10 Best AI Video Upscaling Software in 2026 (Tested & Compared)
Posted By: Lucy Lauria- Category: Video Enhancer Tips
- Updated On: June 22, 2026
Got an old 480p video that looks blurry on today's screens? Fortunately, modern AI video upscalers can do far more than traditional scaling by intelligently restoring textures, reducing artifacts, and enhancing overall clarity. I tested 10 tools — desktop and online — to find out which ones actually deliver clean, watchable results. Here' what I found.
Part 1. Quick Comparison: Top AI Video Upscalers at a Glance
Why Trust This Guide? (Our 2026 Testing Method)
Unlike most roundups that simply repackage feature lists, we ran hands-on benchmarks across 40+ hours of real rendering tests.
We used three types of footage:
- 480p anime rip with heavy compression artifacts
- 1080p handheld home video with motion blur
- 4K drone footage with noise and lighting shifts
Tests were run on:
- RTX 4070 desktop PC
- M2 MacBook Air
All render times and quality verdicts below are based on our real-world hands-on benchmarks.
| Software | Platform | Free Trial | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI | Windows/macOS/Cloud | Yes (30s export) | From $39.95/month | All-in-one upscaling & face refinement |
| Topaz Video | Windows / macOS | No | From $59/month | Professional restoration & 16K upscaling |
| HitPaw VikPea | Windows / macOS | No | From $43.19/month | Beginners & one-click enhancement |
| UniFab Video Upscaler AI | Windows / macOS / Cloud | Yes (3 videos) | From $99.99/year | Audio & video upmixing |
| VideoProc Converter AI | Windows / macOS | Yes (5-min limit) | $89.95/lifetime | Budget-friendly & low-end hardware PCs |
| Nero AI Video Upscaler | Windows | 7-Day Trial | From $84.95/year | Fast processing & batch workflows |
| AVCLabs Online AI Video Enhancer | Web | 20 free credits | Subscription | Quick online enhancement, no install |
| Vmake AI Video Enhancer | Web | 20 free credits | Subscription | Quick social‑media visual boosting |
| Media.io Video Enhancer | Web | 20 free credits | Subscription | Consistent one‑click online enhancement |
| Cutout Pro | Web | No | Subscription | Fast GIF/video upscaling |
Part 2. 6 Best Desktop AI Video Upscalers for Windows & Mac
1. AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI
| Input Formats | AI Models | Hardware Acceleration | Max Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WMV, M4V, MTS, M2TS, FLV, etc. | Standard, Ultra, Standard (Multi-Frame), Ultra (Multi-Frame), Anime, Denoise | NVIDIA CUDA, AMD, Intel GPU, Apple Silicon | Up to 8K |
- Price: $199.9/lifetime, $95.96/year, $39.95/month
- Free Trial: Export 30-second video with watermark
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Cloud
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI, as the top-recommended best AI video upscaling software, is renowned for its facial enhancement and excellent cost-effectiveness. Utilizing a deep learning model, it not only upscales SD video to HD, 4K, and even 8K, but also offers other practical functions such as noise reduction, motion compensation, and video colorization.
In addition to video upscaling, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI also supports AI-powered frame interpolation for smoother motion (e.g., converting 24fps or 30fps footage to 60fps) and advanced deinterlacing for cleaning up interlaced TV or legacy recordings before enhancement.
- Exceptional face refinement that reconstructs lost features cleanly.
- Supports frame interpolation and deinterlacing for legacy footage.
- Good balance between denoise and sharpening.
- Unique blur and object removal tools not found in most competitors.
- The free trial only exports 30-second watermarked videos.
- Rendering 4K footage can be slow on non-RTX GPUs.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
When testing a blurry 360p old home video, AVCLabs did not simply stretch the pixels to 4K. Instead, it can truly reconstruct the missing facial features and its Face Enhancement model outperform any other AI video enhancer mentioned in this article. However, in fast-moving scenes, slight smoothing processing artifacts appeared at the edges. The rendering speed was average - not the fastest, but stable in operation.
How to Upscale Video with AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI?
Step 1: Upload your footage to AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI. We tested a 480p DVD rip of an old concert and a 1080p vlog — both loaded quickly.
Step 2: Select the target resolution (e.g., 4K). For cinematic human faces, choose the Standard Model and enable Face Refinement. For animations, the Anime Model works best without blurring the linework.
Step 3: Click the Preview button to preview the effect. Once satisfied, hit Export — on RTX 4070, a 5-minute 1080p-to-4K render took about 8 minutes; on the M2 MacBook Air, it took closer to 15 minutes.
