The open-source classic, without the setup
| Feature | Pixelift | DeOldify |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | None — open a page | Python, dependencies, GPU |
| Cost | Credits from $1.49, one-time | Free, open source |
| Classic DeOldify engine | Selectable in the interface | Yes — it is DeOldify |
| Default engine | DDColor HD | DeOldify NoGAN |
| Keeps original audio | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free preview without an account | 5-second watermarked clip | Not applicable |
| Full control over parameters | ✗ | ✓ |
| Works offline | ✗ | ✓ |
Free tier, credit packs from $1.49 (one-time, no subscription)
Free — open source under the MIT licence
No Python, no CUDA, no dependency hell. You open a page and upload a file.
The original audio is kept; a raw DeOldify run gives you a silent file.
Chrominance is smoothed across a five-frame window and luminance comes from the original frame, so the result does not flicker: measured 7.63 to 2.83, with naturally shot footage at 3.81.
You can still choose the classic DeOldify engine if you prefer its look.
A 5-second watermarked preview needs no account.
Not every job is ours. These are the cases where we honestly recommend against Pixelift.
You are comfortable with Python and own a GPU. Then DeOldify is free forever and we are not cheaper than free.
You want to tune render_factor and the model internals yourself — we deliberately do not expose them.
You need to process a large archive locally, without uploading anything.
You are building your own product on top of the model. DeOldify is MIT-licensed; our API is a paid service.
Pixelift figures verified on 13 Sept 2026. Competitor capabilities are described in general terms — check their site for current pricing and features.