How to Convert Black and White Video to Color: Online Free Tools vs. AI Software (2026 Guide)
- Updated on 2026-02-12
- 516
Table Of Content
I found an old black and white 1963 family clip — 42 seconds long, restored from VHS — and decided to convert the black and white video to color. Like most people, I searched for a “colorize video online free” tool and assumed it would take 30 seconds. It didn’t. One tool silently reduced my 1080p footage to 576p. Another added a watermark. A third made every face look slightly orange and plastic. That’s when I stopped guessing and started properly testing how to convert black and white video to color — comparing online free tools and desktop AI software under the same controlled setup.
In this guide, I’ll share my honest results. I’ll show you the reality of tools that claim to colorize video online free, and why I eventually settled on a dedicated AI solution for the videos that actually mattered.
How I Tested Black and White Video to Color Tools
To fairly compare how different tools convert black and white video to color, I used the exact same test clip every time:
- 11-second, 5.6 MB MPEG-4 file
- Resolution: 1440 × 1080
- Original black-and-white footage
- Includes both facial close-ups and motion scenes
My testing environment:
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics
- 32GB RAM
- Stable fiber internet connection (for online tools)
I evaluated each tool using the same standards:
- Whether the output resolution was preserved
- Whether bitrate was reduced
- Processing time (upload + rendering)
- Presence of watermark
- Skin tone realism
- Color stability across motion and scene transitions
I didn’t judge results based on thumbnails. After each tool turned the black and white video into color, I reviewed the output in full playback and frame-by-frame to check for flickering or compression artifacts.
Only then did I decide whether a tool truly converts black and white video to color without compromising quality.
4 Tools to Colorize Black and White Video Online Free
I tested four of the most frequently mentioned platforms that claim to colorize black and white video online free. Each one processed the exact same 11-second, 1440×1080 MPEG-4 clip under identical conditions.
Here’s what actually happened.
Kolorize.cc – Quick but Limited
Kolorize.cc is a web-based AI tool that claims to convert black and white video to color online free. It runs entirely in the browser, so there’s no software installation required. The platform focuses on simplicity — upload a video, let the AI process it, and download the colorized result.
How It Performed in My Black and White Video to Color Test
To evaluate how well Kolorize.cc can colorize black and white video online free, I uploaded the same test file used across all tools:
- 11-second MPEG-4 file
- 5.6 MB
- 1440 × 1080 resolution
- Includes facial close-ups and motion scenes
Here’s how the whole ordeal went. Upload took about 12 seconds. Processing took roughly 40 seconds. One thing I noticed immediately: there was no real-time preview. I had to download the processed file before seeing the final result.
The performance was actually poor. Though it produced colored results, there was nothing beyond colorization. The frames had visible distortions and noise with jitters. And When I checked the exported file properties, the resolution had been reduced to 768 × 576. That’s a significant drop from the original 1440 × 1080.
Pros & Cons of Kolorize.cc
Pros
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The download link expires automatically in 3 days.
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Offers a free version to preview the colored result and download it to share with others.
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Displays the complete information of the source video content.
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Allows you to access previously colorized videos with a single click.
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Works on all video types, be it historical documentaries, classic films, or cultural heritage videos.
Cons
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The downloaded colorized result has a ‘Kolorize Sample’ watermark.
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Lengthy processing time for longer-duration videos.
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Requires purchasing credits to download the full video in 4K quality.
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Does not process or color multiple videos at once.
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Cannot play or trim and crop the video parts manually.
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Does not deliver promised results (said 768 x 768 but generated 768 x 576 resolution).
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Uses an expensive credit-based pricing that can surpass your budget to colorize multiple videos.
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Works only with an active/stable internet connection to operate smoothly across all platforms and devices.
My Overall Take
Kolorize.cc can turn black and white video into color online free, but in my testing, it prioritizes accessibility over quality preservation. If you just want to preview how an old clip might look in color, it’s convenient. If you want to preserve original resolution and fine detail, the compromises become noticeable.
HDconvert – Flexible but Average Results
HDconvert lets you turn black and white video into color online free with AI-powered precision. This web-based tool makes it easy to bring old footage back to life in vibrant color, all without software downloads. Just upload your video, choose your settings, and watch as HDconvert restores your grayscale clips with stunning clarity and natural hues.
