Video Upscale 4K And 8K: A Complete Guide (With Top 6 Picks)

Low-resolution videos look blurry on modern screens. Pixelated footage can ruin your viewing experience, especially on larger displays.

Video upscaling transforms low-quality videos into crystal-clear 4K and 8K resolution. The latest AI technology helps preserve details while removing noise and artifacts. With the right tools, you can give old footage new life and create content that looks stunning on any screen.

What Makes 4K And 8K Video Upscaling Different?

4K delivers 4 times more pixels than standard HD, while 8K packs 16 times more detail. Traditional upscaling simply stretches the image, creating a blur. AI-powered upscalers analyze each frame to add realistic details and textures.

The gap between old content and new displays grows wider each year. Standard HD content contains 1920 x 1080 pixels. Modern 4K screens pack in 3840 x 2160 pixels, while 8K displays reach an incredible 7680 x 4320 pixels. Without proper upscaling, your videos will look stretched and blurry on these high-resolution screens.

Traditional upscaling methods simply stretch the image to fit larger screens. This creates obvious quality issues like jagged edges and loss of detail. AI-powered upscaling takes a smarter approach by analyzing each frame and generating new pixels based on advanced image recognition.

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of upscaling videos into 4K and 8K quality.

Benefits Of 4K And 8K Upscaling

Here are some of the top benefits of upscaling videos to 4K and 8K:

• Save storage space - Keeps original files small and upscale only when needed.
• Fix old footage - Transforms blurry videos and archived content into crystal-clear quality.
• Future-proof content - Makes your videos look great on both current 4K and future 8K displays.
• Enhance editing options - You get more flexibility for zooming and cropping in post-production.
• Stream efficiently - Offers high-quality playback without massive bandwidth costs.

Now that you know about 4K and 8K video upscaling, let’s see how to upscale the videos.

How To Upscale Videos Into 4K And 8K?

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to upscale videos into 4K and 8K resolution:

1. Select a high-quality upscaling tool like Segmind’s ESRGAN. Start by analyzing your source video quality. Higher-resolution inputs produce better results after upscaling.
2. Clean up any obvious issues like compression artifacts or color problems in your original footage.
3. Next, pick your target resolution based on your needs. 4K resolution works well for most current displays and streaming platforms. Select 8K output if you need maximum quality for professional projects or want to future-proof your content.

The upscaling method you choose affects both quality and processing time. Standard upscaling works for basic enhancement but often leaves visible artifacts. AI-powered upscaling takes longer but produces much more natural results by analyzing patterns in your video.

Test your settings on a short clip before processing entire videos. This helps you verify the quality improvement and catch any issues early. Pay special attention to faces, text, and detailed areas where problems show up first. Adjust parameters like sharpness and noise reduction until you find the right balance when upscaling the videos.

Now, let’s explore the different tools you can use to easily enhance your video quality.

Best 4K And 8K Video Upscalers

Here’s a quick overview of the top tools for upscaling videos into 4K and 8K resolution:

Let’s dive in deeper and understand more about each of these tools.

#1. ESRGAN Video Upscaler By Segmind

Segmind’s ESRGAN enhances video quality beyond normal upscaling methods. The AI model studies each frame in detail, adding natural textures while removing blur and noise. This creates sharper, clearer videos that maintain their quality even at high resolutions.

The tool stands out through its flexible processing options. You can upscale videos to FHD, 2K, or 4K resolution based on your needs.

The AI adapts to different types of content, from live-action footage to animated videos, delivering consistent results without artifacts.

Processing speed sets ESRGAN apart from other upscalers. Videos are processed in the cloud, saving your local resources. A 5-minute video at 1080p typically upscales to 4K in under 10 minutes. This makes it great for both single videos and batch-processing large collections.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based processing with speeds up to 60 FPS.
• Multi-resolution support from FHD to 4K output.
• Batch processing for multiple files at once.
• Custom quality settings for fine-tuned results.
• Integrated video previews before final export.

Pros:

• Fast cloud processing saves local resources.
• No watermarks on processed videos.
• Simple drag-and-drop interface.
• Works with most common video formats.

