Nero AI is a comprehensive suite of artificial intelligence tools. It is designed to enhance and restore digital media. This includes videos and photos. It leverages advanced AI models to perform tasks like upscaling low-resolution footage, restoring old photographs, and removing noise and artifacts. The software is available across multiple platforms, offering both desktop and mobile solutions for content creators and enthusiasts alike.
In This Article
Quick Start & Pro Tips
Optimizing GPU Acceleration for 4K Upscaling
- Navigate to the application’s main menu and select File > Settings > Performance.
- Under ‘Hardware Encoding,’ manually select your dedicated graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060).
- Choose an efficient output encoder, such as H.265/HEVC, and set the Bitrate to ‘High’ for maximum quality retention.
- Ensure your GPU has at least 4 GB of VRAM to handle the computational load of upscaling Full HD source files to 4K resolution.
Why: Selecting the correct GPU and H.265 encoder ensures that the AI upscaling process utilizes hardware acceleration (NVENC/QSV/AMF), drastically reducing rendering times compared to CPU-only processing.
Advanced AI Model Stacking and Output Formats
- Import your image or video file (e.g., a low-resolution.mkv or.mp4 file).
- In the AI Model selection panel, choose a base model like ‘Realistic’ or ‘Animation.’
- For portraits, enable the ‘Face Enhancement’ option to stack the face recovery algorithm on top of the base model.
- When exporting images, select the TIF/TIFF format to preserve maximum detail and avoid compression artifacts from formats like JPEG.
Why: Stacking AI models provides granular control, allowing users to combine general enhancement with specialized features like face recovery. Exporting to uncompressed formats like TIFF is critical for professional workflows where image fidelity must be maintained after AI processing.
Download Nero AI for Windows, macOS, and Mobile
Size – 7.8 MB
Windows
Nero AI Blur Face (MS Store)
Mac
Mobile
Technical Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: AMD Ryzen or Intel Core, released after 2017
- RAM: 8 GB RAM
- Disk Space: 20 GB hard drive space
- Graphics: Microsoft® DirectX® 11.0 compliant graphics card
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 and above
- RAM: 16 GB RAM
- Disk Space: SSD (≥200 MB/s write)
- Graphics: NVIDIA graphic card with 4 GB VRAM (for Full HD to 4K upscaling)
| Software Name | Nero AI |
|---|---|
| License | Free |
| OS Support | Windows 11, 10 (64-bit); macOS 10.15+; Android 11+; iOS |
| Language | English, Spanish, French (multi-language) |
| Developer | Nero AG |
| Homepage | https://ai.nero.com/ |
| Last Updated | January 6, 2026 |
Highlights
- AI Video Upscaling to 4K/8K: Intelligently increases video resolution up to 4K or 8K, reconstructing fine details and reducing noise using deep learning algorithms. This includes support for formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, and HEVC.
- Multiple Specialized AI Models: Users can select from various AI models—such as ‘Realistic,’ ‘Animation,’ ‘Face Enhancement,’ and ‘Iris’—to optimize the upscaling process for specific content types. Face options can be stacked with other models for enhanced portrait recovery.
- AI Frame Interpolation and Slow Motion: Utilizes AI to convert low frame rate videos to smoother motion, supporting up to 120 FPS. This feature is essential for creating high-quality slow-motion effects or improving playback fluidity.
- Hardware-Accelerated Processing: Enables GPU acceleration via NVIDIA NVENC, Intel QSV, or AMD AMF to significantly reduce processing time for upscaling and encoding H.264/H.265 video files. A minimum of 4 GB VRAM is recommended for 4K upscaling.
- Photo Restoration and Colorization: The Image Upscaler component can restore old or damaged photographs by removing scratches, reducing JPEG artifacts, and colorizing black and white images. Output can be saved in formats including TIF/TIFF.
Benefits & Limitations
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Utilizes multiple specialized AI models for different content types (e.g., Animation, Realistic, Face Enhancement). | The free version or trial often includes watermarks or credit limitations. |
| Supports upscaling video resolution up to 4K and 8K, and images up to 16K. | Optimal performance requires a dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics card with sufficient VRAM. |
| Offers local processing options for enhanced privacy and speed with GPU acceleration. | |
| Includes advanced features like AI frame interpolation and color adjustment controls. |
Nero AI Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nero AI a free software download?
Nero AI offers a free version or trial period for its desktop applications, such as the Video Upscaler and Image Upscaler, allowing users to test features before purchasing a full license. Mobile apps like Nero Lens also operate on a freemium model.
What is the highest resolution Nero AI Video Upscaler can output?
The Nero AI Video Upscaler is capable of upscaling videos to 4K resolution, with some versions supporting output up to 8K. The Image Upscaler can enhance photos up to 16K resolution.
What file formats does Nero AI support for video and image upscaling?
For video, Nero AI supports a wide range of formats including MP4, AVI, MKV, H.264, and HEVC. For images, it supports popular formats like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
Other Options
| Feature | Nero AI | Topaz Video AI | HitPaw Video Enhancer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ Freemium / Paid Subscription | 💰 Paid (One-time purchase) | ✅ Freemium / Paid Subscription |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Max Upscale Resolution | Up to 8K (Video), 16K (Image) | Up to 8K | Up to 8K |
| GPU Acceleration | NVIDIA NVENC, Intel QSV, AMD AMF | NVIDIA, AMD, Intel (Highly Optimized) | NVIDIA, AMD (Standard) |
| Supported Video Codecs | H.264, H.265/HEVC, MP4, MKV, AVI | ProRes, H.264, H.265, VP9, etc. | MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, etc. |
| Batch Processing | Supported (Image Upscaler, Video Upscaler queue) | Supported (Advanced batch workflows) | ✅ Supported |
| Key Strength | Wide range of specialized AI models for different content types | Industry-leading AI models for detail and de-interlacing | User-friendly interface with dedicated models for face and anime enhancement |
| Our Pick | Best overall | Best for professional filmmakers and users needing the highest quality AI restoration. | Best for beginners and casual users who prioritize ease of use and quick results. |
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