2. Topaz Video
| Input Formats | AI Models | Hardware Acceleration | Max Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, MTS, M2TS, ProRes, DNxHD, etc. | Proteus, Nyx, Iris, Artemis, Chronos, Gaia, Themis | NVIDIA CUDA, Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), Intel ARC | Up to 16K |
- Price: $59/month
- Free Trial: No
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Topaz Video is one of the most popular video upscalers, widely used by numerous professional filmmakers and video restoration experts. It provides a massive library of professional AI models, such as Proteus for detail reconstruction and Nyx for noise reduction.
The software supports output at resolutions up to 16K, meeting professional needs in film production and old film restoration. It also provides rich customizable adjustment parameters, allowing users to adjust options such as detail restoration and artifact compression based on the footage, achieving more precise and ideal optimization results.
- Deliver video upscaling up to 16K.
- Professional AI video upscaling software with leading AI models.
- It can be integrated as a plugin into professional software such as DaVinci Resolve.
- Higher system requirements.
- The subscription mode is more complex.
- Learning curve for beginners.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
During the testing process, Topaz Video AI was able to restore edges and textures with astonishing clarity, especially in architectural and landscape shots. However, if certain models are set too high, they are prone to over-processing issues. On the M2 MacBook Air, although the processing speed is significantly slower, it still runs stably when using lightweight models. Although it offers the highest quality limit in this list, its interface with numerous parameters may make beginners feel overwhelmed.
3. HitPaw VikPea
| Input Formats | AI Models | Hardware Acceleration | Max Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV, WMV, M4V | HD/Fast Sharpen, Portrait, UHD Restoration, Video Quality Repair | NVIDIA GPU, Apple Silicon | Up to 8K |
- Price: $350.39/lifetime, $124.99/year, $43.19/month
- Free Trial: No
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac
HitPaw VikPea is one of the leading AI video enhancers, designed for ease of use by everyone. This video upscaling software offers a variety of models optimized for different scenarios for more targeted video quality enhancement, such as models suitable for anime content, portrait videos, and highly compressed footage. In addition, it provides an intelligent AI assistant that automatically detects video issues and then matches the best AI model to optimize the video.
- Support 8K ultra-high-definition upscaling.
- Best AI upscaler video for beginners with clear model introductions.
- Focus on one-click enhancement and minimize manual adjustments.
- Limited advanced manual control and settings.
- The free version only allows previewing and cannot export videos.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
In the same test, HitPaw VikPea was able to quickly optimize low-resolution videos, resulting in significant sharpening and noise reduction effects. When processing 1080p home videos, the automatic face optimization feature removed too many natural skin textures, causing the characters to look like they had undergone excessive retouching. On the RTX 4070 PC, it ran smoothly, but in terms of detail restoration, it still fell short of high-end tools like Topaz.
This article will review HitPaw Video Enhancer and explore its features, pros & cons, its cost, and other options.
4. UniFab Video Upscaler AI
| Input Formats | AI Models | Hardware Acceleration | Max Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKV, MP4, AVI, WMV, TS, FLV, M2TS | Equinox, Kairo, Vellum, Titanus | NVIDIA CUDA | Up to 16K |
- Price: $129.99/lifetime, $99.99/year
- Free Trial: Export 3 watermark-free videos
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Cloud
UniFab Video Upscaler AI offers a high-performance video enhancement solution that supports both local AI video upscaling and a cloud-based mode, allowing users with different device configurations to choose flexibly. The software provides four different models for video quality enhancement, such as the Kairo model designed for anime and cartoons, and the newly introduced Titanus model specifically for handling highly complex video scenes. Furthermore, some models offer fast and high-quality modes, allowing users to freely balance processing speed and output quality.
- Support for up to 16K resolution video upscaling.
- Support upmixing the original stereo sound to EAC3 5.1 or DTS 7.1.
- Provide real-time display of CPU, GPU, and memory usage.
- Integrate AI enhancement, video editing, and audio tools.
- The video model download speed is very slow.
- The software includes many tools, resulting in a large installation package.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
In our tests, the Titanus model of UniFab demonstrated visually striking and high-contrast images. For 480p animated clips, it significantly sharpened the edges - sometimes to an extent that was even excessive, resulting in halo effects. When applied to 1080p home videos, the noise reduction process made some facial textures appear somewhat plastic. The clarity of 4K drone aerial footage was notably improved. The model download speed was slow, and the processing time was also inconsistent.
