New Resource

5 Best Video Sharpeners (2025): How to Sharpen Video on Any Device

Unlock crystal-clear videos—discover the top 5 AI video sharpeners for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android & web. See effect comparisons, step-by-step tutorials & expert picks for any blurry footage.
Sharpen Video Quality to Achieve Clearer Frames

If you shoot videos using a smartphone, you may often encounter blurry results. This can be attributed to low-quality lenses, incorrect angles, or camera shakes. If you're not ready to invest in costly recording equipment, then a specialized tool to sharpen video quality can be an ideal solution.

Today, we'll explore how to sharpen low quality video using a blend of online & offline tools, which can be compatible with Android, iPhone, & computer. 

Why Should You Sharpen Video?

Video sharpening is an essential technique for improving the clarity and detail of your footage. Whether you want to remove blur from video, restoring old footage, or making professional edits, sharpening can make a significant difference. Here are the key reasons why you should sharpen a video:

  • Improve Video Clarity
    Blurry or soft-focus videos can look unprofessional and lack impact. By sharpening your video, you enhance the edges and fine details, making the footage appear more defined and visually appealing.
  • Enhance Low-Resolution Videos
    If you're working with low-resolution videos, sharpening can help bring out more detail, making them look closer to HD quality. This is especially useful for older videos or clips recorded on low-quality cameras.
  • Restore Old or Damaged Footage
    Old recordings, whether from VHS tapes or early digital cameras, often suffer from blurriness and loss of detail. Video sharpening tools can help restore these videos, improving their overall appearance without degrading quality.
  • Make Professional-Quality Edits
    For content creators, filmmakers, and video editors, sharpening is a crucial step in post-production. It helps refine the final output, ensuring that the video meets professional standards before publishing.
  • Improve Readability in Text & Graphics
    If your video contains text overlays, subtitles, or graphical elements, sharpening ensures they remain crisp and easy to read, preventing a blurry or faded look.
  • Optimize Videos for Social Media & Streaming
    Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram compress videos, which can reduce sharpness and quality. Pre-sharpening your video before uploading helps maintain visual integrity even after compression.

💡 Key takeaway

  • Sharpening is the easiest way to "level up" your existing footage—often with one click.

Quick Comparison: Best Video Sharpeners (2025)

Below is a fast-glance table comparing top video sharpening tools (PC, Mac, web & mobile):

ToolTypePlatformFree PlanBest ForStrengthsLimitations
UniFab Video Upscaler AIAI video sharpenerWin/MacFree Trial for 30 days (No watermark)Blurry / low-res / old footageUp to16K upscaling; strong restoration; batch supportRequires desktop install
HandBrakeManual processing toolWin/Mac/LinuxLimited free usageSlight softness from compressionImproves perceived clarity via better encodeNot true sharpening; weak on heavy blur
FlixierVideo sharpener onlineWebLimited free usageQuick web sharpeningSimple UI; browser-based workflowLimited power on severe blur
HiQualitySharpen video appAndroid/iPhoneLimited free usageMobile quick editsBeginner-friendly; fast improvementsUpload limits; weaker than desktop AI
Sharpen Video AppSharpen video appiPhoneLimited free usageMobile quick editsConvenient for phone creatorsBest only for mild blur

Expert takeaway:

  • For real blur or low resolution, an AI video sharpener (UniFab) is the strongest first step.
  • For light compression softness, HandBrake or online tools may be enough.
  • For mobile social clips, Sharpen Video App is the fastest option.

What Makes the Best Video Sharpeners? (Expert Criteria)

Discover effective tools to sharpen video quality ---- Alongside sharpening capabilities, these tools also provide a range of other features including color correction, filters, effects, and more. Without delay, let's delve into how to sharpen video using these versatile tools.

Pro-tip: For best AI-powered results, try UniFab or HiQuality; for power-users on a budget, start with HandBrake or Flixier.

