10 Best 1080p to 4K Upscalers of 2025 [Windows, Mac & Online]
- Last updated on 2025-03-11
Table Of Content
Why Upscale 1080p to 4K?
In recent years, 4K resolution has become the new standard for high-quality video. Upscaling 1080p to 4K can provide a significant visual boost, offering crisper details and a more immersive viewing experience, especially on large screens. But the question remains: can you upscale 1080p to 4K? The answer is yes, with the help of a 1080p to 4K upscaler, you can enhance your video quality and make it suitable for 4K displays.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of upscaling 1080p to 4K, the tools that can help you achieve this, and the best 4K upscalers for both Windows, Mac, and online solutions. If you're curious about how to upscale 1080p to 4K, you're in the right place!
What is Upscaling 1080p to 4K?
Upscaling 1080p to 4K is the process of increasing the resolution of a 1080p video to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels), which is four times the resolution of 1080p. This enhancement results in sharper, more detailed visuals, even if the original content was not filmed in 4K.
A 1080p upscaler uses advanced algorithms, including AI-based technology, to add extra pixels and detail where none originally existed. 1080p upscaled to 4K doesn't quite match the native 4K video quality, but it can significantly improve the viewing experience. Whether you’re using a 4K upscaler online or a desktop tool, the right software can make a noticeable difference.
Snapshot of 2 Best 4K Upscaler
Get a snapshot of the two best 1080p to 4K upscalers with their highlights and advanced functions.
| 1080 to 4K Video Upscaler | UniFab Video Upscaler AI | TensorPix |
| Best For | Maximum control on customization | Browser based access on any device |
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| Attractions |
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| Supported OS | Windows/ Mac | Web |
How to Upscale 1080p to 4K?
If you're wondering how to upscale 1080p to 4K, there are several methods available depending on your preferences and device. Here are the most common ways to achieve this:
Method 1. Desktop 1080p to 4K Upscalers (Windows & Mac)
Software like UniFab Video Upscaler for both Windows and Mac allows you to upscale 1080p to 4K locally without needing an internet connection. With these tools, you can achieve the best results by utilizing advanced algorithms that improve video quality while maintaining the original video's integrity. They often include AI features that make the upscaling process more accurate and efficient.
UniFab Video Upscaler AI
UniFab, powered by advanced AI technology, is the ultimate solution for high-quality video upscaling, supporting resolutions up to 4K, 8K, and even 16K. It features two models: Universal Model for general video upscaling and Animation Model tailored for animated content. UniFab intelligently analyzes videos to detect and repair common quality issues, including compression artifacts, detail loss, noise, excessive sharpening halos, jagged edges, and blurriness, ensuring a sharper, clearer, and more visually stunning output.
Supported OS: Windows & Mac
Price: 30-day Free Trial without watermark; 69.99/Year; Lifetime Plan $139.99
Universal Model
- Clarity and Details: Improves video clarity effectively and restores details.
- Colorization: The color contrast and saturation have been enhanced, bringing it closer to natural tones.
Animation Model
- Detail Restoration: After 4K enhancement, the textures of plants and wall details become clearer, especially with more even and natural colors on the bushes.
- Color Processing: The image colors are more vibrant, especially the green plants and cartoon characters. The increased saturation makes the scene look more lively and vivid.
- Edge Smoothing: The edges are smoother and sharper after enhancement, giving the overall image a cleaner look.
How to upscale 1080p to 4K with UniFab Upscaler AI
30-day Free Trial with full feature access!
Open UniFab on your Windows or Mac system, select the “Upscaler” mode, and load your desired 1080p or lower quality video file to the main interface.
Customize the output upscaled video with format, resolution, quality, codec, etc.
After completing the customization process, select the “Start” option to upscale the video from 1080p to 4K.
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI
AVCLab Video Enhancer AI is a very user-friendly option for upscale any video from 1080p to 4K resolution. Using this best 1080p to 4K upscaler, you can transform any SD video to 4K with multi-frame enhancement and super-resolution support. While offering colorization to any black-and-white video, it provides multiple video-enhancing functions such as frame interpolation, upscaling, enhancing, etc.
Supported OS: Windows & Mac
Price: Annual Plan $119.95
Pros
It uses an AI algorithm to enhance video quality using single or multi-frame enhancement option.
