6 Best AI Video Upscaling Software [2024]

author - Kistent Waung Kistent Waung

Updated on

Summary: This is a tried-and-true test about 6 AI video upscalers, accompanied by before-and-after images for reference. To help you choose the desired one, their key features, pros, cons, and pricing will also be provided.

From 480p to 720p to 4K and even 8K, we never stop our pace to chase higher video resolution and better image quality. We already have 4K TV and Mac with Retina Display to enjoy high quality video, but unfortunately we only have countable 4K or 8K video resources to enjoy. Besides, we don’t have enough budget to get a device to record super high definition videos. To make it easier to get higher resolution videos like 4K videos, here comes best AI video upscaling software to get you out of the trouble.

The video upscaling technology is still in its early days, so there are a few qualified options available for you to upscale videos. After tried-and-true test, we have picked AI video upscaling software to help you upscale videos from low resolution to high resolution. Scroll down, read the reviews, and then choose one based on your needs.

Best Video Upscaler

FYI:

1. I tested all the AI video upscalers with the same video in the same environment.

2. The video I chose is shaky, blur, noisy and in 360p. I will test if these video upscalers can stabilize, deblur, denoise, and convert the video to 4K.

3. The video source: 10s / MP4 / 360p / 605KB
https://cdn.pixabay.com/video/2016/09/21/5598-185024745_tiny.mp4

4. My PC's specs: GeForce GTX 650, Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4430 CPU@3.00GHz, 8GB RAM, Windows 10 64bit.

Part 1. 6 Best AI Video Upscaling Software

Thanks to the AI power, it is never easier to upscale videos to 4K or higher resolution in a few clicks. At the same time, after enhancing the video, the video quality is improved a lot and it will bring new life to your old media files. Also, the AI-powered video upscaler will automatically adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, gama, and so on to make the video more amazing.

#1. Winxvideo AI

* Best AI-powered video & image enhancer that can upscale & stabilize videos, and boost FPS, along with video conversion, compression, recording, editing, and downloading features.

Winxvideo AI V3.0 released: Introduced four AI models in Super Resolution, two for AI video enhancement and two for AI image enhancement, and a "Fast Mode" for much faster video upscaling and enhancing.

Winxvideo AI 3.0

Added: "Gen Detail" model for generating more details, clarity, and sharpness for videos/images, and delivering better perceptual quality.

Added: "Real Smooth" for video/image restoration, smoothing, flaw elimination, and better fidelity.

Integrated: Breakthrough AI-powered Debluring and Denoising technologies in "Gen Detail" and "Real Smooth" models.

Added: "Fast Mode" and "High Quality Mode" for video super-resolution, offering users flexibility between speed and quality.

Embedded: The NVIDIA® TensorRT™ supports into the new AI models to optimize inference speed.

Included: Three resolution presets (1080p/2K/4K) in Super Resolution, enabling users to select output resolution directly.

Implemented: Denoising effect across all AI models of Super Resolution, enhancing image clarity.

Winxvideo AI is an AI-powered video upscaler that upscales, stabilizes, deblurs, denoises, etc. videos and images for a higher resolution and better quality. You can use it to improve outdated, poor-quality, distorted, or unclear video/image by upscaling to 4K resolution, stabilizing shaky video footage, and increasing frame rate to 60/120/240fps. Winxvideo AI handles camera recordings, AI-generated images, iPhone/GoPro/Drone videos very well. No matter you are a photographer, Vlogger, or marketer, this AI video upscaler software helps enhance your visual narrative and elevate the impact of your content, so as to attract more audience or promote your products better.

Besides AI functions including AI video upscaling, AI image enhancing, AI stabilizing, and AI frame interpolation, Winxvideo AI is also a well-known 4K video converter capable of upscaling 720p/1080p to 4K to get higher video quality. You can adjust the resolution, FPS, bitrate, and codecs to get the best result during video conversion. It also supports Level-3 Hardware Acceleration technology that will render superfast speed even your video is CPU-loaded. If needed, you can also use Winxvideo AI to reduce video file size, record screen, edit 4K/8K/HDR videos and so on.

