Topaz Labs
AI upscaling, restoration and 4K video enhancement for rushes, archive and stills
Topaz Labs makes desktop and browser AI tools for upscaling, denoising, sharpening and restoring video and stills. Its video line (Topaz Video, Astra, Starlight and Hyperion models) is the main reason film editors use it: enlarge 2K rushes to 4K, clean up archive footage and convert SDR to HDR. Everything is subscription-only since October 2025, and Adobe announced it will acquire the company in June 2026.
- 16 creators using
- 5 news items tracked
- 2001 first launched
- Paid pricing
- Moderate learning curve
What Topaz Labs can do
- Infinite canvas No
- AI agent No
- Node / flow builder No
- Public API Partial
- MCP server No
8 of 26 capabilities confirmed
| Capability | Supported | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Text to image | No | |
| Image editing | Partial | Enhancement and restoration (Photo AI denoise, Recover Faces, Wonder models) |
| Text to video | No | |
| Image to video | No | |
| Video to video | Yes | Video AI desktop, Astra and Starlight cloud upscaling, Hyperion SDR-to-HDR, frame interpolation to 120fps |
| Native audio in video | No | Models don't alter audio; it is copied through on export |
| Lip-sync | No | |
| Voice / TTS | No | |
| Music & SFX | No | |
| Upscaling | Yes | Gigapixel, Video AI and Astra (up to 4K), Bloom cloud creative upscale |
| Character consistency | No | |
| Camera control | No | |
| Custom training | No | |
| Third-party models | No |
| Capability | Supported | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite canvas | No | |
| Node / flow builder | No | |
| AI agent | No | |
| Chat assistant | No | |
| Team collaboration | Partial | Studio Pro includes seat management |
| Capability | Supported | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Public API | Partial | Enterprise API, access by sales contact only |
| MCP server | No | |
| Mobile app | Yes | Topaz for Mobile (iPhone) |
| Desktop / local | Yes | Topaz Video, Photo and Gigapixel desktop apps with local rendering |
| Open source | No |
| Capability | Supported | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | No | No free plan |
| Commercial use | Yes | Full on Studio Pro; limited on Studio and Astra Standard |
Yes Partial No Not confirmed by the vendor
What makes Topaz Labs different
- 01
Restoration and resolution, not generation: upscales and cleans existing footage (2K to 4K, archive, SDR to HDR) where generative tools would invent detail and change the shot.
- 02
Local GPU processing on desktop (Topaz Video, Photo, Gigapixel) with no per-clip fee, plus cloud models (Astra, Starlight) for when a machine can't do the work.
- 03
Film-specific outputs: ProRes and EXR masters and HDR10 from Hyperion 2.5, and Premiere Pro panel access without leaving the timeline.
- 04
Commercial licensing on Studio Pro with seat management; lower tiers carry limited commercial terms (Astra notes a $1M revenue cap for limited use).
- 05
Image side covers 16x-pixel Gigapixel upscaling with Recover and Redefine models, which matters for still-frame and VFX texture work where Magnific's creative upscaling is the other option.
Latest from Topaz Labs
- May 13 How to Enhance Text in Images with AI Topaz Photo AI now includes specialized tools to sharpen and clarify illegible text within low-resolution images.
- May 12 How to Fix Pixelated Images Online Topaz Labs has released a comprehensive guide on repairing pixelated images using AI-driven web tools to restore lost detail and resolution.
- May 11 How to Remove Backgrounds from Images Online Topaz Labs has launched a browser-based tool for instant background removal, bringing their desktop-grade AI isolation technology to a web interface for faster creative workflows.
- Apr 25 Topaz Labs vs. Davinci Resolve Topaz Labs compares its AI video enhancement tools against DaVinci Resolve’s native upscaling and noise reduction features for high-end post-production workflows.
- Apr 24 Using Topaz Labs for Seedance 2.0 Videos Topaz Labs releases a workflow guide for enhancing Seedance 2.0 AI video generations using Video AI and Photo AI to fix resolution and stability issues.
