The best AI video upscaling software in 2024 is Topaz Video AI for professionals who need maximum quality and control, while VideoProc Converter AI is the best all-rounder for most users seeking a lightweight, versatile tool, and CapCut offers a free, accessible option for casual editors. These three tools represent the top tier across different needs, but the right choice depends on your hardware, budget, and how often you plan to upscale footage.
What is AI video upscaling?
AI video upscaling uses machine learning models to analyze low-resolution footage and generate new, realistic details that were not present in the original file. Unlike traditional upscaling, which simply stretches pixels and creates a blurry or blocky image, AI algorithms are trained on millions of high-resolution video frames. This training allows them to predict what missing details should look like, such as texture, edges, and fine patterns, and then reconstruct the video at a higher resolution, like 4K or 8K. The result is a sharper, cleaner image that appears closer to native high-definition footage, rather than a pixelated enlargement.
1. Topaz Video AI
Topaz Video AI is the premium choice for professionals who demand the highest possible quality and are willing to invest in both the software and the hardware to run it. This desktop application upscales, denoises, deblurs, and restores video using a suite of AI models, and it supports upscaling video resolution up to 8K. For Windows, you will need Windows 10 or 11, an Intel or AMD CPU with AVX2 instructions (2016 or newer), 16GB of RAM (32GB or more recommended), and a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 900 series (6GB VRAM), AMD Radeon 500 series (6GB VRAM), or Intel ARC A750 GPU. On Mac, it requires macOS 11 Big Sur or higher, Apple Silicon (Intel-based Macs are not officially supported beyond v6.0.3), and a dedicated GPU from 2015 onward with 4GB VRAM. Integrated graphics processors are technically supported but run at unusable speeds for most processes, so a dedicated GPU is essential. If you plan to use the demanding Starlight Mini model, it specifically requires an NVIDIA GPU with at least 8GB VRAM (16GB recommended) and compute capability 7.0+, plus 12GB system RAM, and it does not run locally on AMD/Intel GPU or macOS systems. This is not a tool for casual users on laptops; it is a serious investment for those who need the best possible output.
2. VideoProc Converter AI
VideoProc Converter AI is the best all-rounder for most users because it balances quality, speed, and hardware requirements better than any other option. It uses AI Super Resolution to upscale videos of any type by up to 400%, making it capable of handling reality videos, anime, aged footage, movies, and SD, noisy, grainy, or interlaced content. The software is impressively lightweight and places minimal demands on your hardware, so you can upscale 360p videos to HD or 4K without needing a top-tier gaming PC. It is also versatile with different video types, handling complex scenes with text, colors, and high-motion content without introducing artifacts or losing detail. While it may not match Topaz in raw quality for the most demanding projects, its combination of ease of use, speed, and broad compatibility with all mainstream GPU brands makes it the practical choice for most people.
3. AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is a user-friendly option that focuses on enhancing facial features and overall clarity, making it ideal for footage with people in it. The software uses AI to enhance brightness, contrast, and sharpness while also removing noise, grain, and blocky artifacts common in compressed videos. Its intuitive interface includes a variety of settings that let you tailor the upscaling process, but it is a bit pricey and demands a relatively robust computer setup. The trial version only allows you to enhance videos up to 3 minutes long, so you can test it on short clips before committing to a paid plan.
4. HitPaw Video Enhancer
HitPaw Video Enhancer specializes in noise reduction and artifact removal, making it a strong choice for cleaning up old or heavily compressed footage. It offers four distinct AI models: General Denoise, Face Model, Animation Model, and Colorize Model, allowing you to upscale videos up to 4K while targeting specific issues. The advanced upscaling algorithm reduces noise and compression artifacts, and the software supports a wide range of formats including MP4, MOV, and MKV. It is optimized for GPU processing for faster results, and it supports batch video upscaling, which saves time when working with multiple files. However, it is quite expensive compared to other options, and it lacks advanced controls to fine-tune the upscaling process.
5. DVDFab Video Enhancer AI
DVDFab Video Enhancer AI is a Windows-only tool that is ideal for upscaling digitized DVD files, thanks to its integration with the DVDFab suite. Powered by the TensorFlow framework, an extensive open-source machine learning platform, it can upscale videos to 4K or 8K while enhancing sharpness and reducing image noise without artifacts. Beyond upscaling, it offers a comprehensive suite of video processing tools, including a DVD ripper, which expands its versatility. Its intuitive interface is beginner-friendly, but it is relatively slow compared to other solutions and is only available on Windows, which limits its appeal for Mac users.
6. CapCut
CapCut is a free, accessible video editor available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android that offers 4K export and AI-powered background removal. It is not a dedicated upscaling tool, but it can enhance low-resolution footage as part of a broader editing workflow, making it perfect for casual users who want to improve video quality without learning specialized software. While it does not offer dedicated AI upscaling models to 8K in the same manner as specialized tools, its combination of free access, cross-platform support, and built-in AI features makes it a practical starting point for quick enhancements. If you are already using CapCut for editing, it is worth experimenting with its enhancement features before investing in a paid upscaler.
7. Video 2X
Video 2X is the best free and open-source option for Windows users who are comfortable with a less polished but effective tool. It uses advanced AI algorithms to analyze and fill in missing details in low-resolution videos, resulting in a noticeable boost in visual fidelity, and it can upscale old low-res videos to 4K. Its intuitive interface is beginner-friendly, but users with less powerful hardware may encounter extended processing times, and it lacks the advanced features found in paid software. For those willing to trade convenience for cost, Video 2X is a solid free alternative.
8. Neural.love
Neural.love is a convenient online upscaler for quick tasks without software downloads, making it ideal for one-off projects or users who do not want to install anything. Simply upload your video, select an AI filter, and the tool automatically upscales and enhances it. It also extends its capabilities to image and audio enhancement, offering an all-inclusive solution for AI upscaling. However, its video upscaling features are more limited than dedicated desktop software, and the free plan offers only 5 credits, after which a subscription is required to continue using the service.
FAQs about AI video upscaling
Are free upscalers good?
Free upscalers like Video 2X and CapCut can produce decent results, especially for casual use or older footage with simple content. However, they often lack the advanced models and fine-tuning controls of paid software like Topaz Video AI or VideoProc Converter AI. If you are upscaling professionally or need the absolute best quality, a paid tool is worth the investment. For occasional use or quick edits, a free option is perfectly adequate.
Is upscaling to 8K really possible?
Yes, videos can be upscaled to 8K, and several tools in this list support it. Topaz Video AI, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI, and DVDFab Video Enhancer AI all offer 8K upscaling. However, 8K output requires a powerful GPU and significant processing time, and the quality of the result depends heavily on the source footage. Upscaling a 360p video to 8K will not magically create true 8K detail; it will simply produce a larger image with enhanced clarity compared to standard stretching.
What PC specs are needed?
The minimum requirements vary by software. Topaz Video AI requires a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 900 series (6GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon 500 series (6GB VRAM) GPU, 16GB RAM, and a modern CPU with AVX2 support. VideoProc Converter AI is much lighter and can run on integrated graphics, though a dedicated GPU speeds things up. For most tools, 16GB of RAM and a mid-range dedicated GPU from the last five years will handle 4K upscaling comfortably. If you plan to work with 8K or use demanding models like Starlight, you will need an NVIDIA GPU with at least 8GB VRAM and 32GB of system RAM. Always check the specific system requirements of the software you choose before committing to a purchase.
