform | Data Deletion | GDPR Compliance | Notable Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeamShotsPro | Photos deleted after processing | Yes | Photos removed 30 days after request |
| HeadshotPro | Retained for redownload period | Yes | Can request manual deletion |
| Aragon AI | Standard retention | Yes | Privacy policy on website |
| ProPhotos.ai | Standard retention | Yes | Privacy policy on website |
| Secta Labs | Regular scheduled deletion | Yes | Marketed as "privacy-first" |
| BetterPic | Standard retention | Yes (EU-based) | GDPR by default |
| The Multiverse AI | Standard retention | Yes | Privacy policy on website |
| Try It On AI | Custom enterprise policies | Yes | Dedicated data handling for enterprise |
The Bottom Line
The AI headshot market in 2026 is mature enough that every platform on this list can produce usable professional headshots. The differences come down to speed, consistency, customization, and pricing structure — and which of those matters most depends on whether you're an individual or managing headshots for a team.
For teams, TeamShotsPro is the clear choice. The combination of fast delivery, consistent cross-team styling, and pricing that starts at $10.49 per person makes it the most practical platform for organizations of any size. No other platform matches its team-specific workflow. If you're managing professional headshots for a team, the admin controls and bulk ordering alone justify the choice. For individuals, the choice depends on your priorities: HeadshotPro for proven reliability, Aragon AI for customization, Secta Labs for maximum editing control, or The Multiverse AI for budget value. Read our guide to AI professional headshots for a deeper dive on getting the best individual results. For enterprises with compliance needs, Try It On AI offers the most enterprise-grade infrastructure with custom branding, data policies, and dedicated support.Whatever you choose, you're getting professional headshots for 90–95% less than traditional photography. The technology is here, it works, and it's only getting better.
Last tested: February 2026. We update this comparison quarterly as platforms release new features and pricing changes.How We Keep This Review Current
The AI headshot market moves fast. Platforms ship new features monthly, pricing changes without notice, and new competitors emerge regularly. To keep this review useful:
Quarterly retesting. We regenerate headshots on every platform at least once per quarter using the same source photos, so our quality assessments stay current. Pricing verification. We verify all prices against each platform's live website before every update. If you notice a price that's changed, let us know in the comments or contact us. New platform coverage. When a new AI headshot generator reaches meaningful traction (1,000+ users, consistent review presence), we add it to our next quarterly update. If there's a platform you'd like us to review, reach out. Reader feedback. Some of the most useful insights in this review come from readers who share their experiences with specific platforms. Your real-world results help us calibrate our recommendations beyond our own testing.This review was first published in January 2025 covering 5 platforms. It has been expanded to 8 platforms and fully rewritten for February 2026 based on extensive retesting and reader feedback.
Professional headshots from $10.49
Upload a selfie. Get studio-quality headshots quickly.
Upload a Selfie → Get Team HeadshotsFrequently Asked Questions
Which AI headshot generator gives the most realistic results?▼
Realism varies by platform and individual. In our testing, TeamShotsPro and HeadshotPro produced the most natural-looking results, meaning the output looks like a polished photo of you, not an AI creation. Secta Labs offers the most control to achieve realism through its editing tools, but the default output can lean over-polished.
Can I use AI headshots on LinkedIn?▼
Yes. LinkedIn doesn't prohibit AI-generated profile photos. Millions of professionals now use AI headshots on the platform. The key is choosing a result that accurately represents how you currently look — using a headshot that looks noticeably different from your real appearance can create awkward moments in video calls and in-person meetings.
How many source photos do I need to upload?▼
This varies significantly. TeamShotsPro needs just 2-3 selfies. HeadshotPro recommends 1–3 photos. Aragon AI needs 6. Secta Labs requires 15+. More uploads generally means the AI has more data to work with, but also means more preparation on your end.
Are AI headshots copyrighted? Can I use them commercially?▼
Most platforms grant you a commercial license to use your generated headshots. Check each platform's terms — ProPhotos.ai explicitly includes a full commercial license, and most others have similar provisions. You typically own the output and can use it on websites, LinkedIn, marketing materials, and corporate directories without restrictions.
How often should I update my AI headshot?▼
Update your headshot whenever your appearance changes noticeably — new hairstyle, glasses, significant weight change — or at minimum every 18–24 months. Outdated headshots that don't match your current appearance undermine the trust and professionalism the headshot is meant to convey.
What if I'm not happy with the results?▼
Most platforms offer refund or redo options. HeadshotPro has a 100% money-back guarantee. BetterPic offers a 7-day refund and $10 redo option. Secta Labs guarantees satisfaction. TeamShotsPro's low per-session cost means regenerating is inexpensive. Always check the refund policy before purchasing.
Can AI headshots match my company's brand guidelines?▼
Some platforms handle this better than others. TeamShotsPro maintains consistent backgrounds and styling across team members by default. Try It On AI offers dedicated brand customization. Aragon AI lets you specify backgrounds and attire. For strict brand guidelines (specific hex color backgrounds, exact attire requirements), work with a platform that offers team admin controls rather than one designed for individual use.
Do AI headshots work for all skin tones and hair types?▼
AI headshot quality has improved significantly for diverse appearances, but some platforms still perform better than others. In our testing, results were generally strong across skin tones, though very dark or very light skin tones occasionally produced less accurate lighting. Textured and curly hair types sometimes show more artifacts at the edges. We recommend testing with 1–2 photos before committing to a team-wide purchase.
How do AI headshots compare to iPhone portrait mode?▼
Professional AI headshot generators produce significantly better results than smartphone portrait mode for professional contexts. AI platforms control background, lighting, attire, and composition, elements that are inconsistent in self-taken photos. The lighting algorithms in AI platforms are modeled on professional studio photography, while smartphone portrait mode simply blurs the background. For professional use (LinkedIn, corporate websites, speaker bios), AI headshots are a clear upgrade.
What happens to my photos after they're generated?▼
Data retention policies vary significantly. Secta Labs explicitly deletes data on a regular schedule and markets this as a privacy feature. Most other platforms retain your source photos and outputs for a period (typically 30–90 days) to allow re-downloads. If data privacy is a concern — particularly for companies in healthcare, finance, or government — review each platform's privacy policy and ask about GDPR compliance, SOC 2 certification, and data deletion procedures before uploading employee photos.
Do AI headshots work for non-Western professional standards?▼
Most AI headshot generators are trained predominantly on Western professional photography conventions — neutral backgrounds, formal Western business attire, specific lighting styles. If you need headshots that reflect professional standards from other cultures (different formal attire, preferred backgrounds, makeup conventions), your results may vary. Test with a small sample first and choose platforms that offer the most customization over attire and styling.
Ready to get started with TeamShotsPro?
Generate professional AI headshots in 60 seconds.
Upload a Selfie → Get Team Headshots
About the Author
Founder & CEO, TeamShotsPro
Matthieu van Haperen runs TeamShotsPro, where he has helped hundreds of teams get professional AI headshots. Before founding TeamShotsPro, he spent 6+ years building and scaling tech startups. He writes about professional photography, team branding, and how AI is reshaping corporate imagery.
Connect on LinkedIn →