Last Updated on November 26, 2024
Whether you’re a vlogger, videographer, or filmmaker, there will be times when you need to upscale a video to give it a professional touch.
Video upscaling basically refers to enlarging lower-resolution videos to enable them to fit on higher-definition screens. For instance, a 1080p video playing on a 4K television would only take up a quarter of the screen. Not the kind of experience you want when watching a scintillating film or series.
It’s important to note that video upscaling doesn’t only seek to enlarge the footage’s resolution. The idea is to also keep other aspects intact so that the quality doesn’t suffer. It would make no sense to end up with a large video if that means the outcome is blurrier than it was in its lower-resolution version.
One effective way to upscale videos without compromising their quality is by using video upscaling applications. Read below for a rundown of the 12 best video upscaler apps and tools to make your lower-resolution clips play on HD screens.
12 Best Video Upscaler Apps
1. Video 2X
Pricing: Free and Open-source
Video 2X is a video upscaling software written in Python. The app deploys cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to enlarge videos up to 4K resolution, making them watchable on most high-resolution television screens.
Video 2X supports a wide range of video formats. This allows you to upscale any clips despite their original format. You also get to save the output in different formats, including MP4 and MKV.
In addition to its video upscaling services, Video 2X also doubles as an image and GIF upscaler. So, you can use it to enlarge pretty much any type of media content. And the icing on the cake is that the app renders your content visible on larger screens without compromising the quality at all.
The one glaring drawback to Video 2X is that it’s not very beginner-friendly. You’ll mostly enjoy working with the software if you have some programming knowledge. Otherwise, a steep learning curve is involved before you can get the hang of this AI video enhancer.
2. DaVinci Resolve 18
Pricing: Costs a one-time fee of $295; a free basic version also available
DaVinci Resolve 18 is a top recommendation for budding filmmakers and it’s easy to see why.
For starters, DaVinci Resolve 18 is one of the only few video upscaler software that combine video editing, visual effects, color correction, and motion graphics in a single platform. There’s also an audio post-production feature in case you’re unhappy with your video’s sound effects.
Unlike Video 2X, DaVinci Resolve 18 is remarkably user-friendly and beginners can quickly learn the ropes. The app’s interface is both elegant and intuitive. Plus, it only requires a few seconds to upscale your videos regardless of their size.
Due to its suite of video editing features, it’s understandable why DaVinci Resolve 18 enjoys the confidence of many Hollywood producers and renowned videographers.
3. GDFLab
Pricing: Depends on video size
Here’s one video upscaler that doesn’t charge a standard upscaling fee. Instead, the amount you pay depends on the video size. There’s also a free trial feature that lets you test-drive the software before committing fully to it.
Besides giving you complete control over what to pay, GDFLab also stands out for its ability to increase video resolution without compromising quality. It’s an excellent application when you need to watch an old film or series in high-definition without having to endure blurriness and pixelation. You can enlarge your videos up to 4K.
GDFLab also prides itself in its simple and intuitive dashboard. The software supports both video and image editing. Besides, it’s reasonably accessible due to its online availability.
If you prefer to download GDFLab into your device, it’s reassuring to know that the app works on both Windows and macOS.
4. AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI
Pricing: Plans start from $39.95/month; a lifetime license of $299.90 also available
Many video upscaler applications only enlarge your clips up to 4K. However, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI can upscale videos from as low as 480p and 720p up to 8K.
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI also works pretty fast. This software will upscale your videos in a matter of seconds. It produces results that are completely realistic, with no artifacts and no pixelation.
Although popularly known for their powerful video upscaling services, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI’s algorithms are also trained to improve video quality. You can enlarge your clips using this tool without worrying about the final color saturation or sharpness. The app also lets you remove blurs and distracting noises in your upscaled videos. There’s even the option of reverting to your original video with a few clicks in case you’re unsatisfied with the enlarged format.
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is also one of the few video upscalers that let you trim your clips frame by frame. The app works on both PC and macOS.
5. iSize
Pricing: Free
iSize is a video upscaler that uses a proprietary algorithm designed explicitly for video enhancement. The advanced algorithm produces high-resolution videos with minimal artifacts.
iSize also offers tons of personalized video-enhancing features. You can choose from various parameters, including the level of detail and sharpness. You can also deploy the color correction feature to fine-tune the footage further to your liking. And if ever you’re unhappy with the results, there’s an undo function that lets you revert to the original file size so you can start all over again. Needless to mention, the software is effective at editing both videos and images.
iSize typically upscales videos up to 4K resolution. The app is reasonably fast too. Depending on the video length, you can have the results in under a minute.
The iSize software is available for both Windows and macOS. And the best part is that all these amazing features are free of charge.
6. Movavi Video Converter
Pricing: $54.95 for an annual license or $64.95 for a lifetime license
Movavi Video Converter is a powerful video editor able to upscale videos up to eight times their original resolution. That’s a feature you’ll not find in most video-enhancing software.
Movavi Video Converter is also one of the few video upscalers that support batch video processing. This feature lets you work on multiple videos simultaneously, thereby saving your precious time.
You’ll also love Movavi Video Converter for its superfast speeds. The app also increases your footage size losslessly, which means that all other information remains intact. And after enhancing your clips, you can implement a raft of editing features to fine-tune it to perfection. Some of the editing tools include the ability to embed subtitles to the output as well as rotate, crop, trim, color-correct, and merge it.
As you might expect, Movavi Video Converter isn’t just video editing software. It’s also a reliable audio and image editor.
