Topaz does not have a subscription (unlike Adobe). Instead, they have seasonal sales for up to 40% off. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and even random summer sales can drop the price to ~$179. Sign up for their newsletter.
Sometimes Topaz Video Enhance AI is bundled with Photo AI or Gigapixel for a discount. If you also edit photos, the bundle is cost-effective.
Video2X automates frame extraction, upscaling, and reassembly. It supports H.264 input/output. The learning curve is steep, but it’s completely free. topaz video enhance ai 264 getintopc free
Download: From Video2X official GitHub (not GetintoPC).
FFmpeg is a command-line tool. You can:
Not AI-based, but surprisingly effective for cleaning H.264 artifacts.
For advanced users comfortable with command line, there are free, open-source AI upscalers that can rival Topaz for H.264 content: Topaz does not have a subscription (unlike Adobe)
These require technical skill but are 100% free, legal, and safe.