Best Anime Upscaler [2026]: Top AI Tools to Enhance Anime Quality
- Updated on 2026-01-27
- 932
Table Of Content
Why I Started Looking for the Best Anime Upscaler
I've been an anime fan for years, and I’m also extremely picky about image quality. Everything was fine back when I watched anime on smaller screens. But once I switched to a 4K monitor, going back to older 480p or 720p anime became painful. Lines looked soft, colors felt washed out, and even subtitles appeared slightly blurry. That was when I realized the problem wasn’t the anime itself — it was the resolution.
Since then, I've tested a wide range of tools, from traditional filters to modern AI anime upscalers. This article is based entirely on my hands-on experience with different anime upscaler tools, focusing on what actually makes anime look clearer and more comfortable to watch.
If you've ever felt that anime looks “off” on a big screen, you're probably searching for the best anime upscaler too.
Why You Need an Anime Upscaler
Anime is very different from live-action video.
Most anime relies heavily on clean line art, flat color areas, and subtle hand-drawn details. When low-resolution anime is stretched on modern displays, common problems appear:
- Blurry or broken outlines
- Color banding and smudging
- Loss of background detail
A proper anime video upscaler is designed to handle these characteristics. Simply increasing resolution with generic video tools usually makes anime look worse, not better.
That's why dedicated anime upscaler software exists — especially AI-based ones trained specifically on anime frames.
How an AI Anime Upscaler Works
An AI anime upscaler doesn’t just “resize” the image.
From my testing, what good AI models actually do is:
- Identify line art separately from flat colors
- Predict how thin lines should look at higher resolutions
- Restore missing details instead of sharpening everything blindly
This is why a well-trained ai anime upscaler can make old anime feel closer to a Blu-ray remaster, while a regular upscaler often introduces harsh edges or artifacts.
Best Anime Upscaler Tools I've Personally Tested (2026)
Here's a quick comparison table to help you decide:
| Tool | Platforms | Max Output | AI Model | Best For |
| UniFab Video Upscaler AI | Windows, Mac | Up to 16K | Four AI models, including the Kairo model specifically designed for animated content | Collectors & Editors |
| Waifu2x | Online (Web) | Up to 4K | Deep CNN | Casual Users |
| ESRGAN | Windows | Flexible (custom models) | GAN-based | Developers |
| Video2x | Windows, Mac, Linux | Up to 4K | Multi-engine (Waifu2x, Anime4K) | Users who want flexibility |
| Anime4K | Windows, Mac, Linux | Real-time (1080p–4K) | Non-AI | Fans wanting speed & lightweight solution |
4 Best AI Anime Upscaler Tools (Based on Real Use)
Below, we've rounded up 4 of the best AI-powered anime upscaler tools available for Windows, Mac, and even online. Whether you're looking for desktop performance or browser-based convenience, these tools can help you breathe new life into your favorite anime scenes.
1. UniFab Video Upscaler AI – The One I Use Most for Full Episodes
Best for: Anime collectors, editors, and fans who want top-tier video quality with minimal effort.
Platforms: Windows & macOS
UniFab Video Upscaler AI is a professional-grade AI-powered anime upscaler that transforms standard-definition anime into ultra-clear 4K, 8K, or even 16K quality. Its dedicated Kairo Model handles line clarity and color consistency extremely well. From my experience, it avoids the “over-processed” look that some AI anime upscalers produce.
I usually choose UniFab when:
- Upscaling older anime series
- Preparing higher-quality personal archives
- I want stable results without manual tweaking
For me, this is the most reliable best anime upscaler option for serious anime fans.
Best AI-Powered Anime Upscaler
- Upscale and enhance anime video with one click
- Professional Kairo model tailored for anime-style content
- Retains original anime style while enhancing detail and color
- 30-day free trial with full features, no watermark!
UniFab Video Upscaler AI
My Experience on This Anime Upscaler
After extensive testing, UniFab Video Upscaler AI proved to be the best anime upscaler in 2026. With its dedicated Kairo Model, it delivers sharp lines, vibrant colors, and outstanding detail restoration, making every scene look crisp, authentic, and true to the original art style.
2. Waifu2x – Quick Online Upscaling for Small Tasks
Best For: Casual users who want to quickly upscale anime without installing software.
Platforms: Web-based
Waifu2x is a free online anime open source video upscaler and noise reduction tool for anime-style art and various photo types.Users can effortlessly upload their images to the official website and select upscaling options of up to 4x. Powered by deep convolutional neural networks, it enhances and enlarges anime photos effectively and offers customizable noise reduction levels.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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You can choose among nineteen supported languages while using this tool.
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Users can upscale both photos and artwork using Waifu2x.
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It is possible to select the output image format between PNG & WebP.
Cons
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You need to possess some technical skills to use this tool.
My Experience on This Anime Upscaler
Waifu2x is a capable AI anime upscaler for enhancing anime images and artwork with clear, detailed results. It offers multilingual support and flexible output options, but its interface and setup can feel technical for beginners. Best suited for users with some experience who want reliable, high-quality online upscaling.
3. ESRGAN – Powerful, But Not for Everyone
Best For: Developers and advanced users who want full control over anime video upscaling.
Platforms: Windows
ESRGAN is a cutting-edge AI-based anime upscaler renowned for producing highly detailed and sharp anime videos. Harnessing the capabilities of generative adversarial networks elevates resolution while preserving the essence of anime art styles. ESRGAN eliminates low-resolution artifacts, strengthens lines, and enhances colors, ensuring exceptional visual quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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It generates incredibly sharp and detailed videos.
