Faded colors, blurry faces, and scratches can steal the magic from your precious photos. If you are looking for the best photo restoration software, I can help.
In this guide, I will explore for you the top options based on categories like:
- Mac/Windows Paid Best Photo Restoration Software
- AI Photo Free/ Paid Restoration Software
- Online Free Photo Restoration
Here is the list of all the software:
- Adobe Photoshop
- PhotoGlory
- Topaz Labs A.I. Gigapixel
- Fotor Photo Restoration
- Photopea
- Luminar Neo
- Vance AI Photo Restorer
- MyHeritage InColor
- 4DDiG Photo Repair
- Hotpot AI
Let’s breathe new life into your old memories—choose the perfect photo restoration application for your needs from the discussion below.
3 Best Photo Restoration Software for Mac / Windows
First, I will focus on the best photo restoration software for Mac and Windows users. Whether you’re a professional or just someone looking to restore old memories, these picks have got you covered
1. Adobe Photoshop
The industry standard for image editing, Photoshop offers an extensive toolkit for photo restoration. From scratch removal to color correction, it empowers precise control. However, its complexity has a learning curve, making it ideal for professionals or highly motivated users. Altogether, this is the best photo restoration app for Mac and Windows.
| Factors | Adobe Photoshop |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Extensive and advanced |
| UI/UX | Complex, Steep learning curve |
| Performance | Stable, reliable |
| Customer Support | Extensive documentation, tutorials |
| Pricing | Subscription-based, various plans |
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set
- High-quality results
- Extensive support and documentation
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Subscription-based pricing may be expensive for some users
2. PhotoGlory
This user-friendly software simplifies photo restoration with a clean interface and AI-powered tools. It excels at removing scratches, creases, and noise, and even colorizes black-and-white photos. PhotoGlory is a great choice for beginners or those seeking a balance between ease of use and powerful features.
| Factors | PhotoGlory |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Beginner-friendly, basic |
| UI/UX | Intuitive |
| Performance | Reliable |
| Customer Support | Adequate |
| Pricing | One-time purchase, budget-friendly |
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Budget-friendly pricing
Cons:
- Limited advanced features compared to Photoshop
3. Topaz Labs A.I. Gigapixel
This software specializes in enlarging and enhancing photos without sacrificing quality. It’s ideal for restoring blurry or low-resolution images, making them crisp and clear. While not a complete restoration suite, it’s a valuable tool for specific needs.
| Factors | Topaz Labs A.I. Gigapixel |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Enlargement & enhancement, AI-driven |
| UI/UX | User-friendly |
| Performance | Impressive results |
| Customer Support | Adequate |
| Pricing | One-time purchase, reasonable |
Pros:
- Advanced AI-driven enhancement
- Impressive results for image enlargement
Cons:
- Limited scope compared to full-fledged restoration software like Photoshop
Let’s discover the best free online photo restoration solutions available to bring new life to your cherished memories.
2 Best Free Online Photo Restoration
Whether you’re on a budget or prefer the convenience of web-based tools, these two options offer impressive features to revive your images without costing a dime
1. Fotor Photo Restoration
This online tool offers basic photo restoration features like scratch removal and noise reduction. While limited compared to paid software, it can be a good option for minor fixes. Hence, you can consider it as the best free photo restoration software.
| Factors | Fotor Photo Restoration |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Scratch Removal, Noise Reduction, Colour Restoration |
| UI/UX | User-friendly interface, accessible directly in your web browser |
| Performance | Satisfactory |
| Customer Support | Limited |
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- AI-powered restoration for quick fixes
- No need to install software, accessible online
Cons:
- Limited features compared to paid software
- Not suitable for complex restoration tasks
2. Photopea
Photopea is a great free option for those comfortable with basic image editing and looking to address minor imperfections in their photos, such as: fine-tuning a photo, blemish removal, cropping, and resizing.
| Factors | Photopea |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Edit photos, Apply effects, Add text, and more, Supports PSD, XCF, Sketch, XD, and CDR formats, Save your work as JPG, PNG, or SVG |
| UI/UX | User-friendly interface, accessible directly in your web browser |
| Performance | Satisfactory |
| Customer Support | Limited |
Pros:
- Advanced features for both photo and graphics editing
- Supports a wide range of file formats
- User-friendly interface, accessible online
Cons:
- Have a steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited in-depth photo restoration tools compared to specialized software
Moving on to our next category, let’s check out the best AI photo restoration software.
5 Best AI Photo Restoration Software
These innovative tools use artificial intelligence to automatically enhance and restore your images. Get ready to discover the top AI photo restoration software options that will transform your old photos with just a few clicks
1. Luminar Neo
This software combines powerful AI photo restoration features with traditional editing tools. Can faded colour photos be restored with this tool? It offers colour correction including noise reduction, and facial enhancement, making it a versatile choice.
| Factors | Luminar Neo |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Colour Restoration: Revives faded colors in old photosNoise Removal and Deblurring: Removes noise and enhances clarityEnhancement of Clarity and Vibrance: Improves sharpness and colour saturationSimple Workflow: User-friendly interface for easy restoration |
| Pricing | Available through subscription or pay-as-you-go plans |
| Ethical Considerations | Transparency and cultural context are essential |
Pros:
- Intuitive AI-powered controls for various tasks
- Black-and-white conversion
- RAW image conversion
- Skin AI for flawless skin
- Composition AI for perfect crops
- Sky AI for effortless sky replacement
Cons:
- Limited free credits
- Can’t handle extremely damaged photos as well as manual restoration
2. Vance AI Photo Restorer
This software specializes in AI-powered restoration, removing scratches, dust, and noise. It offers a user-friendly interface and multiple pricing plans based on usage.