5. VideoProc Converter AI
| Input Formats | AI Models | Hardware Acceleration | Max Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, FLV, WMV, MTS, M2TS | Gen Detail V3, Real Smooth V3, Anime, Zyxt | Intel QSV, AMD AMF, NVIDIA NVENC/CUDA | Up to 4K |
- Price: $89.95/Lifetime
- Free Trial: Export video length less than 5 minutes
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac
VideoProc Converter AI is a budget-friendly desktop AI toolkit that integrates AI video and image upscaling, video stabilization, video conversion, and editing tools. The 4K video upscaler demonstrates excellent compatibility in terms of minimum hardware requirements. Even older graphics cards can run its basic enhancement models, such as Anime and Zyxt. It allows more devices to run it smoothly while guaranteeing a certain level of video quality improvement.
- Stand out as a cost-effective AI upscaling software.
- Offer various video tools and functions besides video enhancer.
- Relatively friendly to hardware performance requirements.
- Less modern UI compared to video ai upscaler.
- AI enhancement models and settings are generally limited.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
VideoProc delivers stable upscaling performance, along with excellent sharpening and video stabilization. However, when processing 480p animation clips, its limitations are also exposed. Its AI model lacks options for fine-tuning and the detail richness is not as good as that of Topaz or AVCLabs. It has been optimized for devices with average configurations, so it is more suitable for users of low-end devices who want to quickly improve image quality.
6. Nero AI Video Upscaler
| Input Formats | AI Models | Hardware Acceleration | Max Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV | Versatile, Realistic, Animation, Fast, Restoration, Face Enhancement | NVIDIA GPU | Up to 4K |
- Price: $195.00/Lifetime, $84.95/Year
- Free Trial: 7-day free trial with watermark
- Compatibility: Windows
Nero AI Video Upscaler is a popular video enhancement tool on the Windows platform. It has 6 AI upscale models, including Fast, Animation, Realistic, Versatile, Face Enhancement, and Restoration, and also supports frame rate interpolation, allowing for more ideal and natural enhancement effects for different types of videos.
Notably, the Fast model processes a 54-second video in just one minute in actual testing, which is very attractive to users who want faster ai upscaling videos speeds.
- Offer 4K upscaling and frame interpolation.
- Models optimized for different video types.
- Allow batch importing and applying presets to multiple videos.
- Not compatible with macOS.
- Features are limited compared to other AI video upscaling software.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
Nero's Fast Model is significantly faster than most other desktop software when processing videos, making it highly suitable for scenarios requiring rapid processing. For 480p animation clips, it can effectively remove blocky noise, but performs poorly when dealing with fine lines. For 1080p home videos, the picture quality becomes noticeably cleaner, although there is a slight ghosting effect in the dynamic areas. The contrast of 4K drone aerial footage has improved, but the detail enhancement is limited.
Part 3. 4 Best Free Online AI Video Upscalers in 2026
7. AVCLabs Online AI Video Enhancer
AVCLabs Online AI Video Enhancer is also a top recommendation for online AI video upscaling software. Its core algorithm and model are the same as the desktop version, so it provides relatively stable and natural video enhancement.
If you don't want to download an application or your device has limited performance, using a professional online AI video enhancement tool like AVCLabs is a more lightweight and convenient option. It also offers free credits for testing its features.
- Support 2x video upscaling for clearer and sharper output.
- Allow online preview of enhanced videos.
- Use the same core AI algorithms as the desktop version.
- Fewer customization options compared to the desktop version.
- File size limitations for uploads.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
During the test, the online Video Enhancer AI produced results similar to those on the desktop version. When processing 480p animated clips, it was able to effectively eliminate the blocky noise caused by compression, although the fine lines were not as sharp as those in the desktop version of the anime model. For 1080p home videos, its noise reduction effect was excellent, but when handling rapid hand movements, there was a slight ghosting phenomenon. 4K drone aerial footage became smoother in terms of color transitions in the sky, but the edge details still appeared somewhat soft.
8. Vmake AI Video Enhancer
Vmake AI Video Enhancer supports one-click online upscaling of low-quality videos to 4K resolution. It's recommended to use its Video Enhancer feature instead of the Video Upscaler. Testing showed that the Video Upscaler's quality improvement was not significant, while Video Enhancer AI offered superior enhancement performance.
Its AI Video Enhancer provides more model options, such as 4K Upscaling and AI 4K Upscaling, as well as a De-AI model specifically designed to optimize AI-generated videos, which can be used to correct video distortion, improve facial details, and enhance overall realism.
- Upload up to 3 files at a time with a paid subscription plan.
