5 Top and Best Software to Colorize Black and White Photos

Photography Tips
5 min readNov 21, 2023

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The screenshot compares the old black and white image with its colorized version, achieved using Pixbim Color Surprise AI.
The above screenshot compares the old black and white image with its colorized version, achieved using Pixbim Color Surprise AI.

Colorize black and white photos has become increasingly popular as advanced AI-powered tools offer innovative solutions for transforming black and white memories into vibrant, lifelike images. Among the notable contenders in this field are Pixbim Color Surprise AI, Palette.fm, Image Colorizer, Hotpot, and Cutout.pro. Each software boasts unique features, benefits, and drawbacks, catering to diverse user preferences and needs.

Pixbim Color Surprise AI:

It is an intuitive AI software to colorize black and white photos. It stands out as the premier solution for colorizing old photos. Operating with a robust and efficient algorithm, it skillfully enhances and colorizes vintage images.

Source : Pixbim

Website Link : https://pixbim.com/colorize-photos

Availability :

Software need to be installed on desktop or laptop

Pros:

  1. An efficient algorithm that intelligently colorize black and white photos, the software excels in bringing vibrant hues to monochrome images.
  2. It features automatic and manual colorization options, catering to user preferences when colorizing old photos.
  3. This is a specialized software for restoring old photos that enhances color quality from low to high, achieving the best lifelike appearance.
  4. In manual mode, users can manually adjust parameters such as temperature, color intensity, contrast, and gamma correction.
  5. Reducing Red Tones: This software tackles a prevalent issue when color old photos, specifically the reddish effect. This can be counteracted by utilizing the reduce red tones slider.
  6. Users can employ the brushing tool while colorizing old photos to manually enhance specific areas for achieving color perfection.
  7. Users can generate multiple old photo colorization with a single click using the Batch Process feature.
  8. 100% data privacy.
  9. Free Regular Updates

Cons:

No online platform available to color old photos. It is an offline tool.

Free plan:

7 days free trial version available.

Buy Plan:

One-time payment of $39.99, no subscription

Palette.fm

It features 21+ color filters through our intuitive tool for old photo colorization. Colorize black and white photos is just one filter away, providing simplicity and speed to revitalize your memories.

Source : Palette.fm

Availability:

It is an online platform.

Website Link : https://palette.fm/

Pros:

  1. Precision in Realism: Attain precise and lifelike colors effortlessly with just one click, capturing the true essence of your moments.
  2. Intuitive Customization for Users: Robust customization process, enabling you to colorize black and white photos according to your preferences in just 5 seconds.
  3. Detail-Oriented Focus: Capture the subtle ‘superb’ moments, enhanced by vibrant and natural light, elevating the overall visual allure.

Cons:

  1. Color Bias: Overdependence on brown and purple tones can restrict color diversity in specific situations.
  2. Sophisticated Interface: The complexity of the interface may pose a challenge for some users, potentially affecting user-friendliness.
  3. Overlooked Details: Certain elements such as hands and lips may be missed by the tool, impacting the overall precision of the colorization.

Free Plan:

Offering complimentary credits, maximum 500x500px results with watermarked previews, and occasional ads and promotions.

Buy Plan:

Purchase Plan: Starting at $9, with 10 Credits. User need to recharge the credits once it got exhausted.

Image Colorizer

Source : Image Colorizer

Image Colorizer, an innovative software for restoring old photos’ to vibrant color. No account required, and privacy is prioritized with automatic data clearance every 24 hours.

Availability:

It is an online platform.

Website Link : https://imagecolorizer.com/colorize

Pros:

  1. Automatic Restoration: Utilize the capabilities of AI to color old photos instantly.
  2. This software can seamlessly colorizing old photos without the need for advanced photo editing skills.
  3. Image Colorizer provides a range of AI features, from colorization to enhancement and restoration, catering to old photo colorization.

Cons:

The accuracy of old photo colorization may vary depending on the quality of the original black and white photo.

Free plan:

User can get 20 credits within which user can colorize old photo.

Buy Plan:

Starts at $9, you get 1000 monthly credits, 4000px photo dimensions, and the ability to colorize up to five images per upload

Hotpot

This hotpot software is AI-driven colorization, bringing ancestors and historical figures to life in seconds. Note that precision may vary during the old photo colorization process.

Source : Hotpot

Availability:

It is an online platform.

Website Link : https://hotpot.ai/colorize-picture

Pros:

  1. Swift Colorization: Transform the past with vibrant results in seconds, effortlessly.
  2. User-Friendly Platform: Accessible online for both MacOS and Windows users.
  3. Credit-Based Usage: Manage costs flexibly with our credit system.

Cons:

  1. Privacy Issues: Storing data in the cloud raises concerns about privacy.
  2. Restricted for Batch Processing: Not optimal for users looking to color old photos in large quantities.
  3. Limited Advanced Features: The absence of batch processing and additional features may restrict the user experience.

Free Plan :

Free plan available.

Buy Plan:

$0.02 — $0.25 per image and it pricing varies on the volume.

Cutout.pro

Cutout.pro utilizes sophisticated AI algorithms trained on extensive black and white photo datasets, effortlessly infusing natural and realistic colors into your vintage photos, reviving the beauty of the past.

Source : Cutout.pro

Availability:

It is an online platform.

Website Link : https://www.cutout.pro/photo-colorizer-black-and-white

Pros:

  1. Historical Revitalization: It transforms history, enabling you to ‘colorize black and white photos’ of families, historical figures, and ancestors, infusing renewed vibrancy into your cherished moments.
  2. Automated Precision: Utilizing an AI image coloring algorithm, experience automated colorizing of old photos, surpassing traditional color filters to ensure consistent and natural hues without manual effort.
  3. User can color old photos, movie screenshots, or landscapes in seconds. No learning curve is required, enabling you to craft meaningful gifts for your family.

Cons:

  1. Usage Constraints: The free plan may have limitations, potentially restricting access to specific features or high-resolution outputs.
  2. Colorization Precision: The accuracy of colorization may vary based on the complexity of the original black and white photo.
  3. Restricted Free Features: Some advanced features may be unavailable in the free plan, affecting the overall user experience for those seeking comprehensive colorization capabilities.

Free Plan:

Available with restricted usage limitation.

Buy Plan:

Starting from 40 credits per month (1 credit = $0.070)

Conclusion:

In the realm to colorize black and white photos, Pixbim Color Surprise AI plays a pivotal role and has an edge in revitalizing historical moments. While each tool has its strengths and limitations, the common goal is to breathe new life into cherished memories, making them more accessible and visually appealing.

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