
Video2X
Free, open-source tool for AI video upscaling and frame interpolation.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, Linux
Is Video2X free?
Yes, free and open source
- License:
- AGPL-3.0
Checked on Video2X's site Nov 1, 2026
Switch from Video2X to
All 5
REAL Video EnhancerOpen source
Topaz VideoBundle price: $399/year (Topaz Studio)
UpscaylOpen source
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Video2X
Video2X is an open-source program for making videos sharper and smoother with machine-learning models. It runs in two modes: filtering, which upscales each frame with models such as Real-ESRGAN, Real-CUGAN or Anime4K, and frame interpolation, which uses RIFE to add in-between frames for a higher frame rate. Version 6 was rewritten in C and C++, uses ncnn and Vulkan so it works on NVIDIA, AMD and Intel GPUs, and doesn't need extra disk space for temporary frames during processing. On Windows there's an installer with a graphical interface; on Linux it's packaged in the AUR and as an AppImage, and a container image covers Linux and macOS. People without a strong GPU can run it in a Google Colab notebook. It's popular with anime fans and people restoring low-resolution clips. It's completely free, with no paid tier; the trade-off is that setup and tuning are more technical than with commercial tools.
Best for: Anyone who wants free AI upscaling and interpolation and doesn't mind a technical setup.
Pros and cons
What works
- 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
Why people leave
- No native macOS app, only a container image
- Precompiled builds need a CPU with AVX2
- Less hand-holding than commercial apps
Video2X vs REAL Video Enhancer, Topaz Video and Upscayl
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Video2X | REAL Video Enhancer | Topaz Video | Upscayl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source | Paid | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | $399/year (Topaz Studio) | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | No | Free app |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Linux, Windows, macOS | macOS, Windows, Web | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Top Video2X alternatives
See all 5- 1
REAL Video Enhancer83.8Similar free model stack in a friendlier GUI, with native Linux, Windows and macOS builds.
- 2
Topaz Video61.8Commercial app with more refined models and support, if you'll pay for better results with less tuning.
- 3
Upscayl51.2Free GUI for upscaling still images, a good fit if you mostly upscale stills or extracted frames.
- 4
DaVinci Resolve50.0The Studio version adds Super Scale upscaling and Speed Warp interpolation inside a full editor and grading suite.
- 5
HitPaw VikPea42.3Paid, more polished app with denoise, colorize and repair models beyond upscaling.
Why people left Video2X
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Video2X, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers
Write a review of Video2X
Video2X: common questions
What is Video2X?
Video2X: Free, open-source tool for AI video upscaling and frame interpolation. Best for anyone who wants free AI upscaling and interpolation and doesn't mind a technical setup. Available for Windows and Linux.
Is Video2X free?
Yes. Video2X is free, open-source software.
Is Video2X open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at k4yt3x/video2x.
What platforms does Video2X run on?
Video2X is available for Windows and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to Video2X?
The highest-ranked Video2X alternatives right now are REAL Video Enhancer, Topaz Video and Upscayl. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
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.