AppBreakup

Video2X alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

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

Top picks

Common reasons people leave Video2X: no native macOS app, only a container image, and precompiled builds need a CPU with AVX2. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Video2X, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. REAL Video Enhancer currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1REAL Video Enhancer logoREAL Video EnhancerOpen source—YesLinux, Windows, macOS5 of 583.8
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
5HitPaw VikPea logoHitPaw VikPeaPaidUS$43.19 a month (monthly plan)NoWindows, macOS, Web +28 of 842.3
  1. REAL Video Enhancer logo

    1. REAL Video EnhancerTop pick

    Best for: Linux users who want free, local AI frame interpolation and upscaling in one GUI

    Open sourceLinux, Windows, macOS

    83.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Video2X

    Similar free model stack in a friendlier GUI, with native Linux, Windows and macOS builds.

    Pros

    • Free and open source under AGPL-3.0
    • Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS
    • Scene-change detection keeps cuts clean
    • Can enhance a video directly from a YouTube or video URL

    Cons

    • 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 this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

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

    Is REAL Video Enhancer a good Video2X alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux, Windows, macOS
    Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Features
    Interpolate, upscale, decompress, denoise
    Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Scene detection
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux packages
    AppImage and Flatpak
    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 Video2X

    Commercial app with more refined models and support, if you'll pay for better results with less tuning.

    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
    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 Video2X 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 Video2X

    Free GUI for upscaling still images, a good fit if you mostly upscale stills or extracted frames.

    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
    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 Video2X 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 Video2X

    The Studio version adds Super Scale upscaling and Speed Warp interpolation inside a full editor and grading suite.

    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
    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 Video2X 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)
  5. HitPaw VikPea logo

    5. HitPaw VikPea

    Best for: Casual users who want quick one-click upscaling and cleanup of phone, family or AI-generated video

    PaidWindows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Video2X

    Paid, more polished app with denoise, colorize and repair models beyond upscaling.

    Pros

    • Available on desktop, web, iOS and Android
    • One-click models for upscaling, denoise, colorize and repair
    • Frame interpolation up to 120 fps
    • Perpetual licence option and 30-day money-back guarantee

    Cons

    • Free trial only previews results; exports need a paid plan
    • Few manual controls compared with pro upscalers
    • Recommended specs call for 16 GB RAM
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    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 HitPaw VikPea a good Video2X alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Max upscale
    8K
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    Preview results on your own footage
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop OS
    Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Perpetual licence
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    US$43.19 a month (monthly plan)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Yearly plan
    US$99.99 a year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Lifetime price
    US$350.39 one-time (perpetual plan)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026hitpaw.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Video2X alternative for…

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

REAL Video Enhancer logo

Best Video2X alternative for most people

REAL Video Enhancer

Similar free model stack in a friendlier GUI, with native Linux, Windows and macOS builds.

Upscayl logo

Best Video2X alternative for a free option

Upscayl

Free GUI for upscaling still images, a good fit if you mostly upscale stills or extracted frames.

DaVinci Resolve logo

Best Video2X alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

DaVinci Resolve

The Studio version adds Super Scale upscaling and Speed Warp interpolation inside a full editor and grading suite.

REAL Video Enhancer logo

Best Video2X alternative for open source

REAL Video Enhancer

Similar free model stack in a friendlier GUI, with native Linux, Windows and macOS builds.

Topaz Video logo

Best Video2X alternative for Mac

Topaz Video

Commercial app with more refined models and support, if you'll pay for better results with less tuning.

HitPaw VikPea logo

Best Video2X alternative for Windows

HitPaw VikPea

Paid, more polished app with denoise, colorize and repair models beyond upscaling.

REAL Video Enhancer logo

Best Video2X alternative for Linux

REAL Video Enhancer

Similar free model stack in a friendlier GUI, with native Linux, Windows and macOS builds.

HitPaw VikPea logo

Best Video2X alternative for iPhone and Android

HitPaw VikPea

Paid, more polished app with denoise, colorize and repair models beyond upscaling.

Topaz Video logo

Best Video2X alternative for working in the browser

Topaz Video

Commercial app with more refined models and support, if you'll pay for better results with less tuning.

Video2X alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Video2X?

REAL Video Enhancer ranks first right now. Similar free model stack in a friendlier GUI, with native Linux, Windows and macOS builds. Topaz Video and Upscayl follow it in our ranking.

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

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

Is Video2X free?

Video2X is free and open source.

How much do Video2X alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Video2X alternatives: Topaz Video, $399/year (Topaz Studio); DaVinci Resolve, $295 one-time for Studio (on sale for $236); HitPaw VikPea, US$43.19 a month (monthly plan). 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 Video2X?

Yes. REAL Video Enhancer (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 Video2X?

Yes: REAL Video Enhancer and Upscayl.

Which Video2X alternatives work on Linux?

REAL Video Enhancer, Upscayl and DaVinci Resolve run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Video2X?

The complaints we hear most: no native macOS app, only a container image; precompiled builds need a CPU with AVX2; less hand-holding than commercial apps.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Video2X, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.