4 Best Open Source Video Upscalers in 2024 [Windows and Mac]
- Last updated on 2024-12-19
Table Of Content
Introduction
You may have a bunch of home-recorded videos at hand or some older and low-resolution videos on your camcorder or other devices that may not lack clarity while playing on modern or high-end devices. But you need not be sad as you can cherish your old memories on the latest devices and engage in a visual treat using a reliable open source video upscaler.
An open source AI video upscaler can help you preserve your videos while upscaling and enhancing the quality of the content so you can play them seamlessly on modern devices. Stay tuned to find the 5 best open source video upscalers and choose the one that best fits your needs.
What is Open Source Video Upscaler?
Open-source video upscaling uses publicly available software and AI-powered libraries to improve video resolution by leveraging artificial intelligence. Unlike proprietary tools, open-source solutions provide access to the source code, enabling developers to modify and customize the upscaling process to fit specific requirements. This transparency and flexibility encourage innovation, allowing users to build or adapt AI models for unique applications, offering possibilities beyond the limitations of pre-configured or commercial options.
Snapshot of 4 Best Open Source Video Upscaler
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web-based | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Price | Free (open-source) | Free (open-source) | Free (open-source) | Free (open-source) |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (requires some setup) | Easy (simple web or app interface) | Moderate (requires setup and configuration) | Easy (real-time processing, minimal setup) |
| Purpose | Upscaling images and videos | Upscaling images (primarily anime) | Upscaling images with high-quality details | Upscaling anime videos in real-time |
| Performance | Depends on hardware, slower for large files) | Optimized for anime | High-quality results, slow processing | Real-time processing, fast |
| Technology | Uses various algorithms, GPU accelerated | Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) | Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) | Shader-based, no AI, real-time |
Open Source AI Video Upscaler (AI-powered)
1. Video2X
Video2X is an open-source video and image upscaling tool that uses artificial intelligence to enhance resolution and improve visual quality. It supports various AI models like Waifu2X, Anime4K, and Real-ESRGAN, making it suitable for upscaling low-resolution videos across different types of content, including animations, movies, and gameplay footage.
Key Features:
- Multi-model Support: Choose from various 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.
2. Waifu2x
Waifu2x is an open-source image and 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.
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
ESRGAN (Enhanced Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Networks) is a cutting-edge open-source AI model 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.
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 (Not AI-powered)
4. Anime4K
Anime4K is a lightweight, open-source upscaling algorithm specifically designed to enhance 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.
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 and Cons of Open Source Video Upscaler
Pros of Open Source Video Upscaler
- 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 tools 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 encourages innovation, allowing developers to create new features or improve existing ones.
Cons of Open Source Video Upscaler
- Limited Documentation: Open-source tools 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.
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.
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 AI Video Upscaler to Improve Video Quality - UniFab Video Upscaler AI
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.
Key Features:
- 8K Upscaling: Transform low-resolution videos to SD, HD, 4K, or 8K 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 bitrate, frame rate, resolution, and more.
- Built-in Editing: Easily crop, trim, and edit videos while removing unwanted noise and background disturbances.
- 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!
Launch UniFab, Select Mode, and Import Your Video
Double-tap the program to enter the main interface, and then select the Upscaler module from the left navigation panel.
Adjust Output Settings (Optional)
Import the video to enlarge in the local file. Pick the video quality, output format, frame rate, bit rate, codec, resolution, and more parameters to customize the final results of your loaded video.
Note: You can keep the video parameters as default if you are unsure about how to configure the settings.
Start Video Enhancement
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. UniFab Video Upscaler AI offers faster processing, high-quality results, and an easy-to-use interface. It’s ideal for users who want professional upscaling with minimal effort and advanced editing features.
FAQs
How do open-source video upscalers compare to paid options?
Open-source upscalers 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.
Is there any 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 video upscaler on any platform?
Most open-source 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.