About Topaz Labs
Topaz Labs has sold AI image and video enhancement since 2001. The current lineup is split between local desktop apps (Topaz Video, Topaz Photo, Topaz Gigapixel) and cloud or browser tools (Astra for video upscaling up to 4K, Topaz for Web, Topaz for Mobile on iPhone). Topaz Studio bundles the apps for $399 a year, and Topaz Studio Pro costs $799 a year and adds pro-only models and commercial licensing with seat management.
What changed in 2026: Topaz added Hyperion 2 (an SDR-to-HDR video model) in its May expansion update and Hyperion 2.5 in August. It also shipped a free Topaz Labs panel for Adobe Premiere that sends clips to cloud processing and bills Topaz Cloud Credits, and it expanded Gigapixel with Wonder 2 and Wonder 3 models. In June 2026 Adobe agreed to buy Topaz Labs for an undisclosed price. Adobe says the Topaz apps will keep being sold standalone and plans to bring the technology into Firefly and Creative Cloud. The deal is still pending.
For filmmakers the value is restoration and resolution work that sits outside a generative video model: taking a 2K or archival master to 4K for a DI, stabilizing handheld footage, slowing action with frame interpolation, and making HDR masters from SDR sources. It is not a generator. It does not create shots, and it does not change audio. Use it after picture lock or before the grade, on the master, not as a prompt-based tool.
What's new in Topaz Labs
-
Hyperion 2.5 SDR-to-HDR video model
Topaz released Hyperion 2.5, an SDR-to-HDR model that outputs BT.2020 PQ/HDR10 and 10-bit ProRes or 16-bit EXR masters.
Source: morphic.com ↗ -
Adobe agrees to acquire Topaz Labs
Adobe announced a definitive agreement on 25 June 2026; the FTC granted early termination, and closing is expected in H2 2026 pending remaining approvals.
Source: techcrunch.com ↗ -
Expansion update: free Premiere panel and Hyperion 2
Topaz added a free Premiere Pro panel (cloud processing, billed in Topaz Cloud Credits), the Hyperion 2 SDR-to-HDR model in Topaz Video, Wonder 2/3 in Gigapixel, and the Topaz Image Web app.
Source: digital-release.wowktv.com ↗
Models available in Topaz Labs
-
Astra 2 (Creative and Precise modes) Latest Topaz Labs Browser video upscaler up to 4K; Creative mode adds detail
-
-
Key Features
- Video AI desktop: upscaling to 4K, denoise, stabilization and frame interpolation with local GPU rendering
- Hyperion 2.5: SDR-to-HDR conversion with 10-bit ProRes, 16-bit EXR and HDR10 outputs
- Astra (browser, no GPU): Creative and Precise modes, up to 4K, frame interpolation to 120fps and up to 8x slow motion
- Starlight video models for cloud and desktop upscaling
- Gigapixel: image upscaling with Wonder 2/3, Recover, Redefine and Face Recovery models
- Free Topaz Labs panel for Adobe Premiere Pro that sends clips to cloud processing (requires Topaz Cloud Credits)
- Topaz for Web (browser image and video) and Topaz for Mobile (iPhone)
- Batch processing queue on desktop Studio
When to reach for it — and when to skip
Reach for it when…
- Keeps the picture faithful: restores and enlarges footage rather than inventing a new shot
- Local processing means no per-clip fees on desktop plans
- HDR and high-bit-depth masters (Hyperion 2.5) that fit a grading pipeline
- Commercial licensing and seat management on Studio Pro
- Mature product line with a long track record in post and restoration
Skip it when…
- Subscription-only since October 2025: a lapsed plan means no new versions and no new perpetual licences
- Cloud credits are a separate meter on top of the subscription, and the Premiere panel bills them
- Needs a strong GPU for local video work; Astra avoids this but has a credit cap
- Adobe acquisition pending: the product roadmap, pricing and integration may change after close
Best For
✓ Ideal for
- Upscaling 2K or HD rushes to 4K for a DI or a 4K deliverable
- Restoring archival and legacy footage with face recovery and denoise
- Converting SDR footage to HDR masters with Hyperion 2.5
- Stabilizing handheld or drone clips and slowing action with frame interpolation
- Upscaling stills and VFX textures for finishing (Gigapixel)
✗ Not built for
- Creating new shots, characters or motion from a prompt
- Free or budget workflows that need no subscription
- Projects that need a clear public API or MCP integration today
Working Tips from Filmmakers Using Topaz Labs
- 01 Upscale the camera master before the grade, not after: enlargement after grading amplifies noise and banding.
