6 Video Restoration Tools for Old Videos and VHS (2026)

The best video restoration software depends on what is wrong with your footage. Soft digital captures may benefit from AI super-resolution. Faded colors need color correction. Comb-like lines during motion call for deinterlacing. Missing footage and physical tape damage require work on the source.

Disclosure: VideoEnhancer is our product. This is a workflow comparison, not a measured quality ranking. The example above shows our own processing only. Our offer is a 5-second free video trial; further processing requires payment.

Six restoration tools compared

Tool	Consider it for	Check before committing
VideoEnhancer	Trying restoration in a browser	5-second free trial; paid MP4 up to 120 seconds and 500 MB
Topaz Video	A dedicated enhancement workflow	Current models, hardware requirements and license
DaVinci Resolve	Editing and correcting faded colors	Super Scale and advanced noise reduction require Studio
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI	A dedicated desktop upscaler	System requirements and trial export restrictions
Wondershare Filmora	Editing and enhancement together	Which AI features and credits your edition includes
TensorPix	Another online processing workflow	Current input limits, credits and export options

1. VideoEnhancer: test an old clip online

Our AI video restoration tool uses FlashVSR for super-resolution and noise reduction. Choose 1080p, 2K or 4K. Paid files must be MP4, no larger than 500 MB and no longer than 120 seconds. The free trial is limited to 5 seconds.

Full paid processing costs $0.03 per second at 1080p, $0.06 at 2K or $0.10 at 4K. A 30-second paid job is $0.90, $1.80 or $3.00 before any applicable trial allowance. Colorization, physical tape repair and deleted-file recovery are not included.

2. Topaz Video: a dedicated enhancement workflow

Evaluate Topaz when you need a dedicated application and more processing control. Check the current edition, local or cloud processing options, hardware requirements and export terms. Compare the same moving sample; a price list cannot predict quality on your recording.

3. DaVinci Resolve: color and preparation

Resolve is useful for editing, white balance and color casts. Distinguish its free editor from Studio: Super Scale and advanced noise reduction belong to Studio. A tape with an orange cast needs color correction even when it also needs upscaling.

4. AVCLabs: a desktop option

AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is another dedicated enhancer to test on your computer. Check moving faces and grain in an exported sample. Confirm current hardware requirements and trial restrictions before purchasing.

5. Filmora: restoration within an edit

Filmora may suit a project that also needs cuts, titles and assembly. Check which enhancement functions your edition includes and whether AI use consumes additional credits. An editor subscription does not necessarily include unlimited AI processing.

6. TensorPix: another browser workflow

TensorPix provides another online option. Compare supported files, trial limits and the cost of a completed export. Include upload and download time when the source is a large tape capture.

How to compare restoration results

1. Keep the original capture and select a short scene with faces and movement.
2. Correct interlacing artifacts and obvious color casts before testing upscaling.
3. Compare both versions at the same display size and playback speed.
4. Check for halos, waxy skin and flickering textures. A sharp paused frame can still look worse in motion.
5. Choose the lowest output resolution that meets your delivery needs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I restore VHS online?

Yes, after digitizing the tape. A browser tool needs a playable digital file; it cannot read a cassette. Follow our old video preparation guide.

Is VideoEnhancer completely free?

No. Only the 5-second video trial is free. Further video processing requires payment.

Does 4K output recover original detail exactly?

No. Super-resolution estimates plausible detail. A clearer result is not proof that missing information has been recovered faithfully.

For other workflows, read our Topaz alternatives comparison.