7. Topaz Labs Video Enhance AI
Pricing: Costs a one-time fee of $299.99
Many seasoned videographers admit that one will not always have the best gadgets when an opportunity to capture rare moments presents itself. In such cases, you’ll have no choice but to contend with blurry footage. The developers of Topaz Labs Video Enhance AI understand these challenges. That’s why they came up with software that provides a slew of video editing tools.
Topaz Labs Video Enhance AI’s video upscaler lets you enhance the size of low-resolution footage losslessly. The app works exceptionally well to improve video quality regardless of the camera used in capturing the footage. It also refines other aspects that may affect output quality, such as blurriness and color saturation. This makes your videos look sharper and more realistic.
Topaz Labs costs a one-time fee of $299.99. However, you can try the software for free before purchasing the lifetime license.
The only noteworthy drawback to Topaz Labs is that it’s desktop-based. That means you need a computer with sufficient memory and incredible processing speeds to take advantage of this video upscaler.
8. DVDFab Video Enhancer AI
Pricing: Costs a one-time fee of $59.99; a 30-day money-back guarantee available
It’s almost impossible to discuss reliable video upscalers without mentioning DVDFab Video Enhancer AI. Not just because this software has been trained by a neural network and advanced video resolution technology to automatically upscale low-resolution videos. But because it’s also remarkably fast and user-friendly.
DVDFab Video Enhancer AI comes with a clean and intuitive interface that even beginners can quickly get the hang of. The tool seamlessly upscales videos with resolutions as low as 480p and 1080p to 4K to guarantee you a superior viewing experience.
It’s also reassuring to know that DVDFab Video Enhancer AI is constantly improving its algorithms. Although the tool is already a cut above most video enhancers, the developers are working tirelessly to ensure it provides newer video upscaling experiences to its users every time.
Perhaps the one glaring drawback to DVDFab Video Enhancer AI is that it’s presently available on Windows only.
9. Pixop
Pricing: Uses a Pay-as-you-Go model
Pixop is a quick and affordable solution for video professionals and broadcasters who wish to enhance the size of their videos without compromising quality. The tool uses automated AI filters that can upscale and remaster footage to any resolution, including HD, 4K, and 8K.
Pixop also lets its users experiment with a range of video editing features. Examples include deblurring, denoising, and deinterlacing. It’s one of the few video upscalers that support frame rate conversion and deep restoration.
It’s also worth noting that Pixop is a cloud-based AI-powered video enhancer. That means you don’t have to download the tool to enjoy its video editing features. You only need an internet-enabled device and enough bandwidth. Cloud-based hosting also means the platform is secure to use.
Another thing that distinguishes Pixop from most video upscalers is its pay-as-you-go model. This payment model eliminates the need for subscription or license fees.
10. HitPaw Video Enhancer
Pricing: Licenses start from $42.99
HitPaw Video Enhancer is a desktop application for enhancing lower-resolution videos. And while that means you’ll require a computer with fast speeds and enough memory to use the software, there are many cool features that make HitPaw your preferred video upscaler.
For starters, HitPaw Video Enhancer works in just one click. The tool is able to enhance low-resolution footage up to 4K, rendering them easy to watch on HD screens.
HitPaw Video Enhancer utilizes three primary AI models for upscaling videos, namely:
• The General Denoiser Model that enhances older footage, making them appear sharper and clearer
• The Animation Model that mainly repairs anime and animations
• The Face Model that improves the sharpness of human facial features
These three models not only ensure your upscaled video doesn’t lose its original quality. They also address resolution issues with the original file, making it even clearer in its enlarged version.
HitPaw Video Enhancer also supports batch video processing. The tool is available for both Windows and macOS. And whichever device you download it to, you’re assured of 24/7 technical support.
11. KineMaster
Pricing: Paid plans start from $4.33/month; a free version and trial period also available
KineMaster is a flexible video quality enhancer available for both Android and iOS devices. The app has racked up a rating of 4.7/5 stars from hundreds of users. Most reviewers love KineMaster for its superior video upscaling capabilities. The program supports video enhancement up to 4K and works at incredible speeds of 60 frames per second.
KineMaster is particularly recommended for vloggers and other social media users. That’s thanks to its ability to automatically export your upscaled videos to social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
In addition to the basic functions you’d find in any video upscaler, KineMaster also comes with many premium features. For instance, you can apply a range of filters and special effects to your enlarged footage to enhance its appeal. The application supports video layering, overlays, and even frame-by-frame upscaling.
KineMaster costs a paltry $3.99 per month. There’s also a free version which features watermark.
12. PowerDirector
Pricing: Paid plans start from $3.99/month; a free version and trial period also available
The name says a lot about this video upscaler. PowerDirector by CyberLink uses powerful AI algorithms to enhance any video without affecting its quality.
PowerDirector supports ultra HD videos. The tool upscales your footage and then lets you export the output in 4K. You can also use the sliders before downloading your edits. This allows you to seamlessly change aspects like resolution, frame rate, and bitrate.
Like KineMaster, PowerDirector is primarily a video quality enhancer. That means the tool already comes with plenty of features to fine-tune your upscaled footage. You can adjust the appearance of your videos by fixing lighting and noise issues. There’s even a white balance feature that helps you remove unrealistic color casts.
PowerDirector also lets you add a high-dynamic range (HDR) effect. Besides, there’s an AI Sky Replacement feature for changing the sky background on your videos.
Summary
You may not always have powerful gadgets to capture amazing videos. But you can always go back to the footage and refine them further to your liking.
The above-listed tools are a top recommendation when looking for reliable video upscalers. As you may have gathered, the applications come with many other editing features besides video enlargement.