- 02 Stabilization works best on small, unintended movement (1-2%); skip it on gimbal shots to avoid warping.
- 03 Use Astra for short 4K jobs to keep GPU time free, and budget credits first: a 10-minute HD clip can use most of the 400 Standard credits.
- 04 The Premiere panel needs MOV or MP4 for cloud processing.
- 05 Set Gigapixel face recovery to strong for interviews and subtle for wide establishing shots to avoid skin smoothing.
Topaz Labs pricing in 2026
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Topaz Studio | $399/yr (about $34/mo billed annually); $69/mo monthly annual or monthly |
|
| Topaz Studio Pro | $799/yr; $79/mo on an annual commitment annual or monthly |
|
| Astra Standard | $19/mo promo (listed from $39/mo) monthly |
|
| Topaz for Web - Pro | $329/yr; $35/mo annual or monthly |
|
Prices checked against Topaz Labs's pricing page on 9 Oct 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm before you buy.
Topaz Labs vs Magnific
| Topaz Labs | Magnific | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $19/mo (Astra Standard, promo) or $399/yr Topaz Studio; Studio Pro $799/yr | From €16/mo excl. VAT (€12/mo billed yearly); no free tier listed |
| Infinite canvas | No | Partial |
| Node / flow builder | No | Partial |
| Team collaboration | Partial | Yes |
| Text to image | No | Yes |
| Image editing | Partial | Partial |
| Text to video | No | Yes |
| Video to video | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Native audio in video | No | Yes |
| Voice / TTS | No | Yes |
| Upscaling | Yes | Yes |
| Character consistency | No | Partial |
| Third-party models | No | Yes |
| Public API | Partial | Yes |
| MCP server | No | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Desktop / local | Yes | No |
| Commercial use | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $19/mo (Astra promo); $399/yr Studio | EUR 12/mo annual (Premium) |
| Perpetual licence | No (ended Oct 2025) | No (subscription credits) |
| Video upscaling | Yes, up to 4K (Astra, Video AI) | Yes (Magnific image and video upscalers on Premium) |
| Public API | Enterprise only, contact sales | Yes, credit-based API access on all plans |
| MCP / plugins | No MCP; Premiere panel | Magnific MCP and plugins |
| Commercial licence | Full on Studio Pro; limited on lower tiers | Commercial AI license on Premium |
Each column comes from that tool's own researched page. "Not confirmed" means the vendor doesn't say.
Open the full Topaz Labs vs Magnific comparison →Use Cases
Integrations
Tags
Creators Using Topaz Labs
AI Filmmaker and Video Editor
Building Tomorrow, Today.
AGENT*EP — PRODUCTION PARTNER FOR THE AI ERA
AI FILMAKER
AI Filmmaker · Writer · Director · Producer
AI Creative / VIsual Storyteller
AI Filmmaker • Video Editor • AI Content Creator
AI animation and film maker.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against Topaz Labs's own pricing, product and changelog pages on , then cross-checked with independent coverage where vendor pages were silent. Anything we couldn't confirm is marked "Not confirmed" rather than guessed.
- Topaz Labs pricing page topazlabs.com
- Topaz Labs home (product lineup and dated news) topazlabs.com
- Astra product page topazlabs.com
- Gigapixel product page topazlabs.com
- Topaz expansion update (Premiere panel, Hyperion 2) topazlabs.com
- TechCrunch: Adobe acquires Topaz Labs techcrunch.com
- CGChannel: Topaz to end perpetual licences (Sept 2025) cgchannel.com
- Hyperion 2.5 model listing (third party) morphic.com
- Magnific pricing page (comparison) magnific.com
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
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