Topaz Denoise Video Review: How Topaz Nyx Model Reduces Video Noise

What Is Topaz Video Denoise?

Topaz video denoise is the noise-reduction workflow inside Topaz Video AI. It uses AI models such as Nyx for noise and grain and Artemis for compression artifacts and low-quality sources, so you can clean up footage while also upscaling, deinterlacing, or changing frame rate in a single pass. Instead of relying on traditional temporal and spatial filters, Topaz analyzes each frame to separate noise from real detail, which helps keep textures and edges sharp even after heavy denoising.

Key Capabilities of Topaz Video Denoise

• AI-powered models: Nyx for noise and grain, Artemis for compression and blocky artifacts, plus other models for general enhancement and restoration.
• Integrated enhancement: Denoising can be combined with 4K/8K upscaling, deinterlacing, and frame rate conversion.
• Artifact removal: Cleans up blockiness, mosquito noise, and chroma artifacts from heavily compressed footage.
• Customizable controls: Sliders for denoise strength, detail recovery, sharpening, and dehalo give you control over the final look.

Topaz Nyx Model Overview

What Is the Nyx Model?

The Nyx model in Topaz Video AI is a dedicated AI denoiser designed for noisy, high-resolution footage, especially in low-light or high-ISO conditions. It focuses on separating noise from real textures so that night shots, available-light interiors, and underexposed clips can be cleaned up without turning faces or fine details into plastic. Nyx can be run at 1× to keep the original resolution or paired with upscaling and other models for a complete restoration workflow.

Key Features & Use Cases

Key features and best-fit use cases for the Nyx model include:

• Low-light and high-ISO footage: Cleans up heavy sensor noise in night cityscapes, concerts, weddings, and indoor events.
• Detail-preserving denoise: Targets noise patterns while keeping hair, fabric, and skin texture intact.
• Compression and artifact cleanup: Reduces blocky compression artifacts and chroma noise on highly compressed clips.
• GPU-accelerated processing: Uses NVIDIA CUDA and Apple Metal for faster previews and renders on supported hardware.
• Manual fine-tuning: Sliders for denoise, detail, and sharpening help advanced users control the exact balance between smoothness and realism.

Nyx Versions and Modes (v2, v3, Nyx XL, 1x vs 2x)

Nyx versions and modes inside Topaz Video AI

• Nyx (1× mode): Focuses on pure denoising at the original resolution, ideal when you’re satisfied with the current frame size and only need cleaner footage.
• Nyx (2× or upscaling mode): Combines denoising with upscaling, which can be useful when you want to turn noisy HD or SD sources into sharper 4K output.
• Nyx XL (if available in your version): A heavier variant optimized for maximum quality denoising, trading speed for slightly better noise removal and texture preservation on challenging clips.

The exact names and behavior of Nyx versions can vary between Topaz Video AI releases, so always check the in-app descriptions and release notes for the most up-to-date details.

When to Use Nyx vs Other Topaz Models

Performance Evaluation of Topaz Nyx Model

We conducted performance testing of Topaz's Nyx model using the following hardware and test footage:

Test System:

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics

Test Footage:

• Duration: 30 seconds
• Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
• Frame Rate: 24fps

Nyx Model Output Resolution: 4K

Nyx Denoising Performance Analysis:

The Topaz Nyx model delivered excellent noise reduction performance across diverse scenes. It effectively removes grain and compression artifacts while preserving the natural textures and fine details of the original footage. Unlike some denoisers that tend to over-smooth resulting in an artificial “plastic” look, Nyx maintains a natural and realistic image quality, significantly enhancing the viewing experience.

Performance Metrics:

• Processing Time: 2 minutes 37 seconds
• Processing Speed: 4.59 frames per second

However, the Nyx model's processing speed is relatively slow compared to other denoise models, requiring more time to complete the task—particularly on higher-resolution footage. 

How to Use Topaz Denoise Video

Now, anyone can enhance their low-resolution videos by using Topaz Video AI Denoise, which is no longer complex. We have simplified the task of improving your low-quality video clips by providing detailed steps for utilizing the Topaz Nyx model to remove noise and sharpen video frames for optimal clarity. 

