Is Topaz Video Worth It? Should You Upgrade from Topaz Video AI?

Recently, Topaz has released Topaz Video as the company’s latest video enhancement software, together with the new Topaz Studio suite. With its release, many users are wondering: how does Topaz Video compare to Topaz Video AI, what are its unique features, and is it worth investing in? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Topaz Video, including its price, features, pros, cons, and a detailed comparison with Topaz Video AI. If you also have such questions, check this post.

What is Topaz Video?

Topaz Video is an AI-powered video enhancement software released by Topaz Labs, the successor to Topaz Video Enhance AI. It is designed to help users to upscale low-resolution footage, remove noise, sharpen blurry details, and stabilize shaky clips.by using advanced machine learning models. Instead of a standalone program, it's now part of the new Topaz Studio suite, a collection of all Topaz apps available under a subscription model. The new Topaz Video introduces several new AI models and features designed to improve video quality while simplify the video enhancement workflow.

Price

Unlike the one-time purchase model with optional paid upgrades of Topaz Video AI, Topaz Video is available exclusively through a subscription.

• The subscription for Topaz Video is $33/mo, which will in fact cost you $396 during the annual commitment period, during which you can’t cancel the subscription.
• No Perpetual License: Topaz Labs has discontinued its one-time purchase option for new software. Existing customers with a perpetual license for a previous version of Topaz Video AI will still get updates for that specific version but will not have access to new models introduced in the update unless they subscribe.

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Key features of Topaz Video

1. New and updated AI models

• Starlight Fast 2 Local: This is a new local diffusion model that delivere 3–5x faster performance than Starlight Mini while maintaining natural, high-quality video results across different conditions. It is available in Topaz Video Pro for NVIDIA GPUs (16GB minimum, 32GB recommended) and also supports cloud export.
• Starlight HQ: This is a new local diffusion model in Topaz Video Pro that enhances mid- to high-resolution videos beyond 1080p, delivering sharper, more detailed results while preserving the original footage’s intent.
• Gaia 2: This new local model for animation and motion graphics reduces aliasing and detail bleeding with frame-by-frame enhancement, delivering cleaner 2× upscaling while preserving the original visual intent.
• Nyx XL: A new, complex denoising model for all platforms that preserves detail in high-resolution, high-quality media.
• Starlight Sharp: A new, demanding diffusion-based model for maximum crispness, designed for low-resolution footage and available to Windows users with NVIDIA GPUs for local rendering.

2. Enhanced user interface

Right Panel" was refreshed for better accessibility and intuitive grouping of enhancement options. Presets are easier to find, and parameter controls are simplified.

3. Live frame preview

 A new feature that allows users to see instant feedback on individual frames as they adjust model settings.

4. General enhancement preset

 A new, tunable preset with a single slider that adjusts multiple model settings at once to address sharpness, compression, and detail.

5. Cloud and local rendering

The application offers both local processing for high-end systems and cloud rendering for users with less powerful machines. Cloud rendering capabilities are unlimited for subscribers.

6. Future capabilities

The release notes mention future plans to support more professional plugins (e.g., BlackMagic Fusion, Nuke, Premiere Pro) and to unlock higher color space and resolution limits. 

Topaz Video Enhanced Video Tests

In the following section, we’ll walk through several side-by-side comparisons using Topaz Video, highlighting the visual differences before and after processing to better understand how each Topaz Video AI model handles detail, noise, sharpness, and overall video quality.

Enhance Videos with Topaz Video Starlight Model

Within the Starlight model family in Topaz Video AI, Starlight Sharp is effective at restoring detail from low-resolution and compressed footage. In testing, it performs especially well on small faces and fine features, producing sharper and more defined results, with support for both local and cloud rendering.

Across the lineup, Starlight models are generally hardware-intensive. Newer variants take different approaches: Starlight Fast prioritizes speed (around 3–5× faster than Mini), while Starlight HQ focuses on more consistent, higher-quality output.

Starlight HQ in Topaz Video AI is a balanced, quality-focused model for local rendering. In testing, it delivers cleaner detail and more stable sharpness than faster options like Starlight Fast, especially on medium to high-quality footage. Results look more natural and refined, though processing is slower.

It supports 480p–4K inputs with up to 4× upscale (capped at 4K output) and runs best on NVIDIA GPUs with higher VRAM. Performance is strongest on clean or moderately compressed video, while heavily degraded or interlaced footage can still be challenging. Overall, it’s a slower but more consistent option for polished results.

Remove Noise with Topaz Video Nyx Model

The Nyx XL model in Topaz Video AI focuses on advanced denoising and detail refinement. In testing, it does a strong job separating noise from real detail, producing cleaner, sharper results—especially in low-light or high-ISO footage. It works well across different scene types and is often used in a processing chain (e.g., after upscaling) to polish the final output while preserving a natural look.