How to Sharpen Video Quality (AI vs Manual) 

If you’re looking for how to sharpen video quality or how to sharpen a video, there are two main approaches:

  • AI video sharpener (automatic)
    Best for blurry, low-res, or old footage. AI can sharpen details, reduce noise, and upscale resolution in one workflow.
  • Manual sharpening (editing or processing tools)
    Best when footage is already decent but needs subtle clarity tuning. You control sharpness strength and avoid over-processing.

Simple rule:

Start with an AI video sharpener like UniFab Video Upscaler AI for weak footage, then use manual tools only for fine adjustments. Always preview to avoid over-sharpening.

Method 1: Use an AI Video Sharpener to Sharpen Video

AI sharpening is the easiest way to sharpen video when the original looks soft, pixelated, or outdated because, unlike basic filters, it analyzes each frame and rebuilds missing detail through a combined workflow: it sharpens edges to restore clarity and fine textures, upscales resolution to make visuals cleaner, and denoises the footage to remove grain and compression artifacts that sharpening alone might amplify, which is why AI video sharpeners are especially preferred for real-world cases like old recordings, blurry phone clips, or heavily compressed downloads.

UniFab Video Upscaler AI [Best Video Sharpening Software]

UniFab Video Upscaler AI is a cutting-edge upscaling and video sharpening tool that enhances low-resolution videos up to 16K. Utilizing advanced AI, it automatically detects and corrects issues such as noise, compression artifacts, and blurriness while sharpening video to improve clarity and fine details. It also includes four specialized models—Texure, Anime, High-Quality, and Fast Models—optimized for different types of video content.

Supported OS: Windows and Mac

Portrait upscale processing effect

Pro-Level AI Video Sharpener

  • Sharpen and Upscale blurry video to 1080P, 4K, 8K, or even 16K
  • Use artificial intelligence to enhance details and reduce noise
  • 30-day free trial for full features, without watermark!
     

UniFab Video Upscaler AI

Why UniFab works best for sharpening low-quality videos

  • AI Video Enhancement – Upscales videos to 720P, 1080P, 4K, 8K, and even 16K.
  • Video Sharpening – Enhances clarity by sharpening edges and refining details.
  • Four AI Models – keep details natural across different video types.
  • 50X GPU Acceleration – Speeds up processing for faster, high-quality results.
  • Customizable Settings – Adjust resolution, codec, quality, and more as needed.
  • Easy to Use – No editing experience required for professional results.
  • Batch Processing – Process multiple videos at once for efficiency.
  • Wide Format Support – Compatible with popular video formats.
  • 30-Day Free Trial – Enjoy all features watermark-free before committing.

As part of UniFab All-In-One, Video Upscaler AI demonstrates excellent video enhancement and sharpening capabilities. Additionally, UniFab supports features such as video noise reduction, SDR to HDR convertion, video stabilization, video format conversion, and more. It not only sharpens videos but also offers video editing and audio processing functionalities.

Sharpening Performance of UniFab

We evaluated UniFab's enhancement and sharpening features, upgrading a 720P video to 4K. The results were remarkable, with significant improvements in detail clarity and video quality.

UniFab-4k-rendering

Effect

🎞️Resolution Upgrade: Significantly boosts resolution to upgrade video quality. Fine details on the cruise ship and surrounding scenery are noticeably sharper.
Clarity and Sharpness: Enhances sharpness, making elements such as the ship's logo, windows, and even beach details more defined.
🎨Color Vibrancy: The colors are richer and more vibrant, which makes a more realistic and visually appealing result.

How to Sharpen Video Quality with UniFab

Free Download

30-day Free Trial with full feature access!

Step 1

Open UniFab and select ‘Upscaler' module from 'All Features', then, upload your low quality video for sharpening.

unifab video enhancer-step1
Step 2

Customize output settings like resolution, quality, codec, format, and more to your preference.

unifab video enhancer-step3
Step 3

Select “Start” to initiate the video sharpening process.

Method 2: Sharpen Video in Editing / Processing Tool

Some users prefer manual control or want small clarity boosts without full AI restoration. Your original article includes HandBrake, which is not an AI sharpener but can still help recover clarity by improving the video encode and reducing compression softness.

