Top Open-Source Video Upscalers for Anime/Real-Life Videos
Is it an old anime, or low-resolution videos? Perhaps you just want to enhance clips without expensive software. Then, an open-source video upscaler offers a budget-friendly, robust solution. From frame-by-frame upscaling to real-time shaders, this post explores four of the most popular and reliable open-source video AI upscalers. Further, you'll see another powerful software that can help improve your video quality without spending anything. Dive in now.
Guide List
Video2X - Open-Source High-Resolution Upscaler Real-ESRGAN - Real-World Image Upscaling Waifu2x Extension GUI - Beginner-Friendly Upscaler Anime4K - Fast Real-Time Anime Upscaler AnyRec Video Enhancer – Easy 4K Video Upscaling [Not Open Source]Video2X - Open-Source High-Resolution Upscaler
Video2X is a free, open-source video upscaling software made for users who want complete control over video enhancement. It works by extracting frames from a video, then upscaling one by one with an AI image upscaler and stitching them back together. For your anime-style content and animated clips, this image-by-image processing pays off.
Step 1.Download and install an external tool like FFmpeg or Waifu2x; add it to your system path. Next, launch the Video2X GUI, and configure the settings, including the input file and resolution.
Step 2.Start the upscale process by clicking the "Run" button. Locate the upscaled video in the chosen path.
Pros
Great for batch video enhancement.
Several upscale engines like Real-ESRGAN are supported.
Can customize output settings.
Cons
Need heavy GPU resources.
No graphical interface by default.
It may be complicated for beginners.
Real-ESRGAN - Real-World Image Upscaling
While the one before this offers a flexible but manual approach, Real-ESGAN stands out with a more realistic and refined AI-driven model. This open-source video upscaler is notable for improving real-world scenes and textures (faces, landscapes, and architecture). Also, due to its steady performance, it has grown in popularity and been used in several systems.
Step 1.After installing REAL-ESRGAN, install its dependencies, such as Python. Then, choose a model such as x4plus.
Step 2.Open the command prompt, and run the upscaling command. Process your video frame by frame, then get the upscaled output from the chosen directory.
Pros
Open-source and is regularly updated.
Excellent results for your real-life footage.
It can restore texture and eliminate compression noise.
Cons
Steeper learning curve for starters.
Need common-line knowledge without a GUI.
Waifu2x Extension GUI - Beginner-Friendly Upscaler
If command-line tools overwhelm you, then Waifu2x Extension GUI will be a breath of fresh air. It is a graphical front-end that wraps around famous AI upscale engines like Waifu2x. Tailored for ease of use, this open-source video upscaler lets you improve videos with just a few clicks. With GPU acceleration and regular upgrades, it is such a strong contender for everyone who wants functionality without facing technical hurdles.
Steps:
- 1. Load the Waifu2x Extension GUI, and import your video.
- 2. Next, select the AI engine and set upscale parameters.
- 3. Click the "Start" button to begin upscaling.
Pros
Can automatically detect and configure optimal settings.
Have GPU acceleration and multiple AI engines.
It is extremely easy to use without coding.
Cons
May be slower than real-time options for lengthy videos.
High system requirements are needed to have smooth performance.
Anime4K - Fast Real-Time Anime Upscaler
For users who want speed over rendering time, Anime4K may be the best open-source video upscaler for you to upscale anime videos to 4K. It is a lightweight, GPU-powered upscaler concentrating on real-time playback instead of post-processing. It works with shader algorithms linked directly into players like MPV. Unlike others here, Anime4K is great for anime lovers who seek to enhance their viewing experience instantly.
Step 1.Get MPV launched, then install Anime4K shaders from GitHub and place them in the correct shader folder.
Step 2.Edit the player's config file to load the shader during the playback. Now, open your anime in MPV. Enjoy live upscaled playback with improved clarity and sharpness!
Pros
Fast, real-time upscaling in supported players.
Have low resource usage compared to its rivals.
Keep sharp lines and colors.
Cons
No customization for advanced enhancements.
Manual shader setup in players.
There's no export function for upscaled videos.
AnyRec Video Enhancer – Easy 4K Video Upscaling [Not Open Source]
For a beginner-friendly yet effective and powerful way to upscale your standard definition to 4K, AnyRec Video Enhancer is an excellent choice, even though it is not an open-source video upscaler. This dedicated tool works with advanced algorithms to enhance video quality while maintaining the simple editing process. Here, you may boost resolution from 1080P to 4K, take away noise, optimize brightness and contrast, and stabilize shaky recordings, all in one clean interface. Its performance and friendliness make it stand out among commercial tools. Thus, if you're after high-quality video enhancement with a few clicks and don't need open-source access, this video enhancer is a solid and reliable pick.
Support popular video formats covering MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, and more.
Real-time preview for checking the upscaled video before final export.
Adjust format, resolution, frame rate, and more settings to your needs.
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Step 1.Fire up AnyRec Video Enhancer on your computer. There, click the "Add File" button to import the video you want to upscale. Once added, go to the "Enhance" tab to continue.
Step 2.here, enable the "Upscale Resolution" checkbox. If desired, also check other options like Remove Video Noise, Optimize Brightness and Contrast, and Reduce Shaking for further enhancements. Click the "Apply" button.
Step 3.Next, select your target resolution, format, bitrate, and other preferences in the "Settings" button. Then, check the enhanced video first by clicking the "Play" button.
Step 4.If everything looks great, click the "browse" button to select the place where you want to save the video. Later, click the "Convert" button to start processing.
Conclusion
As you discover, upscaling video does not always mean involving hundreds of premium software. With open-source video upscaling software like Video2X, Waifu2X Extension GUI, Real-ESRGAN, and Anime4K, you can obtain stunning quality upgrades at no cost. However, these open-source tools may require considerable skills and manual configuration. So, for more streamlined, friendly options with AI-powered enhancement, try AnyRec Video Enhancer. It upscales, denoises, and stabilizes videos, giving you the high-quality results you deserve with no hassle.
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