4 Best Open Source Video Upscalers in 2025 [AI & Non-AI Solutions]
- Last updated on 2025-03-27
Table Of Content
Introduction
Looking for a free open-source AI video upscaler to enhance your old videos? In 2025, open-source video upscaling has evolved, offering both AI-powered and traditional methods for improving video quality.
Whether you're restoring old movies, upscaling anime, or enhancing personal footage, this guide will introduce you to the 4 best open-source video upscalers that can help you achieve stunning results—without spending a dime!
What is an Open Source Video Upscaler?
Open-source video upscaler refers to the use of freely available software and algorithms to enhance video resolution. Unlike proprietary solutions, open-source tools provide access to their source code, allowing developers to modify and customize the upscaling process according to their needs. This transparency and flexibility enables both developers and users to experiment, optimize, and adapt upscaling methods for various applications, from restoring old footage to improving modern digital content.
What is an Open Source AI Video Upscaler?
There are two main types of open-source video upscaling solutions:
- AI-Powered Open Source Upscaler: Examples include ESRGAN and Waifu2X.
- Non-AI Open Source Video Upscaler: Such as Anime4K.
An open-source AI video upscaler is a tool that utilizes artificial intelligence to increase the resolution of low-quality videos. Unlike traditional upscaling, which relies on basic interpolation, AI-powered upscalers analyze and reconstruct missing details, producing sharper and clearer images.
Key Benefits of Open Source AI Video Upscaler
✔ Free to use and customizable
✔ AI-powered models provide better results than traditional upscaling
✔ Ideal for enhancing old movies, anime, and low-resolution footage
Choosing between AI vs. non-AI open-source video upscaler depends on your needs—AI models provide superior detail recovery, while traditional methods offer speed and efficiency.
Comparison Table of the 4 Best Open Source Video Upscalers
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 & ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Best for | General video upscaling | Anime & cartoon upscaling | High-quality realistic video upscaling | Fast real-time upscaling |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS, 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 (requires some setup) | Easy (simple web or app interface) | Moderate (requires setup and configuration) | Easy (real-time processing, minimal setup) |
| Technology | Uses various algorithms, GPU accelerated | Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) | Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) | Shader-based, no AI, real-time |
Open Source Video Upscaler (Supports Both AI & non-AI)
1. Video2X – Most Versatile Open Source Video Upscaler
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.
🔹 Type: Hybrid (Supports AI & non-AI models)
🔹 Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
🔹 Best for: A flexible solution that integrates multiple upscaling models
✅ Key Features:
- Multi-model Support: Choose from various AI and non-AI models to balance performance and quality.
- Batch Processing: Process multiple videos or images simultaneously.
- GPU Acceleration: Leverages NVIDIA CUDA and AMD OpenCL for faster processing.
- Highly Customizable: Allows users to tweak resolution, frame rates, and other parameters for tailored results.
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.
Open Source AI Video Upscaler (AI-powered)
2. Waifu2x – Best for Anime Video Upscaling
Waifu2x is an open-source video upscaling tool 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.
🔹 Type: AI-based (CNN model)
🔹 Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
🔹 Best for: This is a best anime upscaler for anime and cartoon video enhancement
✅ Key Features:
- Noise Reduction: Effectively removes noise while preserving details.
- Upscaling: Increases resolution up to 2x without significant quality degradation.
- Web-Based and Local Versions: Available as an online tool and desktop application.
- Lightweight: Requires less computational power compared to other AI upscaling tools.
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.
3. ESRGAN – Best Open Source AI Upscaler for Realistic Content
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.
🔹 Type: AI-based (GAN model)
🔹 Platforms: Windows, Linux
🔹 Best for: High-quality video enhancement and restoration
✅ Key Features:
- High-Quality Upscaling: Produces detailed and realistic images even with significant enlargement.
- Advanced Neural Network: Uses GANs for superior texture and detail reconstruction.