HandBrake [Video Sharpening Open Source Tool]

HandBrake is an Open Source Video Upscaler, cross-platform tool that converts videos from nearly any format to modern, widely supported codecs. Available for free on Windows, Mac, and Linux, HandBrake includes built-in device presets for quick and easy conversions and advanced options for fine-tuning encoding settings.

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux

HandBrake-interface

What HandBrake Can Do for “Sharpen Video Quality”

HandBrake doesn’t add “true AI sharpness,” but it can:

  • Re-encode with better bitrate or codec settings
  • Reduce softness caused by poor compression
  • Improve perceived clarity for already-good footage

How to Sharpen Video with HandBrake

Step 1

Install HandBrake

Download and install HandBrake in your system.

Step 2

Open HandBrake and Load Your Video

Launch HandBrake on your computer. Click "Open Source" in the top-left area of the app and import your video file.

Step 3

Select a Preset

Choose a high-quality preset from the "Presets" menu near the app's top. Adjust the "Constant Quality" slider under the Video tab to fine-tune the quality.

Step 4

Apply Additional Filters

Go to the Filters tab for more editing options, such as Sharpen and Deinterlace, to improve video imperfections.

Step 5

Choose a Save Location

Select the saving location using the "Save As" bar at the bottom of the app.

Step 6

Start Encoding

Click "Start Encode" in the toolbar at the app's top. HandBrake will convert your video to the new high-quality format and save the finished file to your selected folder.

Pros

  • +

    HandBrake sharpens video quality without causing degradation.

  • +

    It offers various options and presets to help you enhance low-quality videos.

  • +

    This cross-platform tool is lightweight and works well on less powerful systems.

  • +

    Supports customized settings for video conversion and sharpening to meet your needs.

Cons

  • -

    Novice users might feel overwhelmed by the interface.

Method 3: Sharpen Video Online

If you don’t want to install software, online tools are a quick way to sharpen video online for short clips. Your original text includes Flixier and HiQuality.

Flixier [Video Sharpening Online Tool]

To avoid downloading software and save device space, try out Flixier which can help sharpen your videos. After you understand how to sharpen video quality, quickly enhancing your videos with filters and other effects becomes easy.

Supported OS: Web-based

fixier-interface

How to Sharpen a Video with Flixier

Step 1

Import Your Video

Log in to Flixier, click the Import button, and choose your video source.

Step 2

Add Your Filter

Create a new project. Determine the Aspect Ratio, and drag your video to the Timeline. Select the video, click the Color tab, and apply the Sharpen filter.

Step 3

Export and Share

Click the blue Export button to render your video in three minutes or less.

Pros

  • +

    Flixier allows users to trim videos & add music for a professional effect.

  • +

    Its cloud-powered nature allows publishing videos at super-fast speed.

  • +

    You can collaborate with friends & colleagues on a real-time basis using Flixier.

  • +

    This tool doesn’t require having any prior video editing experience.

Cons

  • -

    You won't be able to sharpen video quality if your internet isn’t working.

Method 4: Sharpen Video App (iPhone / Android)

If your device is limited in performance, you can also enhance videos on your phone. Whether you use Android or iPhone, there’s an app we recommend that will suit your needs.

Option A: HiQuality [Sharpen Video Quality On Android]

HiQuality is a top video and photo sharpener that uses advanced AI algorithms to improve resolution and clarity with just one tap. On learning how to sharpen video, you can use this app to enhance selfies, anime and videos from platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The app excels in video beautification, adding facial details, and restoring features for promotional shoots. 

Supported OS: Android & iPhone

Hiquality

How to Sharpen Video Quality with HiQuality

Step 1

Launch the App

Open the AI Video Enhancer – HiQuality App on your Android device and add the video you want to edit.

Step 2

Choose Effects

Select from the various effects available, such as Clarity, Contrast, Ambience, Vibrance, Exposure, etc. If you wish to sharpen the video quality, adjust the controls accordingly.