Most AI-based video upscaling software often requires powerful and high-end hardware to process videos, the software may crash and the video upscaling process probably can’t complete if you are using a low-end computer. Even worse, you can’t install such a tool. However, Winxvideo AI is an exceptional AI video upscaler and enhancer that stands out from the rest. Its lightweight design allows for effortless enlargement of low-resolution videos to high resolution, resulting in an enhanced video quality. With Winxvideo AI, the process becomes as simple as ABC.

Free Download Free Download

Note: AI tools for Mac are currently unavailable, but they're coming soon. Stay tuned.

AI Video Upscaler

Key features:

  • Enhances and upscales old, low-quality, noisy video to 4K;
  • Upscales & restores images and photos to 4K/8K/10K ;
  • Stabilizes shaky videos;
  • Boosts FPS to 60fps/120fps/240fps and creates slow-motion videos;
  • Converts video format: MP4, MOV, MKV, HEVC, AV1, ProRes, WMV, AVI, etc.;
  • Converts video format: MP3, AAC, DTS, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AC3, M4A, M4R, etc.;
  • Compresses video file size by up to 90%;
  • Records screen, webcam, gameplay, online courses, streaming videos, etc.;
  • Edits videos & makes GIF: cut, trim, crop, watermark, effect, subtitle, rotate, etc.

My experience with Winxvideo AI's video upscaling:

It is quite easy to handle this software. Every function is automatic that I only need to select an option and Winxvideo AI will do the rest jobs for me.

  • Upscale to 4K with super clarity & sharpness.
  • Enhance video by 2x, 3x, or 4x. Delur &denoise automatically.
  • Stabilize video with high quality.
  • Winxvideo AI 360P to 4K
Pros when upscaling videos:
  • Super Resolution mode can automatically deblur, denoise, and enhance videos;
  • Enhances videos resolution by 1x, 2x, 3x, and 4x to reach 4K;
  • Smoothens video by boosting FPS to 60fps, 120fps, 240fps, and even 480fps;
  • Stabilizes videos to reduce camera shake;
  • It requires minimal computer resources and is user-friendly;
  • AI-powered. GPU-accelerated. 47x faster. High-quality.
  • Easy for newbiews.
Cons when upscaling videos:
  • Requires quite powerful computer;
  • * APIs for GPU Computing: Vulkan ≥ 1.2.x, OpenCL ≥ 1.0.
    * NVIDIA: Quadro 410 or higher, GeForce GT 630 or higher, GeForce GTX645 or higher.
    * Intel: Intel® UHD Graphics 620 (WHL GT2) or higher, Graphics 510 or higher.
    * AMD: AMD Radeon RX550 series or higher.

  • Sometimes the software crashes.

Price: A trial version is available. $45.95 for a lifetime license (1-year plan: $25.95).

#2. Topaz Video AI

* A comprehensive AI video upscaler employs neural networks to enhance videos through video upscaling, motion interpolation, and shake stabilization.

Topaz Video AI is a powerful AI video upscaler and enhancer that can automatically improve the quality of your low-resolution videos. Developed by Topaz Labs, it utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence technology to improve the quality and resolution of videos, making them sharper, clearer, and more detailed.

The machine learning algorithm, known as temporal and spatial neural network (TSNN) technology, helps analyzes multiple frames in a video sequence to understand motion and details, and then utilizes this information to intelligently enhance each frame individually. After training a lot of videos, the test results are far better than its competitors.

It is very easy to use as there are 5 video enhancement AI models for you to choose directly, including upscale video to 4K/8K, recover low-quality/noisy video, deinterlace video, restore old footage, and upscale CG or cartoons. Also, there are 8 presets like 4K slow motion, 8K super slow motion, upscale to 4K, upscale to 4K 60FPS, deinterlace, crop stablization, and upscale to HD quality to customize your videos in a few clicks.

