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Open source video upscalers are free tools that increase the resolution of videos using publicly available source code. With the rise of AI, many AI video upscaling open source solutions now use neural networks to restore lost details and improve video quality beyond traditional methods.
Compared to closed-source software, open source upscalers offer customization and transparency, but some users may find setup complex. This article provides reviews and simple guides to help you start using the best open source video upscalers and AI video enhancers in 2025 quickly and effectively.
There are two main types of open source video upscaling tools:
Open source AI video upscalers use artificial intelligence models like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) or generative adversarial networks (GANs) to enhance video resolution by reconstructing realistic details based on learned data.
Choosing between AI and non-AI open-source video upscaler depends on your needs: AI solutions offer better detail recovery, while non-AI tools provide speed and simplicity.
Here's a snapshot of the top four open source video upscaler tools, each offering unique features for enhancing video quality. Whether you need AI-driven enhancements, batch processing, or anime-specific optimization, these tools provide robust, customizable solutions for improving low-resolution videos. Check them out below.
| Feature | Video2X | Waifu2X | ESRGAN | Anime4K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI-Based | Yes (Hybrid, AI & Non-AI models) | Yes (CNN) | Yes (GAN) | No (Shader-based) |
| Best For | Versatile video & image upscaling | Anime & cartoon videos | Realistic, high-quality content | FFast real-time anime upscaling |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Price | Free open-source AI video upscaler | Free open-source AI video upscaler | Free open-source AI video upscaler | Free open-source upscaler |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (setup needed) | Easy (web/app interface) | Moderate (technical setup) | Easy (real-time use) |
| Technology | Multi-algorithm, GPU accelerated | CNN | GAN | Shader-based, no AI |
Video2X is a powerful open-source video upscaler that acts as a frontend for multiple AI upscaling tools like Waifu2X, Real-ESRGAN, and Anime4K. It allows users to choose between AI-driven and traditional upscaling methods, depending on their hardware and needs.
User Requirements: Basic familiarity with Python and command line recommended; strong NVIDIA GPU preferred for speed.
✅ Key Features:
✅ How to Use Video2X:
Pros
Free and Open Source: No cost, with customizable source code.
Versatile: Handles both video and image upscaling.
High Compatibility: Supports multiple formats and platforms.
Customizable: Flexible AI model and parameter options.
GPU Acceleration: Faster processing on supported hardware.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: Difficult setup for non-technical users.
Hardware Dependent: Requires powerful hardware for optimal performance.
Stability Issues: Prone to crashes with improper configurations.
Limited Models: Some models work best with specific content types.
Time-Consuming: Long processing times for high-resolution videos.
Waifu2X is an open-source anime upscaler designed primarily for enhancing the resolution of anime-style artwork and illustrations. It uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to reduce noise and upscale images with minimal loss of quality. Originally created for anime content, Waifu2X has since been adapted to process other types of images, though its performance is best suited for anime and similar styles.
User Requirements: Suitable for users with minimal technical skills; Windows is main supported OS.
✅ Key Features:
✅ How to Use Waifu2X:
Pros
Anime-Optimized: Excellent for anime-style images.
Simple to Use: Beginner-friendly, especially the web version.
Open Source: Free and customizable.
Effective Noise Reduction: Restores older or noisy images well.
Lightweight: Works on less powerful hardware.
Cons
Limited Scope: Poor performance on realistic photos.
Scaling Limitations: Supports only up to 2x scaling.
Outdated Models: Lacks modern AI advancements.
No Native Video Support: Requires adaptations for videos.
Slow Without GPU: Processing can be time-consuming.
ESRGAN (Enhanced Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Networks) is a cutting-edge open-source AI upscaler for image upscaling. It improves on SRGAN with advanced techniques like Residual-in-Residual Dense Blocks (RRDB), enabling high-resolution, detailed, and realistic image enhancement. ESRGAN is widely used in applications such as gaming textures, photography, and digital art.
User Requirements: Comfortable with Python, PyTorch, command line, and have high-end GPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX series).