TV shows, anime, or homemade video, anything will become crisp & clear with naturalistic appeal.
Enhance video by removing noise, blur, and compression artifacts by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, color, etc.
You can explore motion effects with slow motion using the frame interpolation function.
Cons
Comparatively expensive software.
The video upscaling process is slow.
Topaz Video AI
In the 1080p to 4K converter list, Topaz Video AI will give cinematic satisfaction to any average-quality video while upscaling it up to 4K. It offers an ultra-sharp, smooth, and steady look to any upscaled video. This AI tool upscales any poor-resolution video automatically with natural effects. It offers dedicated models for adjusting frame rates and exploring slow motion without changing camera settings.
Supported OS: Windows & Mac
Price: $299
Pros
Upscale video by fixing compression artifacts.
It preserves video minute details by removing digital noise.
It supports various models to tackle blur, noise, haze, shake etc.
It offers instant & automatic face-recognition techniques.
Cons
It requires lots of power & resources from your system & makes your system slow.
Very limited features are available in a free trial.
Adobe Premiere Pro
To experience seamless video upscaling with AI automation, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most common 1080p to 4K converters. With extensive video editing, trimming, crafting, and other flexible functions, this tool will offer maximum customization in your video upscaling process. The advanced color correction and grading tool will make your canvas with curve control and frame adjustment.
Supported OS: Windows & Mac
Price: Annual Plan $263.88
Pros
Explore AI features with audio ducking, color matching, speech enhancing, etc.
Transcript auto-generation with text adding & clip trimming option.
Explore three-point editing with ripple, roll, slip, or slide.
Try hundreds of built-in transitions, video effects, stylish templates.
Cons
It requires a potent system for smooth operation.
The steep learning curve is not beginner-friendly.
VideoProc Converter AI
To follow the most hassle-free method of upscaling 1080p to 4K with maximum customization and flexibility, nothing would be better than the VideoProc Converter AI. It lets you explore 4K upscaling with Level 3-Acceleration. From video compression, editing, and recording to shake stabilization, sharpening, and denoising, this tool will give you an all-around video upscaling experience with various customizable functions.
Supported OS: Windows & Mac
Price: $25.95
Pros
It handles all types of videos with different quality, format & file size.
It offers 370 input & 420 output format.
Upscale 1080p or low-resolution video to 4K in batches.
Reduce file size of upscaled video with lossless compression.
Cons
It's difficult to add night mode, landscape, portrait, etc.
Very poor customer service.
Method 2. Online 4K Upscaler Tools
CapCut Online AI Video Upscaler
To search for the 1080p to 4K upscaler online, CapCut Online AI Video Upscaler is a great option. It upscales video to 4 K with sharpening, deblurring, etc. Using this free online tool, you can upscale video while maintaining its original details. While it offers web browser support for easy access on any device, it is also available in an app version.
Supported OS: Web
Price: Free
Pros
Add professional appeal to any upscaled video while removing blur.
This 1080p to 4K upscaler is all set to handle any video with various resolutions, contexts, formats, etc.
It gives new life to any historical footage.
It offers a smooth & seamless video upscaling experience with full automation.
Cons
The video enhancement quality is poor, unnatural, and has a strong artificial AI look.
Limited track-adding option.
Some features like removing background or body effect functions come with glitches.
HitPaw Online AI Video Upscaler
HitPaw Online AI Video Upscaler is a very easy-to-use 1080p to 4K upscaler online. From beginners to professionals, this tool is for everyone, including anime fans, social media users, film lovers, video creators, etc. It upscales any poor-quality, old, damaged video to 4K resolution while restoring its original details, data, and color. With the batch processing function, you can process multiple videos in batches.
Supported OS: Web
Price: Annual Price $ 179.99
Pros
AI-face model for automatic face detection & enhancement.
Remove background noise instantly & automatically.
Upscale any anime video to 4K with professional appeal.
Add color to any vintage, historic, or black-and-white video footage.
Cons
In the free version, you will get an upscaled video with a watermark.
Maximum advanced features are available in the paid version.
Media.io Online AI Video Upscaler
To explore maximum flexibility and customization in your video upscaling requirements, Media.io is a renowned 1080p to 4K converter with realistic appeal and professional perfection. With AI automation, you can upscale your video with a few clicks. Along with cross-platform online service, this tool has a dedicated desktop version.
