Free alternative to Topaz Video
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The closest free alternative to Topaz Video is Video2X, a free and open-source (AGPL-3.0) video super-resolution and frame-interpolation tool. Version 6 is a C/C++ rewrite with a Windows GUI installer and a Linux AppImage, and it runs Real-ESRGAN, Real-CUGAN and Anime4K for upscaling and RIFE for smoother or slow-motion frames on any Vulkan GPU. Topaz Video costs $299 a year on its own, or $399 a year in the Topaz Studio bundle. The catch: Video2X covers upscaling and interpolation only, with no stabilization or SDR to HDR models and no native Mac app, and its latest release (6.4.0) is from January 2025.
| Topaz Video | Video2X | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $299/yr single app; $399/yr in Topaz Studio (Topaz Labs pricing page) | $0, AGPL-3.0 |
| Upscaling | Precision and Creative Upscale; Starlight, Proteus, Iris and other models | Real-ESRGAN, Real-CUGAN, Anime4K v4 and custom MPV GLSL shaders |
| Frame interpolation | Frame Interpolation and Slow Motion models | RIFE (all models) |
| Other fixes | Stabilization and SDR to HDR models | None |
| Cloud | Video cloud credits (300 a month in Topaz Studio) | None built in; optional free Google Colab notebook |
| Platforms | Mac and PC; browser version | Windows GUI, Linux (AUR, AppImage), container for Linux and macOS |
| GPU | Your GPU, or cloud credits | Any Vulkan GPU (GTX 600, Radeon HD 7000, Intel HD 4000 or newer); AVX2 CPU |
Get started free in 5 steps
- Check your PC: a CPU with AVX2 and a GPU with Vulkan drivers.
- Download
video2x-qt6-windows-amd64-installer.exefrom Video2X releases and run it (Video2X Windows install). On Linux, grab the AppImage. - Test on the 240p standard clip from the README before a long job.
- Pick a mode: filtering (upscaling) with Real-ESRGAN, Real-CUGAN or Anime4K, or frame interpolation with RIFE.
- Set the output size or frame rate and run it. Output only needs disk space for the final file.
The catches
- Two jobs only: upscaling and frame interpolation. Stabilization and SDR to HDR need other tools.
- Different models: Real-ESRGAN, Real-CUGAN and RIFE are open models, not Topaz's own models like Starlight and Proteus, so results on badly damaged footage can differ. Test a short clip first.
- No native Mac app: Mac users need the container route or Colab.
- Slow releases: 6.4.0 from January 2025 is still the latest, and the docs say some pages are under construction.
- Your GPU does the work: long 4K jobs can take hours on an older card.
When Topaz Video is still worth paying for
If you restore old or low-quality footage for clients, need stabilization or SDR to HDR or want the newest restoration models with cloud rendering, $299 a year buys that in one app. Video2X wins when you want to upscale anime, game clips or old home videos, or add smooth slow motion, on your own GPU for $0.
Related: Free Topaz Gigapixel alternative (Upscayl) · Free Premiere Pro alternative · All free video tools
Sources: Video2X README and GitHub license (AGPL-3.0), Video2X releases (6.4.0, January 24, 2025), Video2X docs, Video2X Windows install, Topaz Labs pricing page (prices and plan notes, read in a rendered browser), Topaz Video page (model list) (all checked 2026-10-30). We have no affiliate link with either.
FAQ
How much does Topaz Video cost?
Topaz Labs' pricing page (checked 2026-10-30, annual billing view) lists Topaz Video for Mac and PC at $299 a year as a single app, and Topaz for Web - Video at $199 a year. Topaz Studio, which bundles all five Topaz apps with 300 monthly video cloud credits, is $399 a year billed annually, and Topaz Studio Pro for commercial teams is $799 a year. The page notes these plans cover personal and commercial use for organizations under $1M USD in annual revenue.
Is Video2X really free?
Yes. The code is licensed AGPL-3.0, the installer and AppImage are free downloads on GitHub and there's no paid tier. The developer accepts sponsorships on GitHub and Patreon.
What hardware does Video2X need?
Its README lists a CPU with AVX2 (Intel Haswell or AMD Excavator or newer) and a GPU with Vulkan support: NVIDIA GTX 600 series or newer, AMD Radeon HD 7000 series or newer or Intel HD Graphics 4000 or newer. Upscaling is GPU-heavy, so a newer card finishes much faster.
Can I use Video2X without a good GPU?
Yes. The README links a Google Colab notebook that borrows a free NVIDIA GPU for up to 12 hours a session. It asks you to use the free resource fairly and not run sessions back to back, or your account can be banned.
Does Video2X run on a Mac?
Not as a native app. The README lists Windows (GUI installer) and Linux (AUR packages or an AppImage), plus a container image on GitHub Container Registry for Linux and macOS with Docker or Podman.
Which Video2X model should I use?
Real-ESRGAN and Real-CUGAN are machine-learning upscalers, Anime4K v4 is a fast shader-based upscaler aimed at anime. RIFE handles frame interpolation. The README also links a short standard test clip so you can compare results on your own machine before a long job.