Whether you are a professional filmmaker or casual user, you can utilize this AI video upscaling software to enhance the quality of your footages and improve the visual appeal of your videos. Also, the outputs are rich including MP4, AVI, MOV, ProRes, H.264, H.265, VP9, TIFF, PNG, JPEG, etc.

Topaz Video AI

Key features:

  • Enhances and upscales video to 4K/8K at 60fps/120fps;
  • De-interlaces videos;
  • Motion interpolation;
  • Motion deblur;
  • Shake stabilization;
  • Creates cinematic slow-mo;
  • Trims and crops videos;
  • Removes duplications.

Price: A trial version is available. The Pro version is priced at $299.

Pros when upscaling videos:
  • Fewer motion artifacts;
  • Recovers video details; recovers low-quality/noisy videos;
  • Deinterlaces interlaced footages;
  • Restores old footage;
  • Converts DVDs to Blu-ray quality ;
  • Upscales CG or cartoons;
  • The results are natural and smooth;
  • Smoother panning and no camera shake;
  • Supported inputs: AVI, DV, FLV, M1V, M2TS, MKv, MOV, MP4, MPG, MPEG, WebM, WMV, TS, VOB, MXF, M4V; & image sequences (png, tif, tiff, jpg, jpeg, exr);
  • Supported outputs: ProRes, H.264, H.265, VP9, TIFF, PNG, JPEG, and EXR;
  • Previews the results;
  • AI-powered, process videos automatically;
  • Easy for newbiews.
Cons when upscaling videos:
  • Requires a powerful GPU and CPU;
  • Slow processing speed, very time-consuming;
  • The output video file size is very large;
  • The free version has a watermark;
  • Unknown error when upscaling videos to 4K 60fps.

#3. AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI

* An AI-based video upscaling and video quality enhancement software that uses neural networks to upscale video from SD to HD, HD to 4K, and 4K to 8K.

AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is also an AI-based video upscaler software to help users upscale video resolution and enhance video quality. It can upscale a video up to 400%, from 480p to 1080p, 720p to 4K, 1080p to 4K, 4K to 8K, etc. at 60fps or even 120fps. It gives your footages a new look, while keeping details and motion consistency. It is really a good option to give a new birth to your old homemade videos, music videos, recordings, anime episodes, movies clips, etc.

How does AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI upscale videos? It utilizes powerful algorithms and AI technology to train hundreds of videos and then empowers itself to own the ability to automatically enhance a video. To make the old low-resolution video look clear and high-quality, this AI video upscaler will upscale a video by enlarging video resolution, fixing blur, denoising, deinterlacing, reducing flickers, reduce shaking, enhancing and correcting color, interpolating frames, removing scratches, sharpening the details, and so on.

You can easily find the video upsacling options in the software. There are 7 presets for you to directly to choose to enhance your footages, including "Upscale to HD resolution", "Upscale to 4K", "4x slow motion", "8x super slow motion", "Convert to 60fps", "Upscale to 4K and colorize", and "Upscale to 4K and convert to 60fps". Bonus AI features are also included to help enhance a video in just one click, such as AI Enhancement, Face Enhancement AI, Colorize AI, Motion Compensation AI, etc.

After training a vast number of videos, old videos can be played clearly and in high quality on modern displays with a larger screen. It can output videos to MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, and WebM using advanced video codecs including AV1, VP9, HEVC, and H.264, so a lot of devices and players can support your upscaled videos. Though it comes with high technology, the clean and intuitive interface is easy to understand for newbies.

AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI

Key features:

  • Enhances and upscales videos from 480p to 1080p, 1080p to 4K, and 8K;
  • De-noises videos;
  • De-interlaces videos;
  • Face refinement;
  • Creates slow-mo videos;
  • Colorizes videos;
  • Interpolates videos;
  • Trims and crops videos.

Price: A trial version is available. The Perpetual plan is priced at $199.90 (1-month plan: $39.95, 1-year plan: $89.95).

