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HeadshotKiwi vs InstaHeadshots: Which One Should You Choose in 2026?

Bernardo Barbosa
Bernardo Barbosa

Content Writer

7 min read

See how HeadshotKiwi and InstaHeadshots compare in 2026. Which one's faster, more cost-efficient, and better at generating AI headshots?

Image generated by HeadshotKiwi

Image generated by HeadshotKiwi

InstaHeadshots is promoted as the best AI headshot generator for corporate headshots, but how much of that is just advertising? In our HeadshotKiwi vs InstaHeadshots comparison, we have found out that there's actually a huge gap between the two tools! Why? Keep on reading to find out…

HeadshotKiwi vs InstaHeadshots: Generating Headshots

Users must upload 10 selfies to InstaHeadshots to generate AI headshots.

Users must upload 10 selfies to InstaHeadshots to generate AI headshots.

Are you the sort of person who likes to know what you're going to get before paying? Then, you will love HeadshotKiwi and InstaHeadshots! They're among the few high-quality AI headshot generators that let you check AI-generated headshots before subscribing. This means you only have to pay if you like the headshots, which is a huge plus.

The generation process is similar for both tools, with a few exceptions:

  • HeadshotKiwi requires 13 selfies; InstaHeadshots only 10.
  • InstaHeadshots analyzes uploaded selfies to determine whether they're valid, while HeadshotKiwi trusts that users know how to upload the perfect selfie.
  • On HeadshotKiwi, you can test up to 15 styles for free; on InstaHeadshots, only 5 styles are available.
  • HeadshotKiwi asks for complete personal details (including accessories), whereas InstaHeadshots only asks for name and gender.

In sum, this is how the generation process compares on HeadshotKiwi vs InstaHeadshots:

HeadshotKiwiInstaHeadshots
Selfies required1310
Background + outfits5-255
Time to generate the headshots30-45 minutes15 minutes*
  • Even though a "15 minutes left" bar is shown when you generate headshots on InstaHeadshots, the generation process is often paused. When we generated our headshots, we had to wait around 30 minutes (which is still fast when compared to BetterPic and other tools).

Pricing for HeadshotKiwi vs InstaHeadshots

InstaHeadshots only has one payment option.

InstaHeadshots only has one payment option.

Pricing is one of the most crucial differences between HeadshotKiwi and InstaHeadshots, mainly because the latter only offers one payment option: 50 AI headshots and 5 styles for $59.

HeadshotKiwi, on the other hand, is more versatile, selling starter, mid-level, and executive plans:

  1. Starter plan: $29 for 40 headshots
  2. Mid-level plan: $39 for 120 headshots
  3. Executive plan: $59 for 250 headshots

It's not very hard to figure out which tool has the best deal… InstaHeadshots requires a $59 investment and offers 50 headshots and 5 styles; with the same money, you can get 250 headshots and 25 styles on HeadshotKiwi!

Moreover, HeadshotKiwi allows users to save up to $30 by selecting the starter plan. The mid-level option is $20 cheaper than InstaHeadshots, but offers 120 headshots instead of 50.

Long story short, each AI headshot generated by InstaHeadshots costs $1.18, while each AI headshot generated by HeadshotKiwi costs $0.24.

Headshot Quality: HeadshotKiwi vs InstaHeadshots

Four AI headshots that were generated by HeadshotKiwi.

Four AI headshots that were generated by HeadshotKiwi.

InstaHeadshots is significantly more expensive than HeadshotKiwi. But… are InstaHeadshots pictures better? Comparing examples of AI headshots created by both tools, we believe InstaHeadshots doesn't justify the cost, despite generating headshots with a slightly more realistic feel.

Realism, however, comes at a cost, as InstaHeadshots' generations don't have the same glow as HeadshotKiwi's. Expression is also essential, and Kiwi lands gracious smiles more effectively than InstaHeadshots (which is an important part of generating LinkedIn headshots).

AI headshots generated by InstaHeadshots (1) vs HeadshotKiwi (2 and 3).

AI headshots generated by InstaHeadshots (1) vs HeadshotKiwi (2 and 3).

This subtle but important aspect shows when you compare an AI headshot generated by InstaHeadshots (1) with two AI headshots generated by HeadshotKiwi. The InstaHeadshots' look is realistic, but not as appealing; textures are also flat, an issue shared by tools such as ProPhotosAI.

HeadshotKiwi, on the other hand, is arguably the best AI headshot generator at incorporating the individual (you) into the surrounding environment.

While most tools go for the easy way (neutral, one-color backgrounds), Kiwi generates environments convincingly, much because it's effective at processing light naturally (as exemplified by headshot number 3).

HeadshotKiwi vs InstaHeadshot: And the Winner is…

Ultimately, HeadshotKiwi is better than InstaHeadshots because it's almost five times more affordable and generates more appealing AI headshots.

When is InstaHeadshots superior to HeadshotKiwi?

  • It can generate AI headshots faster than Kiwi, and just with 10 selfies instead of 13
  • It can generate AI headshots that look slightly more realistic

Why is HeadshotKiwi better than InstaHeadshots?

  • It's almost five times less expensive
  • Users can choose between three payment options, not just one
  • Better expressions and backgrounds on AI headshots
  • Up to 25 styles (InstaHeadshots is limited to five)
  • Plans for teams

What do HeadshotKiwi and InstaHeadshots do that most AI headshot generators don't?

  • Both tools let users check AI-generated headshots before paying. So, if you don't like the result, you can explore other options without spending a dime!

For more product comparisons, please visit the HeadshotKiwi Blog.

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Bernardo Barbosa
Bernardo Barbosa

Content Writer

Bernardo is a passionate content writer specializing in AI photography and professional headshots. With years of experience in digital marketing and content creation, he helps professionals understand how to leverage AI technology for better career opportunities.

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