- Provide multiple AI enhancement models.
- Support multiple video formats, including MP4, MOV, M4V, 3GP, and AVI.
- Limited preview size and small comparison panel.
- Limited manual controls and advanced settings.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
When processing 1080p handheld home videos, Vmake AI Video Enhancer brightened the picture and significantly reduced noise, but it caused some loss of natural textures. The clarity of 480p animation clips improved, but it also produced slight halos around the lines. The contrast of 4K drone aerial footage was enhanced, but it did not add too many details. Overall, Vmake is very suitable for quick online enhancement, but not for professional-level video restoration.
9. Media.io Video Enhancer
Media.io Video Enhancer is a web-based free AI video upscaling software that offers multiple enhancement modes, such as Anime Enhancer and Portrait Enhancer supporting 2x and 4x upscaling, as well as Video Denoise for reducing noise and improving video clarity. One of its biggest highlights is its simple and efficient operation process, supporting one-click generation of enhanced videos and one-click sharing to YouTube, which makes video optimization and sharing more efficient and convenient.
👉️ Read More: How to Enhance Video Resolution and Reduce Noise?
- Free credits are provided for upscale video AI free.
- Multiple modes for video quality enhancement.
- Offer multimodal editing for more flexible post adjustments.
- Previewing video upscaling effects is not supported.
- Support only two video formats, mp4 and mov.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
In the tests conducted on three different types of materials, the video quality improvement provided by Media.io Video Enhancer was relatively basic. The processing effect for 1080p handheld shooting materials was acceptable - the video became clearer and brighter to some extent. It is more like a quick online video optimization tool rather than a true AI super-resolution solution.
10. Cutout Pro
Cutout.Pro Video Enhancer is an installation-free online AI video upscaler that improves video clarity and detail through a browser. The tool supports previewing and downloading the first 5 seconds of the enhanced video, allowing users to compare and confirm the results before exporting. As a web-based tool, it is relatively file-size friendly, supporting up to 2GB video files, which is more lenient than some other online video upscalers.
- Support GIF upscaling and enhancement.
- Intuitive one-click workflow without additional operations.
- A top choice for fast and easy online video upscaling.
- Lack of AI upscaling model options and output options.
- Require a stable network connection when processing long videos.
📌 Our Test Verdict:
Cutout.Pro performs best when processing simple and less dynamic footage. For 480p animation clips, it can effectively eliminate blocky noise and enhance line clarity, although the detail texture still falls short of that of desktop professional tools. When dealing with 1080p handheld home videos, due to the lack of manual stabilization adjustment options, the textures of moving backgrounds sometimes exhibit flattened or plastic-like distortions.
FAQ About Video Upscaling SoftWare
Do I need a dedicated GPU for AI video upscaling in 2026?
Not necessarily. Online tools such as AVCLabs Online Video Enhancer and some desktop video enhancers can run on the CPU, but the rendering process will take longer. For professional-level work, we recommend equipping a GPU card to significantly accelerate the processing speed and video quality.
Can I upscale a 1080p video to 4K?
Yes, you can use AI video upscaling software to upscale 1080p videos to 4K resolution. Besides the video upscalers mentioned above, tools like Capcut can export low-resolution videos as 4K, utilizing AI video super-resolution to fill in missing details as much as possible.
What is the difference between traditional upscaling and AI super-resolution?
Traditional upscaling technology merely stretches the pixels, which may result in blurring and edge halo effects. However, AI super-resolution technology can utilize a trained neural network to reconstruct video textures and sharpen edges.
What is the best free 4K upscaler?
If you're looking for a free AI video upscaler without watermark, Video2X is one of the most popular open-source AI video upscalers. However, its installation and configuration are complex and not beginner-friendly.
For users seeking more automation and a user-friendly experience, tools like AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI are highly recommended—they offer advanced AI models, high-quality 4K/8K upscaling, noise reduction, and one-click enhancement while maintaining ease of use.
Discover the truth about AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI cracked versions, potential risks, and legal ways to get AVCLabs for free in 2026.Learn more > >
Conclusion: Which AI Video Upscaler Should You Choose?
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI achieves the best balance among video quality, face restoration, and ease of use, making it the all-round preferred choice for most users. However, if your budget is sufficient and you have a high-end desktop computer with a powerful GPU, Topaz Video AI can provide the ultimate picture quality improvement and professional video restoration. On the other hand, if you are a user using a low-config laptop or only need to quickly process social media videos, you can directly use cloud tools like AVCLabs Online Video Enhancer to quickly optimize the videos without installing large software.