Step 1: Import Your Noisy Video

Open Topaz Video AI and load your noisy clip, whether it was shot on an older phone, DSLR, or even VHS.

Step 2: Choose an AI Model (Nyx or Artemis)

In the Enhancement panel, choose Nyx for heavy noise and grain or Artemis if the footage mainly suffers from compression and blocky artifacts.

Step 3: Adjust Denoise and Detail Settings

Use the Denoise, Recover Detail, Sharpen, and Dehalo sliders to balance noise reduction and texture. Many users start with a mid-range denoise value and then fine-tune depending on motion and lighting in the scene.

Step 4: Preview Before You Export

Run a short preview to compare the original and processed frames side by side.

Step 5: Export the Enhanced Video

Once you’re satisfied, choose your output resolution, codec, and format, then export the enhanced video.

Pros and Cons of Topaz Video Denoise Nyx Model

The Topaz Nyx model is explicitly designed for denoising video clips and high performance. Here's a quick breakdown of the Topaz Video AI Denoise Nyx model's pros (strengths) and cons (weaknesses) to help you learn about its nitty-gritty details. 

Pros of Topaz Denoise Video

• Effective: The Topaz Nyx model can remove any type of heavy noise, whether from high-ISO footage or a video shot in low-light conditions.
• Maintains Temporal Stability: The Nyx model by Topaz can reduce and eliminate flickers, grains, or noise across different frames with minimal motion artifacts.
• Retains Fine Details: When balanced accurately, Topaz Denoise AI can preserve more fine texture and details, better than most AI denoisers.
• AI-Powered Customization: It gives granular control for fine-tuned results and adjustable denoising strength. It can automatically detect and adjust various noise types, including luminance, chroma, and grain.
• Non-Destructive Editing: It can process files with megapixels exceeding 100 MP more effectively than Lightroom or DxO PureRAW.
• Works Fine with HD Videos: It can handle up to 4K video footage for professional post-production video work.

Cons of Topaz Denoise Video

• Slow Speed: Nyx works well with NVIDIA CUDA and Apple Metal (RTX 4090 and M2 Max are the fastest) but is still 2-3 times slower than Topaz's Standard and Low Light models.
• No Batch Processing: The Topaz Nyx model is not ideal for batch processing large volumes.
• Demands High GPU/CPU: TheTopaz Nyx model requires powerful GPU resources and processing time; weaker PCs may struggle, particularly with 4K or higher resolution content.
• Occasional Over-Smoothing: Aggressive settings can soften fine details if the strength is too high, resulting in a loss of texture and slight blurring, especially when working with skin tones or shadows.
• Quite Expensive: The Topaz Nyx model is not free to use. Instead, it is part of the Topaz Video AI suite, which is available for a one-time fee of US$299.
• Complex UI: Preserving the details requires trial and error. As the process is not fully automatic, you must manually control adjustments and tweaks to achieve the best denoising and enhancement results.

Topaz Video Denoisesoftware is a powerful program with distinct enhancing and denoising features. However, its complex UI requires a certain degree of technical knowledge to work with the program. Additionally, it is not available as a standalone app or software, and one must purchase the expensive program to utilize the denoising facility. In such a case, it is better to seek reliable denoising alternatives. We recommend using UniFab Denoise AI due to its ease of use, versatility, and accessibility for users at various skill levels. Let's explore its features and working (denoise process) in detail. 

Alternative to Topaz Nyx: UniFab Denoise AI

While many users are satisfied with Topaz Video AI and the Nyx model, some prefer simpler or more affordable tools. In this section, we compare UniFab with Topaz to help you decide which tool best fits your needs.

UniFab Denoise AI is a smart and easy alternative to Topaz Denoise Video, offering a solution to clean and fix grainy video clips. It can remove any kind of video noise, regardless of the reason, while preserving the quality, vibrant colors, and fine textures. UniFab's AI denoise technology can denoise and enhance clarity for high-definition visuals. Its GPU acceleration technology can convert any video at a rapid speed for faster, smoother, and noise-free results, as well as top productivity. Plus, with UniFab, you don't need to keep a separate video editor, as its built-in video editing toolkit can help you edit videos without hassle. 