Pros when upscaling videos:
  • Enlarges video resolution to 4K/8K;
  • Outputs videos up to 60fps/120fps;
  • Reduces flickers and noises;
  • Fixes blurry videos;
  • De-interlaces videos;
  • Adjusts the brightness/saturation/contrast, bitrate and audio;
  • Retouches faces and beautifies portrait-style footages;
  • Supports newer encoding formats: H.264, H.265, VP9, and AV1;
  • Face enhancement;
  • Motion compensation.
Cons when upscaling videos:
  • Requires a powerful GPU and CPU;
  • The processing time of a 4K video is very long;
  • Limited output formats;
  • It takes a long time to preview a video;
  • The trial version has a big watermark;
  • The computer runs very slow when upscaling a video.

#4. DVDFab Video Enhancer AI

* An AI-based tool for video quality enhancement and resolution enlargement, trained by a neural network plus super-resolution technology.

Do you have low-resolution and low-quality videos taken on older mobile phones or cameras? DVDFab Video Enhancer AI is a powerful video upscaler to enhance video quality using AI technology to bring your old videos to new life. It uses Super Resolution technology to upscale videos to 4K seamlessly. Thanks to AI, there is no need to configure any parameters or settings to enhance a video to higher quality.

By predicting the missing pixels through a neural network, it replenishes the details and sharpness of low-resolution videos so that the quality will be clearer and higher than the original videos. Also, its noise reduction capability can effectively reduce various types of noise in videos, such as grain, compression artifacts, and random pixel fluctuations.

In addition to that, DVDFab Video Enhancer provides tools to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation levels of videos. These adjustments allow users to fine-tune the visual elements and improve the overall color accuracy and vibrancy of their videos.

Overall, DVDFab Video Enhancer AI offers a convenient and efficient solution for enhancing video quality. Whether you're a professional videographer, a content creator, or an enthusiast looking to improve the visual appeal of your videos, this video upscaling software can be a valuable tool in your arsenal. Through resolution enlargement, video quality enhancement, color correction and removing annoying distractions, this video upscaling software helps enhance the overall visual clarity and smoothness of the video.

DVDFab Video Enhancer AI

Key features:

  • Enhances video quality and enlarges video resolution to 4K;
  • De-blocks videos;
  • De-interlaces videos;
  • Reduces noises;
  • Corrects colors.

Price: A trial version is available. The lifetime version is priced at $$99.99 (1-month plan: $59.99, 1-year plan: $79.99).

Pros when upscaling videos:
  • Inputs 3GP, ASF, AVI, FLV, M2TS, MOV, MP4, M4V, MPEG, DAT, MKV, RMVB, RM, TS, VOB, WMV, etc;
  • Outputs MP4 H.264, MP4 H.265, MKV H.264, and MKV H.265;
  • Upscales videos to 4K;
  • Boosts saturation and brightness of images;
  • Corrects colors;
  • Reduces noises and removes artifacts;
  • Sharpens blurry lines;
  • Supports all mainstream graphics cards.
Cons when upscaling videos:
  • The installation process is very slow and costs a lot of time;
  • Upscaling conversion failed error message occurs occasionally;
  • The trial version can only upscale 5 videos;
  • The full version is costly;
  • Only outputs 2 formats: MP4 and MKV.

#5. Video2X

* Free and open-source software that upscales videos, GIFs, and images in high quality.

Video2x is a video upscaling software tool that utilizes advanced algorithms and AI technology to upscale videos to 2X of their original resolution. It is designed to enhance the visual quality of videos by increasing their resolution, improving sharpness, and enhancing details. Video2x is often used to upscale low-resolution videos, such as old footage or content captured from older devices, to higher resolutions while maintaining the best possible quality.

By employing deep learning algorithms, it can analyze the content of the video and intelligently fill in missing information to generate a higher-resolution version. The overall clarity and sharpness has also been improved while preserving the original contents. This makes it a valuable tool for content creators, videographers, and anyone who wants to improve the visual quality of their videos.