| Factors | Vance AI Photo Restorer |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Auto Repair Images: Removes scratches, tears, spots, and dustEnhance Old Photos: Restores colour and improves qualityFace Enhancement: Detects and enhances faces in old photos |
| Pricing | Free online service with additional options for commercial use |
| Ethical Considerations | Transparency and privacy are maintained |
Pros:
- Powerful tools for repairing various image issues
- Automatic face enhancement
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Not suitable for demanding restoration tasks
3. MyHeritage InColor
This software is good at colorizing black-and-white photos using AI. It leverages facial recognition and historical context to deliver realistic colorization. MyHeritage offers a subscription model with credits for colorization.
| Factors | MyHeritage Photo Enhancer |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Upscaling Faces: Enhances small and blurry faces in historical photosColour Restoration: Works on both old and new colour photos |
| Pricing | Free basic features; subscription plans available |
| Ethical Considerations | Images are deleted within 24 hours. |
Pros:
- Exceptional results for historical photos
- Integration with genealogy research
- Colorization features
Cons:
- Cannot replace experts for demanding restoration jobs
4. 4DDiG Photo Repair
This AI-powered software tackles common photo issues like scratches, dust, noise, and blur. It offers a free trial and multiple paid plans for different needs.
| Factors | 4DDiG Photo Repair |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Repair Corrupted Photos: Fixes blurry, overexposed, or pixelated imagesAI Photo Upscaler: Increases resolution. Colorization: Colorizes black-and-white photos |
| Pricing | Volume pricing based on volume, subscription, and co-marketing |
| Ethical Considerations | No specific ethical concerns specified |
Pros:
- Effortless restoration
- Face enhancement
Cons:
- Not a replacement for expert restoration
5. Hotpot AI
This online service utilizes AI for photo restoration, colorization, and enhancement. It offers various restoration options and a free trial with limited credits.
| Factors | Hotpot AI |
|---|---|
| Features and Functionality | Scratch Removal: Automatically removes scratchescolourSharpening: Enhances colorsFace Enhancement: Improves facial features |
| Pricing | Free service with commercial options |
| Ethical Considerations | Watermarked for legal disputes |
Pros:
- Quick restoration
- Both colour and black & white retoratoration
Cons:
- Not a substitute for expert restoration
How to Choose a Trusted Image Restoration Software
Choosing the right photo restoration software is crucial to achieving the desired results. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider several key factors before making your decision.
Here are a few factors to help you find the perfect photo restoration software confidently for your needs:
- Features and Functionality
When evaluating photo restoration software, pay close attention to the features and functionality it offers:
- Photo Enhancement Tools: Look for software that provides a robust suite of tools for colour correction, scratch removal, blemish repair, and more.
- Batch Processing: Save time and effort by selecting software that supports batch processing, allowing you to edit multiple photos simultaneously.
- File Format Support: Ensure compatibility with your photos by choosing software that supports a wide range of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and RAW files.
- Ease of Use
Opt for software with an intuitive and user-friendly interface to streamline your restoration process:
- User Interface: Evaluate the software’s interface for simplicity and accessibility, with easily accessible tools and features.
- Tutorials and Documentation: Choose software that provides comprehensive tutorials and documentation to guide you through the restoration process and maximize your results.
Performance and Speed: Harness the Power of Efficient Processing
Look for software that offers optimal performance and speed to enhance your productivity:
- Processing Speed: Select software with fast processing times, especially when working with large or high-resolution images.
- Stability and Reliability: Prioritize stability and reliability to minimize interruptions and ensure a smooth restoration workflow.
Compatibility: Ensure Seamless Integration with Your System
Ensure compatibility with your operating system and hardware specifications:
- Operating System: Check that the software is compatible with your operating system, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Hardware Requirements: Verify that your computer meets the necessary hardware requirements for optimal performance.
Cost and Licensing: Find the Right Balance of Value and Affordability
Consider the pricing model and licensing terms of the software:
- Price: Evaluate the software’s pricing model and determine whether it aligns with your budget and the value it provides.
- Licensing Terms: Review the licensing terms to understand any restrictions or limitations on usage.
Customer Support and Community: Access Resources and Assistance
Choose software that offers reliable customer support and access to a supportive community:
- Support Options: Look for software providers that offer various support channels, such as email, phone, or live chat, along with online forums or communities.
- Updates and Maintenance: Prioritize software that regularly releases updates and bug fixes to enhance functionality and address user feedback.
FAQ: Get Further Information
How Much Does Photo Restoration Software Cost?
Photo restoration software ranges in price from free to hundreds of dollars per year. My reviews of the 3 best photo restoration software and AI photo restoration software will give you a better idea about the cost.
What Is the Easiest Photo Restoration Software to Use?
PhotoGlory and Fotor Photo Restoration are both user-friendly options for beginners. They offer a clean interface and basic tools for fixing common photo problems.
What Can I Do with Free Photo Restoration Software?
Free photo restoration software can often remove scratches, dust, noise, basic colour correction, or blemish removal. See my review of the best free online photo restoration software to see what they have to offer you.
What Is the Best Photo Restoration Software for Noise Reduction?
Topaz Labs A.I. Gigapixel and Luminar Neo both offer effective noise-reduction tools.
Final Notes on Finding the Best Photo Restoration Software
This blog explored a variety of options, from free online tools to feature-rich professional software. Choosing the best photo restoration software depends on your needs and skill level. Also, I specified factors like ease of use, desired features, and budget before making your decision. Let us know in the comments if you have found the best photo editing software for restoring old photos. Be sure to check out our blogs on photo editing!