Key Features and Highlights 

• Enhances poor-quality videos shot in low-light conditions, high ISO issues, or camera artifacts
• Powerful, intuitive, AI-powered interface for sharp, clean, and enhanced videos
• Supports NVIDIA 50 Series GPU for faster and more efficient processing speeds
• Customizable output settings to adjust resolution, format, codec, etc., for a higher degree of control
• Accessible for all users, whether videographers, vloggers, casual users, or business owners 

Performance Comparison: Topaz Nyx Model vs UniFab Denoise AI

We conducted a performance test comparing Topaz's Nyx and Artemis models with UniFab Denoise AI.

Test Environment:
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics

Source Video:

• Duration: 50 seconds
• Frame Rate: 30 fps
• Resolution: 1280×720

Here’s a concise summary of results:

Let’s take a closer look at the results：

Processing Speed Comparison

Denoising Performance Comparison

Basic Information Comparison: Topaz vs UniFab

Here's a clear comparison table between Topaz Nyx Model and UniFab Denoise AI based on basic information:

How to Denoise Video with UniFab Denoise AI

Step 1: Download and launch the UniFab software from the official website. In the left column of the main interface, click All Features. Then, select the Denoiser module under Video AI from the main screen. 

Step 2: Click the Add option to import the grainy and noisy video clip you wish to denoise into the main interface. 

Step 3: Tailor the video's output parameters to edit it and meet your preferences. Adjust the quality, resolution, format, codec, and other parameters as you like. Alternatively, you can proceed with the denoise process with the default settings. 

Step 4: Recheck the settings, and once you are satisfied, tap Start to remove the digital noise from your source video. UniFab will complete the entire process in a few seconds.  

Conclusion

Nyx is designed to handle extreme noise in high-resolution content, providing unmatched clarity and flexibility. Today, Topaz Video AI's Nyx model has become the industry standard. It delivers crystal-clear results even in the most demanding lighting conditions. With its advanced AI and hands-on controls, it's no wonder professionals are making it their #1 choice. However, its steep learning curve may not please casual users. So, they can use Topaz Alternative UniFab Denoise AI to experience intuitive denoising and video enhancement with advanced customization for personalized results. 

FAQs about Topaz Denoise Video

What is the Topaz Nyx model?

The Nyx model is Topaz Video AI’s dedicated AI denoiser for video. It is designed to clean up heavy noise and grain in low-light or high-ISO footage while preserving fine details. Nyx can be used on its own at 1× resolution or combined with upscaling and other models for a complete restoration workflow.

Is Topaz Denoise Video free?

No. Topaz Video AI offers a 30-day free trial with watermarks, after which you must subscribe using either a monthly or annual plan. The monthly plan costs $33 per month, while the annual plan is priced at $299 per year. In contrast, UniFab offers a 30-day free trial without watermarks, and is priced at $299 for the lifetime version. While both products deliver similar-quality results, UniFab is the more economical choice.

When should I use Nyx instead of Artemis in Topaz Video AI?

Use Nyx when your main problem is sensor noise or film-like grain in otherwise decent-quality footage. Choose Artemis when the video suffers more from compression artifacts, blockiness, or low-bitrate streaming issues. In some workflows, you can start with Nyx for noise and then run another model for sharpening or additional enhancement.

Is Topaz video denoise good for old VHS or MiniDV footage?

Yes. Nyx can help reduce noise and grain in old VHS, MiniDV, or analog captures, especially when combined with upscaling and dehalo controls. However, results depend on the condition of the source; extremely damaged tapes may still require manual restoration or additional tools.

What is the best AI model for Topaz?

The best AI model for Topaz depends on your specific needs, but the Nyx model is widely regarded as Topaz’s top choice for video denoising. Designed for challenging conditions like low-light and high ISO footage, the Nyx model excels at removing noise while preserving fine details and textures. However, for different tasks such as upscaling or general enhancement, other Topaz AI models may be better suited. Always choose the model that fits your video’s requirements and your desired outcome.

What is the best video denoising software? 

UniFab Denoise AI is the best video denoiser for Windows and Mac users. Its AI-powered denoising capabilities include noise removal and grain reduction while preserving the original quality of the video footage. Regardless of how the original video was shot, UniFab can denoise and enhance the video in just one click.