Video2X also provides various options and settings to customize the video upscaling process according to individual preferences. Users can choose the desired output resolution, adjust parameters related to sharpness, noise reduction, and other visual aspects to achieve the desired result.

All in all, Video2x is a powerful AI video upscaler tool for upscaling videos using AI technology. It offers a convenient solution for improving the visual quality of low-resolution videos, making them appear sharper, more detailed, and visually impressive.

Video2X

Key features:

  • Upsacles videos, GIFs, and images;
  • Video frame interpolation.

Price: Free.

Pros when upscaling videos:
  • Upscales videos to 2X of their original resolution;
  • Preserves the original contents;
  • Real-time processing;
  • Supports popular video codecs and containers.
Cons when upscaling videos:
  • It is not compatible with Windows 10S and macOS;
  • The final results are not very satisfying;
  • Sometimes there is loss of original quality;
  • Sometimes it creates artifacts and noises;
  • Requires high-end hardware.

#6. HitPaw Video Enhancer

* An AI video resolution enhancer to enhance and enlarge low-res videos up to 4K/8K, along with noise reduction, anime/human face repair, and black and white movies colorizing.

HitPaw Video Enhancer is a modern video upscaler software using AI technology to improve the quality of videos by enhancing various aspects such as resolution, brightness, sharpness, and colors. It provides users with a user-friendly interface and a range of features to enhance and optimize their videos.

HitPaw Video Enhancer offers advanced algorithms that can upscale low-resolution videos, making them appear sharper and more detailed. It employs artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to analyze and enhance the video content, improving its overall quality. Also, it supports downscaling high-resolution 4K videos so as to reduce the video size and make the video compatible with the specific display requirements.

The video upscaling software allows users to adjust various visual elements of videos. It offers tools to enhance brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness, allowing users to fine-tune these parameters according to their preferences. At the same time, it can effectively reduce or eliminate visual noise and graininess, resulting in a cleaner and smoother final output.

HitPaw Video Enhancer also supports batch video processing to save time. As the effectiveness of video enhancement can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the source video and the specific enhancements applied, it is really recommended to experiment with different settings of this AI video upscaler and preview the results to achieve the desired outcome.

HitPaw Video Enhancer

Key features:

  • Enhances and enlarges low-res videos to 4K;
  • Noise reduction;
  • Sharpens videos;
  • Repairs videos of anime and human face;
  • Colorizes black and white movies.

Price: A trial version is available. The perpetual version is priced at $349.99 (1-month plan: $42.99 , 1-year plan: $99.99).

Pros when upscaling videos:
  • Supports batch processing;
  • GPU-accelerated, fast and high-efficient;
  • No watermarks;
  • 4 AI models: Denoise Model, Animation Model, Face Model, and Colorize;
  • Adds colors to black and white videos;
  • Creates animations from videos;
  • Removes noises;
  • Previews the upscaled videos;
  • No network required for local videos.
Cons when upscaling videos:
  • Needs Windows 10/11 64bit and macOS 10.15 computer, or above;
  • Requires powerful GPU and CPU to smoothly process videos;
  • No complete control over specific parameters or advanced settings;
  • Sometimes it create artifacts;
  • Limited outputs: MOV and MP4.

Part 2. Comparison Table of the Best 6 Video Upscalers

Video Upscaler Excel at Scale Price
Winxvideo AI Video/image upscaling, delurring, denoising, restoration, deshaking & adding details. 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x
480p, 720p, 1080p, 2K, 4K
$45.95 lifetime
Topaz Video AI Video upscaling and blurry face recovery. 2x, 4x, 6x $299 lifetime
AVC Labs Video Enhancer AI Pixelated videoup scaling 2x, 4x $299.90 lifetime
DVDFab Video Enhancer AI DVD video upscaling 2x, 3x $159.99 lifetime
Video2X GIF upscaling 2x, 3x, 4x Free
HitPaw Video Enhancer Increasing overall clarity 2x, 4x $349.99 lifetime

Part 3. How to Upscale Videos with the Best Video Upscaler?