✅ Key Features:
✅ How to Use ESRGAN:
Pros
High Quality: Preserves details and textures effectively.
Versatile: Works well with both realistic and stylized images.
Open Source: Free and customizable.
Pre-trained Models: Ready-to-use models for various tasks.
Customizable: Supports model training for specific needs.
Cons
Hardware Demands: Requires powerful GPUs.
Complex Setup: Challenging for beginners.
Slow Processing: Time-intensive for large tasks.
Over-Sharpening: May create overly artificial results.
Limited Video Support: Not designed for video upscaling.
Anime4K is a lightweight, non-AI open-source upscaler that enhances the resolution and quality of anime-style videos. Unlike AI-based models, Anime4K employs efficient shaders and filters to upscale content in real-time, making it ideal for users with limited hardware resources or those seeking quick results. It is widely used for improving the visual quality of anime videos on media players like MPV and VLC.
User Requirements: Minimal technical skills; primarily used as plugin for VLC, MPV, etc.
✅ Key Features:
✅ How to Use Anime4K:
Pros
Fast: Real-time upscaling with minimal delay.
Anime-Optimized: Enhances anime-style content effectively.
Lightweight: Low hardware requirements.
Open Source: Free and customizable.
Cross-Platform: Works with major media players.
Cons
Anime-Specific: Ineffective for non-anime content.
No AI Features: Lacks advanced detail reconstruction.
Limited Quality: Results are basic compared to AI models.
Manual Setup: Requires tuning for optimal performance.
Playback Focused: Not designed for video file processing.
While open source AI video upscalers offer powerful, customizable tools for improving video quality, they often come with limitations such as slower processing speeds, a steep learning curve, and inconsistent results. Many users on platforms like open source video upscaler Reddit discuss these challenges.
Instead, you can grab your hands on the versatile and reliable UniFab Video Upscaler AI, a solution that combines smooth ease of use with exceptional performance. Let’s explore the complete details of this powerful software below.
Compared to the complex and often limited functionality of open-source AI video upscaler, UniFab Video Upscaler AI offers a simpler, faster, and more effective solution for video upscaling.
This AI Video Upscaler improves video quality by intelligently correcting issues such as noise, compression artifacts, blurriness, and jagged edges. With its intuitive interface, it allows both beginners and experts to achieve professional results quickly. The tool offers powerful AI-driven upscaling, enhancing details and clarity, while maintaining ease of use for fast, high-quality video enhancement.
UniFab Video Upscaler AI
🔹 Type: AI-powered
🔹 Platforms: Windows, Mac
🔹 Best for: upscaling videos to 1080p, 4K, 8K, or 16K, enhancing details, and reducing noise with AI-powered precision.
30-day Free Trial for full features, without watermark!
Download and open UniFab, go to All Features, and select the Upscaler module. Then, import the video to enlarge.
Pick the video quality, resolution, output format, codec, and more parameters to customize the final results of your loaded video.
Press Start to begin the upscaling process and edit the video file for enlarged results in a few seconds.
Open source video upscalers and AI video upscaling open source solutions provide accessible, customizable methods to enhance and enlarge videos. For advanced users, they offer deep control, while beginners may face a learning curve.
For seamless experience combining upscaling and AI video enhancement, tools like UniFab Video Upscaler AI deliver faster, more reliable results.
Open-source upscaler can be effective but may require more technical knowledge to use. Paid software is typically more polished and user-friendly, while open-source tools offer more customization options.
The best open-source AI video enhancer is VapourSynth with the NNEDI3 or Anime4K plugin, offering powerful AI-driven upscaling and video enhancement capabilities.
UniFab Video Upscaler AI offers a 30-day free trial without watermark. For more free options, check out this article on the best free video upscaler.
Open-source upscalers are usually safe, but it's essential to download them from trusted sources like GitHub to avoid security risks.
Most open-source AI video upscalers are cross-platform, meaning they can run on multiple operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, some tools may have limited support or might require specific dependencies or environments, so it's important to check the compatibility of the software before installation.