Look, I never thought I'd be the person writing an article about AI headshot generators. Yet here I am.
My LinkedIn profile pic was genuinely from 2019—pre-pandemic, pre-whatever happened to my hairline. Whenever I opened LinkedIn, that photo reminded me of better times.
Here's the thing: I absolutely despise getting professional photos taken. There's something about standing in front of a camera that makes me look like a deer in headlights. Plus, professional photography isn't exactly affordable. Think $200-500 for a decent session, and that's before you get upsold on the "premium package".
So AI headshot generators became my new obsession.
Starting With Free Options
So picture this: I started with the free options since I'm cheap (I said what I said). I began with some random free AI headshot generator I found on Google's second page.
Fed it about a dozen selfies—some from when I looked human, some from questionable angles. Clicked the button. Sat there waiting.
What came back looked like an AI had done me dirty. The AI gave me a forehead that could land aircraft. Honestly, I looked like a deep fake gone wrong.
Big takeaway: You get what you pay for.
When I Actually Spent Money
Not one to give up, I started exploring the paid options. This is where things got interesting.
My First Paid Service
First up ProfilePicture.ai. Set me back about $29 for a package. You upload 15-20 photos, chill out during what felt like forever, and bam—you get over a hundred headshots.
What I got? Actually pretty decent. This one managed to not turn me into someone else, just like I'd actually gotten 8 hours of sleep. It smoothed out my skin, lighting was on point, and most importantly—I actually appeared competent.
Picture this: crisp white collar. Professional backgrounds instead of "I took this in my car."
The variety was solid too. Different styles—enough variety to update my profile quarterly.
Aragon AI
Next Aragon AI, which ran me about $39. Similar process: upload photos, practice patience, receive your AI-enhanced glory shots.
The difference: Aragon seemed better at capturing more personality. If ProfilePicture.ai was "corporate professional," Aragon gave me "the cool colleague."
This one did something interesting with how I looked at the camera. All the images had like I was making a connection. You know that thing where you can tell someone's really there? Exactly, that.
When I Went All In
Riding the high of decent headshots, I decided to try some high-end options.
The LinkedIn Specialist
Secta.ai specifically positions itself as for business professionals. Roughly $49 for what they call "professional tier".
The difference here? They understood the professional social media look. That thing where professionals looks like they stepped out of a Forbes photoshoot? That's what Secta does.
The backgrounds were more sophisticated. Rather than basic backgrounds, I got modern office spaces. Blurred conference rooms—the visual language of "I'm definitely not winging it."
HeadshotPro
Then there's HeadshotPro which runs similar pricing. This one surprised me.
They allows customization of the aesthetic. Want to look like an approachable consultant? They've got presets.
Tried various looks, and not gonna lie, this became entertaining. First I'm suited up executive, the next I'm startup founder energy.
The quality was consistent across all the styles. Everything looked professional where switching aesthetics sometimes gave you inconsistent results.
Breaking Down the Difference
Time for real talk: the free options are hit-or-miss. Good if you're just curious. When you legitimately need? Invest in paid services.
Here's what you're paying for:
Higher quality AI models: Paid services work with advanced algorithms that understands professional photography.
Better control: No-cost options give you what they give you. When you pay allow selection of backgrounds.
Better image quality: No-cost generators usually come in lower resolution. Premium options provide high-res images good enough for large displays.
Batch processing: Most paid services produce massive variety. The free stuff? A handful if you're lucky.
Your face isn't training their AI: Don't overlook this. Some free services might use your photos to build their technology. Paid services typically have better data protection.
The "Does Anyone Actually Notice?" Test
So I updated my LinkedIn photo. Went with ProfilePicture.ai that made me look competent but friendly.
In less than a week:
Views on my profile increased by like 40%
Received multiple actual recruiters reaching out
A coworker hit me up with "Who took your new headshot? Looks professional"
Turns out, your photo matters. Your LinkedIn photo is usually the initial thing people see someone gets of you.
Fun With AI
Not everything was perfect. These platforms have certain... characteristics.
Every now and then the AI would generate accessories I never wore. This one time I magically acquired a tie I've never owned.
The hands—in the occasional full-upper-body shot—might appear someone grafted extras on. Word to the wise: stick with headshot-only options.
Backgrounds too—sometimes you'd get architecturally impossible windows. Look closely and you might see windows that defy physics.
The Bottom Line
After spending around $150 and way too much time on this:
If you're watching your wallet: ProfilePicture.ai for under thirty bucks. Best value, consistent quality.
If LinkedIn is your priority: Secta.ai gets the LinkedIn aesthetic. Worth the extra money.
When you need versatility: HeadshotPro gives you the most control.
For the "I just need something decent": Aragon AI is reliable.
The Ethics of AI Headshots
Real talk, I get it opinions vary on using AI versus real photographers. Here's my take: this technology is a tool, not a replacement real photographers.
When you require high-end commercial photography, book a human. But for a LinkedIn headshot that you'll refresh occasionally? This technology works.
It's democratizing professional photos. Many people can't justify $300 to this expanded discussion spend on pictures. This technology put quality photos within reach to everyone.
The Final Verdict
After all this, my LinkedIn still shows an AI headshot. Results speak for themselves. Getting more messages. Self-doubt about going the AI route? Vanished.
These days, your professional brand is everything. That profile picture is the first thing people see. If it comes from AI or a camera matters less than looking professional.
Would I do it again? 100%. Is it for everyone? It depends—if you're putting off getting a new headshot because it's expensive, these tools are definitely worth exploring.
Perhaps avoid the platforms that charge nothing. Take my word for it.
Certain things are not worth learning the hard way.
Anyway, I need to update my Instagram profile pic. This journey isn't over.