Supported OS: Web
Price: Monthly Plan $17.99
Pros
This tool will add the missing details to your video footage while upscaling it.
It supports a zooming function for clear viewing of any part or object of your video.
It provides multiple file format support with MP4, MOV, AVI, etc.
You can select 2X or 4X options to control the video upscaling speed.
Cons
There is no dedicated video editing option.
Denoising, sharpening, shake stabilization, etc., are not supported.
TensorPix
Last but not least, TensorPix gives very tough competition to the top 1080p to 4K upscaler online. Without installation hassle, you can use this online on any device or platform to upscale any low video quality up to 4K. To use this AI-powered online upscaler, you don't need any technical skills or prior experience.
Supported OS: Web
Price: Premium Monthly Plan $27.00
Pros
Upscale video while fixing low resolution, compression artifacts, or blurry footage.
Upscale multiple videos in one go with batch upscaling on a smartphone or tablet.
It offers multiple AI filters such as decompressor, Film cleaner, deinterlacer, color restorer, etc.
Instant downloading after upscaling.
Cons
It won't let you edit video while upscaling.
It cannot handle very low-quality video footage.
Method 3. Open-Source 4K Upscaler
VLC Media Player
To know how to upscale 1080p to 4K, VLC Media Player is a very reputed option. Before sharing any average, grainy, or low-quality video with your friends or any social media platform, you must use this free, open-source video upscaler to upscale video to 4K. It supports multiple functions such as video quality editing, color customization, previewing, etc. VLC lets you increase cache size from 300 to 20,000 to enhance video quality.
Supported OS: Windows, Mac & Linux
Price: Free
Pros
This 1080p to 4K converter lets you lets you increase the number of threads to upscale video.
Try the Essential Effects filter to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, etc.
Video Effects filters to handle more complex settings with color adjustment, crop settings, etc.
Enhance video quality by adjusting output settings.
Cons
Some VLC supported format needs additional codecs to be appropriately installed to play.
Poor-quality video creates issues during playback.
How to Choose the Best 1080p to 4K Upscaler
Video upscaling is a process that converts video signals from one device's display resolution to another. The video resolution refers to the number of pixels present in a particular frame of your device's display. To match the video resolution with the display resolution, you need the video scalers to upscale the existing definition of video signals.
So, if you don't want to get into the complex technicality of the video upscaling process, you should select the best 1080p to 4K upscaler while following a few essential criteria:
- Try an AI-powered automatic tool: for a skill-free and hassle-free video upscaling experience.
- Must have multiple video editing functions: like cropping, splitting, etc, for best optimization of the video upscaling process.
- Various video quality adjustment settings: The support of sharpening, denoising, blur removal, shake stabilization, color correction, etc., will enhance video quality to another level.
- Various audio-video formats support: It must have maximum format support to ensure the accessibility and compatibility of upscaled video to multiple devices and platforms.
Conclusion
While 1080p upscaled to 4K doesn't quite match the native 4K quality, it can significantly improve the viewing experience, especially for content that wasn't originally filmed in 4K. If you're wondering whether upscaling 1080p to 4K is worth it, the answer depends on your needs and the tools you use. For casual viewers, 4K upscalers online might suffice. But for professional use, a desktop 1080p to 4K upscaler like UniFab AI video enhancer is recommended.
FAQs about 1080P to 4K Upscaler
Can a 1080p video be upscaled to 4K?
Yes, a 1080p video can be upscaled to 4K using a 1080p to 4K upscaler, which enhances the resolution by adding extra pixels. AI-based 4K upscalers provide the best results by improving sharpness and detail.
Does 1080p upscaled to 4K look good?
1080p upscaled to 4K can look significantly better than the original, especially when using an AI-powered 4K upscaler. However, while the quality improves, it may not be as sharp as native 4K content.
Is it worth upscaling 1080p to 4K?
Upscaling 1080p to 4K is worth it if you want a better viewing experience on 4K screens. AI-powered 1080p upscalers can enhance video clarity, making it ideal for old videos, movies, or streaming content.
What is the best 4K video upscaler?
The best 4K upscaler depends on your needs. AI-based software like UniFab Video Upscaler offers high-quality video to 4K conversion, while 4K upscaler online tools provide quick and easy upscaling without installation.