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Compatible with a variety of anime art styles.
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Users can customize the settings for better results.
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Banks on AI algorithms to deliver superb results.
Cons
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The processing time is longer compared to peer anime upscaler tools.
My Experience on This Anime Upscaler
For developers and advanced users, ESRGAN remains one of the most flexible AI anime upscalers. It offers unmatched control and customization for those willing to fine-tune models and prioritize maximum detail and accuracy.
4. Video2X – Flexible and Customizable
Best For: Users who want flexibility and engine options in one package.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Ubuntu
Video2x is a user-friendly anime upscaler that merges the capabilities of various upscaling engines like Waifu2x and Anime4K. It features an intuitive interface for effortless anime video upscaling with customization options for refining results. Written in Python, Video2X can enhance resolution and frame rate with state-of-the-art algorithms.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Intuitive interface designed for effortless upscaling, 1080p to 4K.
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It offers a range of upscaling engines, such as Waifu2x and Anime4K.
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Batch processing capability to handle multiple videos concurrently.
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Adjustable settings for precise customization of output.
Cons
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It may lack some advanced features found in dedicated upscaling software
My Experience on This Anime Upscaler
Video2x is an excellent open-source anime video upscaler that combines multiple AI engines for balanced performance. It’s ideal for users who want flexibility, control, and solid quality across different anime styles.
1 Best Anime Upscaler (Non-AI Powered)
While AI-powered anime upscaler tools offer stunning visual upgrades, they may not be ideal for everyone due to system requirements or processing time. If you prefer a lightweight, fast, and non-AI solution, the following anime upscaler might be a better fit.
1. Anime4k – Lightweight, Real-Time Option
Best For: Real-time anime upscaling with minimal system impact.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac & Linux
Anime4K is a lightweight and efficient anime upscaler designed specifically for anime videos, using a blend of algorithms to enhance resolution while preserving details and the authentic anime appearance. It's an open-source set of high-quality, real-time upscaling and denoising algorithms that can be integrated into any programming language. Anime4K prioritizes simplicity and speed, advocating for original content preservation and freedom of choice for anime fans. It offers various settings and parameters and supports multiple formats, making it an ideal choice for anime enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Lightweight tool that will not weigh down your system while delivering super fast processing.
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Delivers optimal results in upscaling anime videos by using a combination of algorithms.
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The software is bug-free & doesn't crash while operating.
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Compatible with most codecs & formats.
Cons
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You need to possess technical know-how for launching & configuring this program.
My Experience on This Anime Upscaler
Anime4K is the best lightweight anime upscaler for real-time playback. While it lacks deep learning precision, its speed and efficiency make it perfect for anime fans who want smoother visuals on-the-fly without heavy processing.
How I Personally Choose the Right Anime Upscaler
Not every anime upscaler is designed for the same audience. Your choice depends on your budget, technical skills, and desired output quality. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick the best anime upscaler for your needs:
1. Collectors & Editors – Go for UniFab
If you want to restore old anime series or edit high-quality AMVs, UniFab Video Upscaler AI is the most reliable choice.
- Offers the best detail recovery and color restoration.
- Handles full-length episodes or movies with batch processing.
- Ideal for anyone seeking professional results without technical hassle.
2. Developers & Advanced Users – ESRGAN
If you want full control over the upscaling process, ESRGAN is the way to go.
- Customizable AI models for different anime styles.
- Produces incredibly sharp details when fine-tuned.
- Requires technical skills and patience, as processing can be slow.
3. Fans Who Want Speed – Anime4K
For viewers who just want to watch anime in real-time at higher quality, Anime4K is perfect.
- Lightweight, fast, and works directly in media players like VLC.
- Doesn’t require a powerful GPU.
- Best for real-time playback, though it won’t match the detail recovery of AI upscalers.
Conclusion
With anime's global popularity skyrocketing, fans always look for ways to enhance their viewing experience. If you're eager to take your anime-watching to the next level by upscaling your favorite movies to crystal-clear resolutions, you've landed in the perfect spot. Discover our range of anime upscaler software to enjoy your cherished shows in stunning ultra-high quality. While each tool listed above offers exceptional results, UniFab's Video Enhancer is the clear winner. It balances power, ease of use, and quality, making it the go-to solution for anime enthusiasts.
FAQs about Best Anime Upscaler
What is the best anime upscaler?
One of the best anime upscalers available is UniFab Video Upscaler, which uses advanced AI to upscale anime to 4K or higher resolution while preserving fine details, vibrant colors, and line clarity. It's especially effective for old or low-resolution anime, making them look sharp and cinematic without introducing artifacts or distortion.
What is the best AI anime upscaler free online?
If you’re looking for an AI anime upscaler free online for videos, Video2X is a great option. It’s an open-source tool that uses engines like Waifu2x and Anime4K to upscale anime by splitting videos into frames, enhancing each frame, and then recombining them. While it can be slow and requires some setup, it’s completely free and ideal for anyone who wants to try AI-powered anime upscaler without paying for premium software.
What are the advantages of using an AI anime upscaler?
An AI anime video upscaler offers hassle-free usage and quick results without the need for any editing skills. It efficiently upscales your anime videos in seconds or minutes!
What is the best video enhancer for anime?
If you're looking for an anime enhancer that delivers sharp details and vibrant visuals, I highly recommend UniFab Video Enhancer AI. It offers specialized Anime Optimized model tailored for anime, upscaling resolution, enhaning details, and restoring original clarity—all without compromising the unique art style.