How It Performed in My Black and White Video to Color Test
Next, I tested the speed and performance of HDconvert's free version. I took the same black and white full HD video. The upload speed was quick enough, taking less than a second to complete. Considering the processing time, it can vary for different users depending on the extent of manual adjustments. Still, it took over 30 seconds to generate the colorized results.
However, considering the tool's performance, HDconvert stood below average. Undoubtedly, the video clip was colorized. But the colors lacked a modern appeal. Instead, it blended warm and cool colors, displaying the tints of orange, blue, and yellow in each frame.
Pros & Cons of HDconvert
Pros
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Fast, convenient browser-based use.
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No installation needed.
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Affordable short-term plans.
Cons
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Colors may look dull or grayish.
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Limited accuracy in complex scenes.
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File size restrictions.
My Overall Take
HDconvert can technically turn black and white video into color online free. However, based on my test, the result leaned more toward “quick preview” quality rather than refined restoration.
Ai4video.co – Popular but Inconsistent
Many users opt for ai4video.co to turn black and white video into color online free. It saves users from the hassle of a formal software download by enabling them to perform operations in the cloud. The safe and convenient colorization tool requires no software or plug-ins. So, it is a reliable colorize video online tool for those without video editing experience. While the colorization process is straightforward, the end results may not meet your expectations.
How It Performed in My Black and White Video to Color Test
I took the same video as earlier to assess the speed and performance of this online tool. Surprisingly, the upload speed was quick, taking less than a second. However, I had to wait for approximately 60 seconds for the processing to complete. That was quite long considering the video’s length. Thereafter, it took an additional 15 to 18 seconds to download the colorized video clip.
Overall, the performance was satisfactory. Much better than other tools that colorize black and white video online free. The visual quality suffered due to imbalanced saturation and lighting. Even the colors weren’t accurate. They displayed an orange tone throughout the clip.
Pros & Cons of Ai4video.co
Pros
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Supports several formats, such as MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI, and GIF formats.
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Offers several output parameters to get a tailored output.
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Displays the preview before downloading.
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No watermarks on the colorized output.
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Does not alter the resolution or cut the video on its own.
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Displays all the earlier tasks (from the last 7 days).
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Does not require video editing skills to colorize the videos.
Cons
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Colorization can’t proceed without signing up and receiving credits.
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Restricts the maximum file size to 2GB.
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The free version offers only 20 credits.
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Lengthy processing time, took approximately 60 seconds to generate an 11-second colorized video.
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Lacks advanced AI technology, requiring manual effort and intervention.
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Requires a stable internet connection to colorize black and white video online free.
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The output quality does not match the quality of specialized software.
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Struggles with handling complex video scenes and intricate details effectively.
My Overall Take
Among the online tools I tested, Ai4video.co felt more stable than most. If your goal is to colorize video online free while keeping original resolution, this platform performs better than many browser-based alternatives. However, based on my test clip, color realism and tonal balance still fell slightly short when compared to desktop AI processing.
editingtools.io – Slow but Watermark-Free
editingtools.io is a reliable way to colorize video using cutting-edge AI technology online. It helps reimagine the past. And turn black and white videos into color, bringing back the video elements to life. However, it may lacks a user-friendly interface, and it is not a tool that can AI colorize video online free. Moreover, you may need to wait several hours to view the output, as the processing is pretty slow.
How It Performed in My Black and White Video to Color Test
Lastly, I had the opportunity to test editingtools.io. As it offers only 8 free credits, I took the same video and trimmed it to a 6-second length, resulting in a file size of 2.3 MB. It took approximately 6 to 8 seconds to upload the clip into the interface.
To render a standard resolution, it takes 6 AI credits, and 12 AI credits to render high resolution quality, with an estimated time of approximately 5 minutes. Selecting the standard resolution quality, the processing time took nearly 2.5 minutes. That was too long, considering it was only a 5-second clip. Considering the performance, editingtools.io did fairly well to colorize video online. The best part was that the output did not have any watermark.
Pros & Cons of editingtools.io
Pros
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Supports video formats of MOV, MP4, MPEG, AVI, WMA, M4A, and MXF.
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Drag and drop functionality to select the desired black and white video file to colorize.
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Offers bulk video processing.
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The colorized output does not have a watermark.
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Besides video colorization, editing.io offers other tools for photo customization and audio editing.
Cons
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Only colorize real photos and film footage, doesn't work with videos of drawings and animations.