- Flexible Applications: Works on various types of images, from cartoons to real-world photos.
- Custom Model Support: Users can train or use pre-trained models for specific needs.
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.
Open Source Video Upscaler (Non-AI)
4. Anime4K – Fastest Non-AI Open Source Video Upscaler
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.
🔹 Type: Non-AI (Shader-based)
🔹 Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
🔹 Best for: Real-time upscaling with low system requirements
✅ Key Features:
- Real-Time Upscaling: Processes videos on-the-fly with minimal latency.
- Optimized for Anime: Designed to enhance the unique art styles and line work of anime content.
- Low Hardware Requirements: Runs efficiently on most devices, even without high-end GPUs.
- Easy Integration: Works seamlessly with popular media players.
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.
Pros & Cons of Open Source Video Upscaler
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.
Pros of Open Source Video Upscaling
- Free to Use: Open source video upscalers are typically free, making them accessible to anyone.
- Customizable: Users can modify the source code to tailor the tool to their specific needs.
- Community Support: Open-source upscaler often have active communities, offering shared knowledge and custom improvements.
- Transparency: With open code, users can verify and understand the algorithms behind the tool.
- Innovation: Open source AI upscaler encourages innovation, allowing developers to create new features or improve existing ones.
Cons of Open Source Video Upscaling
- Limited Documentation: Open-source AI video enhancer may lack comprehensive user guides or official documentation.
- Technical Expertise Required: Setting up and using these tools can be challenging for non-technical users.
- Inconsistent Quality: Output quality may vary, and there may be fewer features compared to commercial alternatives.
- Lack of Support: Without paid support, users may struggle to resolve issues or troubleshoot.
- Maintenance and Updates: Updates and bug fixes depend on the community, which can be inconsistent.
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.
Best Alternative to Open Source AI Upscaler — UniFab Video Upscaler AI
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
- ✔ One-click AI upscaling to HD, 4K, 8K, and even 16K resolution
- ✔ 30-day free trial with no watermark or restrictions
- ✔ Intuitive, no-code interface for effortless enhancement
🔹 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.
Key Features:
- Al Autopilot: Recommend Al functions tailored to your video automatically.
- 16K Upscaling: Transform low-resolution videos to SD, HD, 4K, or 8K, 16K Ultra HD with enhanced detail and clarity.
- AI-Powered: Analyzes each frame using advanced AI algorithms to correct issues like noise, blurriness, and compression artifacts.
- Universal & Animation Models: Upscaling both general video content and animated videos, making it suitable for all types of video genres.
- GPU-Accelerated: 50x faster processing with GPU acceleration for quicker upscaling without compromising quality.
- Advanced Output Settings: Customize output settings for precise control over quality, resolution, codec, and more.
- Built-in Editing: Quickly trim and refine videos without needing external software.
- Batch Processing: Upscale multiple videos at once, saving time on large projects.
- 30-Day Free Trial: Experience all features with a watermark-free 30-day trial period.
How to Upscale Videos with UniFab Video Upscaler AI
30-day Free Trial with full feature access!
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.
Conclusion
Open-source video upscalers are cost-effective but can be slow and complex to use. However, if you need faster processing and better results, consider using UniFab AI Video Upscaler for seamless 4K/8K/16K upscaling. It's ideal for users who want professional upscaling with minimal effort and advanced editing features.
FAQs about Open Source AI Video Upscaling
How Does an open source upscaler compare to paid options?
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.
What is the best open source AI video enhancer?
The best open-source AI video enhancer is VapourSynth with the NNEDI3 or Anime4K plugin, offering powerful AI-driven upscaling and video enhancement capabilities.
Is there a free AI video upscaler?
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.
Is using an open-source video upscaler safe?
Open-source upscalers are usually safe, but it's essential to download them from trusted sources like GitHub to avoid security risks.
Can I use an open-source AI video upscaler on any platform?
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.