That said, Nyx XL is resource-intensive and relatively slow to render. It’s not designed for upscaling, so results depend heavily on the original footage quality. Performance can also vary on some platforms, but overall it’s a solid choice when the goal is clean, noise-free video without over-sharpening.

Enhance Anime with Topaz Video Gaia Model

The Gaia model in Topaz Video AI is designed for traditional animation, motion graphics, and stop-motion content. It introduces a refined processing structure that enhances video frame by frame while helping prevent detail bleeding, which is especially important in stylized or hand-drawn visuals. In testing, it performs well at improving edge clarity and reducing aliasing artifacts without distorting the original artistic intent.

It is particularly effective for anime-style content, where clean lines and consistent shapes matter more than natural texture reconstruction. Gaia can enhance sharpness and stabilize edges while maintaining the original style, and it supports up to 2× upscale. Overall, it’s a reliable option for improving animated footage while preserving its intended look and feel.

Enhance Low-res Videos with Topaz Video Proteus Model

Proteus model serves as a flexible, general-purpose enhancement option that performs well across a wide range of footage. In testing, it is particularly strong at noise reduction, compression cleanup, and fixing common digital artifacts, making it a reliable “go-to” choice for low to medium-quality video. It also handles aliased edges effectively while allowing parameter adjustments for more tailored results.

The Proteus Natural variant shifts toward a more subtle and realistic output. It reduces issues such as over-sharpened textures, crunchy backgrounds, and occasional face distortions that can appear in the original Proteus, especially in smaller or distant subjects. While less aggressive in sharpening by design, it delivers cleaner and more natural-looking results, and works well as a base enhancement or in combination with a second model for further refinement.

Topaz Video Pros and Cons

The new features and AI models in Topaz Studio video enhancer offer impressive capabilities, but the shift to a subscription model and demanding hardware requirements may not be for everyone. Let's break down the pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right choice for your workflow.

Pros:

• Powerful AI: The new AI models in Topaz Video deliver incredible results, especially in denoising and sharpening, making low-quality footage usable.
• Flexible Workflow: The addition of cloud rendering is a game-changer for users with less powerful computers.
• Simplified Interface: The new UI makes it easier for new users to get started and for pros to fine-tune their results.
• Constant Updates: Topaz Video will receive all the new models and features.

Cons:

• Subscription Model: The shift away from a one-time purchase to a yearly subscription may be a deal-breaker for some users.
• Pricing: For users who only need video enhancement, the new pricing model may be less cost-effective than the previous perpetual license.
• High Demands: While cloud rendering helps, local processing with the more advanced models can still be very demanding on your GPU.
• Slow Rendering: On older PCs – AI models take time, especially on mid-range hardware.

Topaz Video VS Topaz Video AI

Many users are asking: what’s the real difference between Topaz Video and Topaz Video AI? The main difference is that Topaz Video is the new, subscription-based version of the previous Topaz Video AI. It's not a new product, but an updated version available under a new licensing model.

• Subscription Model: Topaz Video AI was a one-time purchase. Topaz Video is a yearly subscription to the full Topaz Studio suite.
• New Features: Topaz Video includes all the features of Topaz Video AI, but with the addition of new AI models and a redesigned user interface.
• Licensing: Perpetual license owners of older versions of Topaz Video AI will not receive these new updates and will have to subscribe to Topaz Studio to get the latest features.

Here’s a breakdown (check detailecd Topaz Video AI features):

In short, Topaz Video is essentially a rebranded version of Topaz Video AI. The core AI models are similar, but the user experience and workflow are significantly improved.

Summary for users:

• If you are a legacy owner: You can keep using your perpetual license of Topaz Video AI. However, you will need to subscribe to Topaz Studio to access the new features and AI models available in Topaz Video.
• If you are a new user: Your only option to get Topaz Video is to purchase a subscription to the Topaz Studio suite. You will get the newest version of the app, Topaz Video, along with other products. 

An Equally Powerful Alternative to Topaz Video without Costing You $396

If you're looking for a professional-grade video enhancement tool without the high cost of a yearly subscription, then Aiarty Video Enhancer is a top-tier alternative to Topaz Video. It's designed to deliver the same stunning, AI-powered results through a one-time purchase, giving you complete control over your budget and your content.

Aiarty can take low-resolution videos to crisp HD, 4K, remove distracting noise and grain, restore blurry or soft footage, create smooth, fluid slow-motion video with AI, and correct colors. All its AI models are ptimized GPU utilization (up to 95%) deliver significantly faster processing times than Topaz Video. Meanwhile, with its one-time purchase model, you can access powerful features without the recurring cost, making it a smarter and more user-friendly investment for your creative projects.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're looking to enhance your video production quality and create captivating visuals, Topaz Video AI is a worthwhile investment. Its combination of powerful features, ease of use, and continuous updates ensures that you can stay ahead in the competitive world of video content creation. We encourage you to try the free trial and experience the transformative capabilities of Topaz Video AI for yourself!