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Limits the video file size to 2GB and a 20-minute input file upload size.
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Requires signing up and creating an account to proceed with colorization.
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Very expensive subscription fee, and the pricing lacks transparency, as you're required to contact the company for a customized quote.
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Lengthy processing time (took 2.5 minutes to process a 5-second clip).
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No preview available before downloading the final result.
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The colored quality is nowhere near pro-grade software.
My Overall Take
editingtools.io can turn black and white video into color without watermarking the output, which is rare among online platforms. In my test, it preserved resolution and produced reasonably natural tones. However, slow processing speed and credit-based limits make it less practical for longer videos. If your priority is watermark-free output and you don’t mind waiting, it’s a usable option. If speed and scalability matter, limitations become more noticeable.
Limitations of "Colorize Video Online Free" Solutions
After testing several platforms that claim to colorize video online free, my conclusion is simple:
They work — but with compromises. Every tool I tested could convert black and white video to color. For short previews or casual experiments, the results were acceptable.
However, I consistently noticed one or more of the following:
- Resolution reduction
- Bitrate compression
- Minor color shifts during motion
- Credit or watermark limitations
At normal playback speed, the differences aren’t dramatic. But when I compared files closely or reviewed them frame by frame, quality trade-offs became clear.
- If you just want to experiment, online tools are convenient.
- If you want to preserve original detail and stability, limitations start to show.
3 Desktop Tools Deliver Better Black and White to Color Video Results
After testing several ways to convert black and white video to color online free, I ran the same 11-second 1440 × 1080 clip through desktop AI colorize video software on my RTX 4070 setup.
The difference was clear.
- Desktop tools preserved the original resolution and bitrate, while most online platforms reduced one or both.
- Motion scenes also looked more stable — fewer subtle color shifts during walking sequences.
- Processing was faster as well. The clip rendered locally in under 20 seconds, without upload delays.
Desktop AI isn’t as convenient as a browser tool. But in my test, when the goal was to convert black and white video to color without sacrificing detail or stability, desktop processing delivered more consistent results.
UniFab Video Colorizer AI [Editor's Choice]
UniFab AI Video Colorizer provides one of the most advanced solutions to turn black and white video into color with ease. Its Multi-Scene Colorization Mode automatically detects scene changes and applies the most suitable reference frame, ensuring smooth, consistent, and natural results.With four customizable color styles and a fully automatic workflow, UniFab delivers high-quality results quickly and easily.
- Supported Platforms: Windows & macOS
- Price: $104.99 (Lifetime)
For more details about UniFab Video Colorizer AI, watch this YouTube video:
Key Features of UniFab Video Colorizer
- Automatically add realistic, uniform colors to old black-and-white videos.
- Offers 4 unique color styles to fit different creative needs.
- Multi-Scene detection ensures smooth transitions without flickering.
- Preview multiple results before applying to the full video.
How Well It Works on Black and White Video to Color?
From the image below, you can see how UniFab's AI uses advanced deep learning to add realistic color to black and white videos, boosting vibrancy and detail. It delivers accurate, consistent colors throughout and offers several style options to match different preferences.
Pros & Cons of UniFab
Pros
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High-quality, lifelike results.
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Multi-Scene Colorization avoids flickering.
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Easy to use, even for beginners.
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Flexible color styles for different projects.
Cons
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Requires installation.
My Overall Take
UniFab offers the best balance of quality, speed, and customization. It’s the ideal choice if you want professional-level results without complex editing.
UniFab Video Colorizer AI
- One-Click Colorization for Black and White Videos
- Multi-Scene Video Colorization with Four Color Styles
- 30-day free trial with no watermark or limitations
Video Colorizer AI
HitPaw Video Enhancer
HitPaw Video Enhancer is another popular tool to convert black and white video to color. With its built-in Colorize Model, you can bring old footage back to life in just one click, making it an excellent choice for beginners who value simplicity.
- Supported Platforms: Windows & macOS
- Price: $349.99 (Lifetime)
How Well It Works on Black and White to Color Video?
HitPaw’s colorization feature enhances black-and-white videos by adding color. However, the results may still lack vibrancy and accuracy, with some details appearing blurry and reducing overall sharpness. In complex scenes, the colorization process can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to unnatural or distorted colors.
Pros & Cons of HitPaw
Pros
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Extremely easy to use, no learning curve.