Cons:

• An internet connection is required for processing.
• Some advanced AI models are available only in the paid plans.

ESRGAN integrates smoothly with other video tools through the PixelFlow platform. You can build custom workflows combining upscaling with tasks like video merging, captioning, or format conversion. This saves time when processing multiple videos with similar requirements.

The free tier lets you test the upscaler with shorter clips. Paid plans start at $19 monthly and include access to additional AI models and tools. This makes ESRGAN cost-effective for both occasional use and regular video processing needs. Learn more about Segmind’s Pricing.

#2. UniFab AI Video Enhancer - Best For Professional Video Creators

UniFab combines powerful upscaling with extensive editing features. The software analyzes video frames using two specialized AI models - Universal and Animation. This dual-model approach delivers better results for both live-action and animated content.

The Universal model excels at processing general content like vlogs, films, and home videos. It maintains natural colors while adding sharp details to faces and textures. The Animation model specifically targets cel animation and digital art, preserving clean lines and smooth gradients without artifacts.

Processing speeds reach up to 50 times faster than standard upscalers through GPU acceleration. The software supports NVIDIA CUDA, AMD, and Intel Quick Sync. A 10-minute 1080p video typically upscales to 4K in about 15 minutes on a mid-range GPU.

Key Features:

• Dual AI models for different content types.
• Built-in noise reduction and color enhancement.
• Format conversion supporting 1000+ formats.
• GPU acceleration with multiple hardware options.
• Batch processing for multiple files.

Pros:

• Fast local processing with GPU support.
• Complete editing suite included.
• No internet connection is required.
• High-quality animation upscaling.

Cons:

• Higher system requirements than cloud tools.
• There is a steeper learning curve for advanced features.
• Limited to two simultaneous processes.

UniFab offers a lifetime license starting at $69.99. It works best for content creators who need a complete video enhancement solution. Its powerful features suit YouTubers upscaling older content, animation studios enhancing archived footage, and film restoration projects requiring detailed control over the upscaling process.

#3. AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI - Best For Video Restoration Projects

AVCLabs specializes in deep learning enhancement with multiple AI models working together. The software stands out through its advanced frame interpolation and black-and-white video colorization features, making it ideal for restoring archived footage.

The tool uses both single-frame and multi-frame processing methods. Single-frame enhancement focuses on maximizing the quality of each individual frame. Multi-frame processing analyzes multiple frames together to reduce flickering and maintain smooth motion, which is especially useful for vintage film restoration.

A unique feature is its AI colorization model that transforms black-and-white footage into color automatically. The software analyzes scene context to apply natural-looking colors while preserving original lighting and contrast. Frame interpolation technology can also boost frame rates, creating smoother slow-motion effects.

Key Features:

• Multi-model AI enhancement system.
• Automatic black-and-white video colorization.
• Frame interpolation for smoother motion.
• Super-resolution upscaling to 8K.
• Face recovery and refinement technology.

Pros:

• Advanced restoration capabilities.
• High-quality colorization results.
• Supports most video formats.
• Detailed quality control options.

Cons:

• Requires powerful hardware.
• Slower processing times.
• Higher price point.

AVCLabs' pricing plans start at $39.95. All plans include regular updates and support.

The software excels at restoration projects and archival work. Its specialized features make it perfect for film studios digitizing old movies, museums preserving historical footage, and professionals working with vintage video content.

Also Read: How To Make YouTube Videos With AI?

#4. TensorPix - Best For Quick Online Video Enhancement

TensorPix offers cloud-based video enhancement without software installation. The platform processes videos through AI-powered servers, delivering up to 4x resolution increases while maintaining quality. Its standout feature is the ability to handle multiple videos simultaneously.

The service uses GPU-accelerated servers that process videos up to 100 times faster than standard computers. Videos typically enhance in under 3 minutes, with automatic email notifications when processing completes. The cloud infrastructure scales to handle high-volume batch processing efficiently.