With the best AI video upscaling software like Winxvideo AI, it is a piece of cake to enhance old and low-quality videos, remove noisy and blurry contents, upscale 720p/1080p to 4K, stabilize shakiness, and boost frame rate to 120/240/480fps.

Free Download Free Download

Note: AI tools for Mac are currently unavailable, but they're coming soon. Stay tuned.

Upscale video quality with Winxvideo AI

Step 1. Free download, install and launch this AI video upscaler software. Then, click the "Video AI" button on the main UI to navigate to the AI video upscaling window.

Step 2. Now, click on the "+ Video" button to add the video you want to improve quality. You can add multiple videos and enhance them in batch.

Step 3. Once the video is loaded, check the 3 AI options on the right panel.

Super Resolution: To enhance the quality of your video from lower resolutions to HD or 4K, simply enable the AI Super Resolution feature and select the upscale option depending on your requirements.

  • AI Model: Each AI model is suitable for specific videos.
    • Gen Detail v2: Ideal for generating authentic details, improving clarity and sharpness, and addressing blur and noise in videos.
    • Real Smooth v2: Perfect for creating smoother, clearer, and brighter videos, and restoring originals, especially for content with fewer details.
    • Anime: Designed specifically for upscaling and denoising anime and cartoons.
    • Zyxt: Best for enhancing and upscaling low-resolution photorealistic photos, producing realistic and visually appealing results with improved detail and sharpness.
  • High Quality Mode or Fast Mode: Choose one to emphasize output quality or processing speed.
  • Model Settings:
    • Scale (2x, 3x, 4x): Enhance videos by 2x, 3x, or 4x
    • Resolution: You can choose to upscale your video to 480p, 720p, 1080p, 2K, or 4K.
    • Enhance video (1x): Enhance video quality without changing resolution.
Convert 1080p to 4K

Frame Interpolation: To enhance the smoothness of your video or convert it from 24/30fps to a higher frame rate like 60fps, 120fps, 240fps or even 480fps, simply enable the AI Frame Interpolation feature and select a suitable scaling option.

Frame Interpolation

Stabilization: To enhance the stability of your video and eliminate any unwanted shakes, simply enable the AI Stabilization feature and select a mode and preset.

Stabilize Video

Step 3. Next, specify the export settings, choose an output format and folder. Then click the "Run" button and Winxvideo AI will start upscaling your video.

In conclusion:

AI video upscalers have completely transformed the manner in which we perceive and engage with videos. Through their sophisticated algorithms and machine learning capabilities, these tools effectively diminish video noise, enhance stability, and elevate the overall visual quality. Whether it involves restoring vintage photographs or crafting breathtaking animations, these AI video upscaling software breathe life into images in unimaginable ways. If needed, choose affordable one like Winxvideo AI based on your budget from this list to enhance your video quality easily.

Video Upscaling FAQs

1. Can you upscale video resolution?

Yes. The video upscalers like Topaz Video AI and HitPaw Video Enhancer are designed to upscale videos from low resolution to high resolution.

2. Is there a free video upscaler?

Yes. Video2X is the free video upscaling software for you to free upscale a video. Actually, the commercial tools also provide trial versions for you to learn about them.

3. How can I increase the quality of a video?

To increase the video quality, you can enlarge the video resolution like 1080p to 4K, de-interlace, de-noise, correct color, remove blurring and flickers, reduce shaking, interpolate frames, sharpen the detail, and so on. And all of them can be done by a video upscaler.

4. How can I improve my video to 4K?

It is easy to improve a video to 4K. You can utilize an AI video upscaler and 4K video converter like Winxvideo AI to automatically upscale the video resolution and convert video to 4K.

5. What is AI video upscaling software?

The AI video upscaling software is the tool that upscales videos using AI technology. AI upscaling based on different algorithm, automatically analyzes the content of the image and generates new pixels that are consistent with the existing ones. Then, it will result in a much higher quality image, with fewer artifacts and more realistic details like better lighting, balanced colors, better filters, etc.

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