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One-click operation saves time.
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Works on both Windows and macOS.
Cons
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Higher price compared to alternatives.
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Colors may look less vibrant in complex scenes.
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Some details may appear blurry.
My Overall Take
HitPaw is best suited for beginners who want a quick way to turn black and white video into color without dealing with too many settings. However, professionals may find the results less refined compared to UniFab.
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is another strong option to turn black and white video into color. Unlike simpler tools, it offers two different AI models—Bright and Soft—giving users more flexibility depending on whether they prefer vivid or natural results.
- Supported Platforms: Windows & macOS
- Price: $299.90 (Lifetime)
How Well It Works on Black and White Video to Color?
Its Soft model struggles with natural skin tones, making faces look overly saturated and unnatural. Color distribution is uneven, with noticeable blending issues. Facial details appear blurred, and the high saturation creates a disconnect between the subject and background. While it adds color, the results lack realism and refinement.
Pros & Cons of AVCLabs
Pros
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Offers two AI models for different looks.
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Flexible customization for advanced users.
Cons
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Skin tones can appear oversaturated.
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Color distribution may be uneven.
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Faces may look blurry in some cases.
My Overall Take
Verdict: AVCLabs is best for users who want control and flexibility over the colorization process. While it provides more options than HitPaw, the results are not as consistently natural as UniFab.
For desktop users, UniFab provides the most consistent results, while HitPaw is great for beginners, and AVCLabs offers flexible modes. Depending on your needs, each tool can help you convert black and white video to color.
Step-by-Step: How to Convert Black and White Video to Color
30-day free trial for full feature, without watermark!
Import B&W Video
Open UniFab and choose "Video Colorizer AI" module. Import black-and-white films by clicking or dragging them in.
Capture and Generate
Click "Capture", drag the video progress bar to pick a reference frame. Use it to test 4 color styles. Click "Generate", UniFab will auto - create 4 styles for the frame. Then choose your favorite one.
Start to Colorize
Once you select the style, adjust the output parameters of the video and click on the “Start” option at the right below. The entire video will be colored according to your selected coloring style.
Comparison Table: Online vs Desktop Colorization Tools
After testing both online and desktop solutions to convert black and white video to color, here’s the side-by-side summary based on my actual results:
| Category | Online Tools | Desktop AI Tools |
| Resolution | Often reduced | Preserved |
| Bitrate | Frequently compressed | Maintained closer to source |
| Processing Speed | Server-dependent | GPU-accelerated |
| Motion Stability | Minor flicker in some cases | More consistent |
| Long Video Handling | Credit-based limits | No length limits (hardware dependent) |
| Convenience | No installation required | Requires setup |
Conclusion
After testing the same footage across both desktop software and online AI colorizers, the results were clear. Online tools are fast and accessible, but they often lack consistency and depth. Desktop programs offer better control and stability — yet not all perform equally well.
Among them, UniFab Video Colorizer AI delivered the most accurate colors, natural tones, and smooth transitions, outperforming every other tool we tested.
FAQs about Black and White to Color Video
How can I colorize a video for free?
You can colorize a video online free by using AI-powered tools that automatically add color to black-and-white footage. Many platforms offer free services where you upload your video, and the system processes and colorizes it without any cost or technical skills required.
How to colorize a video online?
To colorize a video online, simply find websites that provide colorize video online services. These websites use advanced AI algorithms to analyze black-and-white videos and turn them into color automatically, making the process quick and user-friendly.
How to change a video from black-and-white to color online free?
If you want to convert black and white video to color online free, you can use specialized online tools that offer ai colorize video online free features. They enable you to turn black and white video into color online free, restoring old videos with vibrant, realistic colors easily.
How do I add color to old black and white films?
You can use AI-powered tools such as UniFab for film colorization. Simply upload your video, choose the colorization option, and let the AI automatically add color to black and white video.
Can I turn black and white video into color without professional editing skills?
Yes. AI tools are designed to handle the complex parts for you, so anyone can turn black and white video into color in a few simple steps.
How to make a video fade from black-and-white to color?
To make a video fade from black-and-white to color, place the same clip on two tracks in your video editor—apply a black-and-white filter to the top track and keep the bottom track in color—then add a fade-out effect to the top track so the black-and-white gradually disappears while the color version fades in, creating a smooth transition.