Step 3

Save The Results

After enhancing your video, save it to photos or files and share it effortlessly.

Pros

  • +

    You can enjoy a better visual experience by adding lighting to videos.

  • +

    Users can enhance the facial details in videos, like hair and eyelashes.

  • +

    Offers an option to fix blur in both 2D & 3D anime videos.

  • +

    You can turn downloaded videos to HD standard effortlessly.

Cons

  • -

    You will have to use the Pro cards to sharpen video quality & try out its other features.

Option B: Sharpen Video [Sharpen Video Quality On iPhone]

Sharpen Video is a user-friendly video editor that enhances and sharpens videos by adjusting parameters like sharpness, saturation, exposure, brightness, and contrast. It features smart sharpening filters that preserve video's original aspect ratio and quality. 

This video sharpening app offers fast performance, allows zooming for detailed views, and keeps a history of all edited videos.Once enhanced, save your videos to Photos or Files and effortlessly share them.

Supported OS: iPhone

sharpen Video

How to Sharpen a Video Quality with Sharpen Video

Step 1

Load Your Video

Begin by selecting "Open file" to load the video for which you want to sharpen video quality.

Step 2

Enhance Your Video

Apply the sharpening effect and modify the color settings to improve the video's quality according to your preferences.

Step 3

Save and Share

Preview the enhanced video, then save it to your photos or files.

Pros

  • +

    Retains the original photo or video quality while sharpening the frames.

  • +

    Compatible with all standard video formats.

  • +

    After learning how to sharpen low quality video, you can carry out social media sharing.

  • +

    Users can select between two smart sharpening algorithms, each catering to videos of different types.

Cons

  • -

    The app tends to crash every now & then.

Pro Tips on How to Sharpen Video Without Artifacts

1) Denoise / Stabilize First

Sharpening boosts everything—including noise and shaky edges.
If your footage looks grainy or unstable, clean it first before sharpening.

2) Avoid Oversharpening

Too much sharpening creates:

  • glowing halos around objects
  • “crunchy” textures
  • amplified noise

Fix

  • Reduce sharpening strength
  • Prefer subtle adjustments
  • Preview in motion, not just one frame

Rule: Under-sharpening is safer than oversharpening.

Download the Best Video Sharpener

Don’t let blur waste your best moments! Whether you’re a YouTuber, student, marketer—or just wanting to rescue grandma’s old tapes—there’s a video sharpener tool fit for your device and skill level.

For advanced, AI-powered sharpening and upscaling, try UniFab Video Upscaler AI for Windows/Mac. After testing, it’s the favorite for high-speed, high-quality restoration—plus, you can batch edit and preview for free.

FAQs about Video Sharpening

Which is the best way to sharpen video quality?

The best way to sharpen video quality is by using AI-powered tools like UniFab Video Enhancer AI or video editors with sharpening features. 

Can AI video sharpeners enhance video quality?

Yes, UniFab can increase the resolution of videos without compromising their quality, providing a higher level of detail and clarity.

What are the benefits of sharpening a video?

Sharpening enhances video quality, making it clearer and more visually appealing, which is crucial for creating standout promotional and marketing videos. It corrects focus issues and highlights key details, improving the visual experience. Additionally, sharpening helps remove compression artifacts, ensuring a more professional look. Sharpening tools help you create consistent, high-quality videos that capture and retain audience attention.

Why does my video look noisy after sharpening?

Because sharpening amplifies grain. Denoise first, then sharpen lightly.

How can I sharpen video online?

Upload to Flixier or HiQuality, increase sharpness gently, preview, and export.

What’s the easiest way to sharpen video on a phone?

Use Sharpen Video App and increase clarity gradually, checking preview often.

avatar
Echo
As an avid enthusiast of software testing, AI, and tech, I bring a fervent zeal for precision and innovation to my editorials. With a love for ping pong and badminton, and a passion for exploring new horizons through travel, I live by the maxim "Done is good." My articles aim to serve as your trusty compass in the fast-evolving tech landscape.