Old family photos are priceless, but they don’t always age well. They get scratched, discolored, or torn over time. Luckily, today we have powerful tools to bring those retro photos back to life. If you’re looking to restore old pictures, you’re in luck because we’ve reviewed the top 6 photo restoration apps, web-based tools and desktop programs out there.
In this post, we’ll walk you through their features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for you. Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
1. PhotoGlory
PhotoGlory is a specialized old photo restoration tool that’s built to do one thing – fix your old images. It offers a wide range of features that can turn your worn-out photos into vibrant, fresh-looking ones.
Features:
Automatic restoration: Remove scratches, spots, and tears with a single click.
Colorization: Bring your black-and-white photos to life one by one or in batches using the automatic colorization feature powered by AI and tweak the result manually if needed.
Manual adjustments: For those who want more control, you can manually fix colors, contrast, or remove damage.
Filters and effects: Recreate an old film effect or the aesthetics of a particular era with dozens of retro filters.
Pros:
- Very easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy
- Impressive colorization tool
- Fast and efficient
Cons:
- Limited in overall photo editing tools compared to broader programs
- No mobile version, desktop only
Best For:
Beginners and users who want a quick, one-click solution for restoring and colorizing old family photos.
2. Nero AI Photo Restoration
Nero is a name many know from its disc-burning software, but they’ve branched out with Nero AI Photo Restoration. Using artificial intelligence, this photo restoration program is great for automatic image enhancement and damage repair.
Features:
AI-driven restoration: Automatically fixes common problems like fading, scratches, and even tears.
Noise reduction: Reduces graininess and improves sharpness.
Batch processing: You can restore multiple images at once, which is a huge time saver.
Easy-to-use interface: Simple drag-and-drop functionality.
Pros:
- Very good AI that often fixes photos with minimal effort
- The batch-processing feature is a game changer if you have a lot of photos
- Simple for non-professional users
Cons:
- Limited manual control, so if the AI doesn’t get it right, you’re stuck
- Some users report slower performance on older machines
Best For:
People who prefer to let AI do the heavy lifting and have a lot of photos to restore in a short space of time.
3. MyHeritage Photo Enhancer
MyHeritage is primarily known as a genealogy website, but they also have a great photo restoration tool. It’s part of their family tree package, and it’s incredibly easy to use.
Features:
AI-driven enhancements: Enhances image quality and sharpness automatically.
Colorization: Quickly adds color to black-and-white photos.
Faces focus: Enhances the clarity of faces, perfect for family portraits.
Web-based: No need to download software. You can restore photos online.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require any technical skills; very beginner-friendly
- Free to use for basic restorations
- Available on both desktop and mobile
Cons:
- The free version has limited features and paid plans can get expensive.
- AI enhancements don’t always work perfectly, especially with very old or low-quality photos.
Best For:
Anyone who already uses MyHeritage for genealogy or those who want a super simple, web-based solution.
4. PhotoWorks
PhotoWorks is a versatile photo editing tool that includes powerful restoration features. While it’s not purely focused on old photos, it can handle them well and offers more advanced editing capabilities for those who need it.
Features:
Auto-enhancement: Quickly fixes common issues like overexposure or faded colors.
Advanced manual controls: For those who want to tweak exposure, tone, sharpness, clarity or contrast manually.
Smart Editing Tools: Easily remove scratches, tears, and stains using customizable brushes.
Facial retouching with AI: Useful for fixing portraits.
Color correction: Advanced color correction tools like curves and 3D LUTs, great for old, faded images.
Pros:
- Offers both automatic and manual retouching options
- Packed with a range of photo editing tools and vintage filters
- Very affordable compared to some other software
Cons:
- Not as beginner-friendly as some dedicated restoration tools
- The interface can feel cluttered with too many options
Best For:
Intermediate to advanced Windows and Mac users who want a more comprehensive editing tool for different types of photos beyond just old ones.
5. FixMyPics
FixMyPics is a web-based platform that’s designed to make photo restoration incredibly simple. It’s AI-driven, so most of the heavy lifting is done for you.
Features:
AI-powered restoration: Handles most of the common damage, like scratches, stains, and fading.
Real-time previews: See changes as you make them.
Cloud-based: You don’t need to download anything, as it runs entirely online.
Pros:
- Extremely simple to use, even for complete beginners
- No need to download software
- Free to use for basic features
Cons:
- Limited editing features compared to software-based tools
- Large files may slow down processing time
Best For:
Those who prefer to keep everything online and need a quick, no-fuss editing option for a small number of photos.
6. Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe Photoshop Express is a streamlined, lighter version of the full Photoshop suite, and it’s surprisingly powerful for photo restoration. While it’s more of a general photo editing tool, its restoration capabilities should not be underestimated.
Features:
Basic restoration tools: Quickly remove scratches, fix color, and enhance detail.
Mobile-friendly: Available as an app for both iOS and Android.
Filters and effects: Apply creative effects once you’ve restored your images.
Cloud sync: Easily sync your work across devices using Adobe’s cloud service.
Pros:
- Great for mobile users
- Plenty of features for photo enhancement beyond restoration
- It’s Adobe, so it’s backed by a trusted name in photo editing
Cons:
- The free version is limited in tools
- Lacks some of the more advanced restoration features of desktop software
- Might be too basic for professional photo restoration
Best For:
Casual users looking for an old photo restoration app. If you’re already in the Adobe ecosystem, Photoshop Express is a solid choice.
Final Thoughts
Restoring old photos doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive anymore. Whether you need a quick, AI-driven fix or you want more manual control, there’s a tool for you. If you’re just getting started, go with MyHeritage, FixMyPics, or Nero AI Photo Restoration. For those with larger projects or needing more advanced editing tools, PhotoWorks or PhotoGlory are great options. And if you’re already familiar with Adobe products or want something mobile, Photoshop Express is always reliable. So, choose the photo restoration software that suits best your needs and start bringing your treasured memories back to life without further ado.
