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REAL Video Enhancer alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll AI video upscalers and enhancers

Top picks

Common reasons people leave REAL Video Enhancer: needs a capable GPU for usable speeds, and fewer model and export options than paid tools like Topaz Video. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces REAL Video Enhancer, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Video2X currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Video2X logoVideo2XOpen source—YesWindows, Linux5 of 568.8
2Topaz Video logoTopaz VideoPaid$399/year (Topaz Studio)NomacOS, Windows, Web4 of 461.8
3Upscayl logoUpscaylOpen source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 451.2
4DaVinci Resolve logoDaVinci ResolveFree plan + paid$295 one-time for Studio (on sale for $236)NoWindows, macOS, Linux +16 of 650.0
  1. Video2X logo

    1. Video2XTop pick

    Best for: Anyone who wants free AI upscaling and interpolation and doesn't mind a technical setup

    Open sourceWindows, Linux

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from REAL Video Enhancer

    Also free and open source, with a Windows GUI and Linux packages covering both upscaling and RIFE interpolation.

    Pros

    • Free and open source (AGPL-3.0)
    • Works on NVIDIA, AMD and Intel GPUs via Vulkan
    • Both upscaling and frame interpolation in one tool
    • Can run on Google Colab without a local GPU

    Cons

    • No native macOS app, only a container image
    • Precompiled builds need a CPU with AVX2
    • Less hand-holding than commercial apps
    Visit Video2X Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Video2X a good REAL Video Enhancer alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Nov 1, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Modes
    Upscaling and frame interpolation
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows and Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    GPU requirement
    Vulkan support
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Cloud option
    Google Colab
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Topaz Video logo

    2. Topaz Video

    Best for: Video professionals who want the most polished AI upscaling and slow motion and will pay for it

    PaidmacOS, Windows, Web

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from REAL Video Enhancer

    Paid option with more polished models for upscaling, slow motion and SDR to HDR, on Mac and Windows.

    Pros

    • Wide set of models for upscaling, denoising and slow motion
    • Runs as a standalone app or as a plugin
    • Cloud workflows if your own GPU is too slow

    Cons

    • Subscription pricing is expensive for hobbyists
    • No Linux version
    • Commercial use limited for organisations over $1M revenue on standard plans
    Visit Topaz Video Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Topaz Video a good REAL Video Enhancer alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Platforms
    Mac and Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026topazlabs.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Bundle price
    $399/year (Topaz Studio)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026topazlabs.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Video workflows
    Upscale, interpolation, slow motion, SDR to HDR
    Checked Nov 8, 2026topazlabs.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Commercial use
    Orgs under $1M annual revenue
    Checked Nov 8, 2026topazlabs.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Upscayl logo

    3. Upscayl

    Best for: Anyone who wants free, private AI upscaling on their own computer

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    51.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from REAL Video Enhancer

    Free open-source AI upscaler for still images, handy when you only need to enlarge frames or photos.

    Pros

    • Free and open source on all desktop systems
    • Runs locally, nothing uploaded
    • Batch upscaling and custom models

    Cons

    • Upscaling only, no generation or editing
    • Needs a compatible GPU
    • Less creative detail than Magnific-style upscalers
    Visit Upscayl Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Upscayl a good REAL Video Enhancer alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux, macOS, Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026upscayl.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free and open source
    Checked Nov 8, 2026upscayl.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Mac App Store edition
    Paid (direct download is free)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026upscayl.org(opens source in a new tab)
  4. DaVinci Resolve logo

    4. DaVinci Resolve

    Best for: Editors and colourists who want pro tools without a subscription

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS

    50.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from REAL Video Enhancer

    Resolve Studio's Super Scale and Speed Warp cover upscaling and slow-motion inside an editor you may already use.

    Pros

    • Free version is enough for most professional work
    • Industry-leading colour grading
    • Studio is a one-time purchase with free updates

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve across many pages
    • Needs a powerful GPU for smooth playback
    • Some AI and format features are Studio only
    Visit DaVinci Resolve Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.338
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is DaVinci Resolve a good REAL Video Enhancer alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free version
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026blackmagicdesign.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free version limits
    Up to Ultra HD at 60fps
    Checked Nov 8, 2026blackmagicdesign.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Mac, Windows, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026blackmagicdesign.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Studio extras
    AI Neural Engine, extra Resolve FX
    Checked Nov 8, 2026blackmagicdesign.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $295 one-time for Studio (on sale for $236)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026blackmagicdesign.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, free version up to 60 fps
    Checked Nov 8, 2026blackmagicdesign.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Video2X logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for most people

Video2X

Also free and open source, with a Windows GUI and Linux packages covering both upscaling and RIFE interpolation.

Upscayl logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for a free option

Upscayl

Free open-source AI upscaler for still images, handy when you only need to enlarge frames or photos.

DaVinci Resolve logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

DaVinci Resolve

Resolve Studio's Super Scale and Speed Warp cover upscaling and slow-motion inside an editor you may already use.

Video2X logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for open source

Video2X

Also free and open source, with a Windows GUI and Linux packages covering both upscaling and RIFE interpolation.

Topaz Video logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for Mac

Topaz Video

Paid option with more polished models for upscaling, slow motion and SDR to HDR, on Mac and Windows.

Video2X logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for Windows

Video2X

Also free and open source, with a Windows GUI and Linux packages covering both upscaling and RIFE interpolation.

Video2X logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for Linux

Video2X

Also free and open source, with a Windows GUI and Linux packages covering both upscaling and RIFE interpolation.

Topaz Video logo

Best REAL Video Enhancer alternative for working in the browser

Topaz Video

Paid option with more polished models for upscaling, slow motion and SDR to HDR, on Mac and Windows.

REAL Video Enhancer alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to REAL Video Enhancer?

Video2X ranks first right now. Also free and open source, with a Windows GUI and Linux packages covering both upscaling and RIFE interpolation. Topaz Video and Upscayl follow it in our ranking.

REAL Video Enhancer vs Video2X: what's the difference?

Both REAL Video Enhancer and Video2X are free and open source. Only REAL Video Enhancer runs on macOS.

Is REAL Video Enhancer free?

REAL Video Enhancer is free and open source.

How much do REAL Video Enhancer alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked REAL Video Enhancer alternatives: Topaz Video, $399/year (Topaz Studio); DaVinci Resolve, $295 one-time for Studio (on sale for $236). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to REAL Video Enhancer?

Yes. Video2X (open source), Upscayl (open source) and DaVinci Resolve (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to REAL Video Enhancer?

Yes: Video2X and Upscayl.

Which REAL Video Enhancer alternatives work on Linux?

Video2X, Upscayl and DaVinci Resolve run on Linux.

Why do people switch from REAL Video Enhancer?

The complaints we hear most: needs a capable GPU for usable speeds; fewer model and export options than paid tools like Topaz Video; small project with documentation mostly in the README.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces REAL Video Enhancer, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.