Beyond basic upscaling, TensorPix includes specialized AI filters for video stabilization and frame rate enhancement. The stabilization feature automatically detects and corrects shaky footage, while the frame rate booster can create smooth 60 FPS output from lower frame rate sources.

Key Features:

• Browser-based processing without downloads.
• Multiple AI enhancement filters.
• Automatic video stabilization.
• Frame rate boosting up to 8x.
• Batch processing support.

Pros:

• No software installation is needed.
• Fast cloud processing speeds.
• Simple, user-friendly interface.
• Automatic email notifications.

Cons:

• Requires stable internet connection.
• File size upload limits.
• Less control over enhancement settings.

TensorPix offers a free tier for testing with limited storage space. Its paid plans start at $12 monthly with advanced features and better storage options.

The platform works best for content creators and small businesses needing quick video enhancements without technical complexity. Its speed and simplicity make it ideal for social media content, marketing videos, and other projects requiring fast turnaround times.

#5. HitPaw Video Enhancer - Best For Beginners In Video Enhancement

HitPaw simplifies video enhancement with its one-click AI models. The software uses seven specialized AI models, each targeting specific types of content like faces, animation, or general footage. This model-based approach removes the need for manual settings adjustment.

The face enhancement model particularly stands out, using advanced AI to restore facial details and expressions. For anime content, a dedicated animation model preserves clean lines while adding detail. The software also includes a video repair feature that can fix corrupted files and remove artifacts.

Processing happens locally using GPU acceleration, making it faster than cloud solutions for single videos. The interface guides users through model selection and previews results before final processing. Most videos process within 5-15 minutes, depending on length and chosen resolution.

Key Features:

• Seven specialized AI models.
• One-click enhancement process.
• Video repair functionality.
• Face detection and enhancement.
• Black and white video colorization.

Pros:

• Simple user interface.
• Quick processing times.
• No internet is required.
• Preview before processing.

Cons:

• Limited batch processing.
• Basic editing features.
• Large file sizes.

HitPaw offers monthly plans starting at $42.99. Its yearly plan costs $99.99. And for those interested in a one-time purchase, its lifetime plan costs $349.99. All plans include updates and support.

The software works best for beginners and casual users who want quality results without technical complexity. Its straightforward approach suits YouTube creators, social media managers, and anyone looking to enhance personal videos without a steep learning curve.

#6. Topaz Video AI - Best For Professional Film Production

Topaz Video AI stands out with its cinema-grade enhancement models. The software’s most outstanding feature is its capability to upscale up to 16K resolution.

The tool excels at temporal processing, analyzing multiple frames to maintain consistency. This approach delivers better results for motion, especially in slow-motion conversion, where it can create up to 16x more frames. The Nyx model specifically targets noise reduction in 4K footage with high ISO settings.

Recent updates added cloud rendering options alongside local processing. Cloud rendering processes videos up to 3x faster than high-end GPUs, making it great for large projects. The software integrates with professional editing tools like DaVinci Resolve and After Effects.

Key Features:

• Multiple specialized AI models.
• SDR to HDR conversion.
• Cloud and local rendering options.
• Professional software integration.
• Frame interpolation up to 16x.

Pros:

• Cinema-quality results.
• Advanced motion handling.
• Plugin support for major editors.
• Extensive customization options.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve.
• High hardware requirements.
• Premium pricing.

Topaz offers a one-time plan for $299 with year-long updates. The software is best for film studios and professional video producers working on high-end projects. Its advanced features and quality output make it ideal for movie restoration, commercial production, and professional content creation, where quality matters more than processing speed.

Also Read: How To Make 4K Videos With AI For Free?

Final Thoughts

High-quality video upscaling brings new life to your content. AI-powered tools make it easier than ever to achieve professional results. The right upscaler depends on your specific needs and budget.

Beginners might prefer HitPaw's simpler interface, while professionals with advanced upscaling requirements might want to choose Topaz.

However, for maximum flexibility and features, ESRGAN delivers excellent results at a reasonable price point. Try Segmind’s ESRGAN for free, along with a wide range of the latest AI tools!