Old photos hold a special kind of magic — they capture stories that time has nearly erased. But as prints fade, crease, and lose color, digital restoration steps in to give them a second life. Whether you’re rescuing a vintage family portrait or reviving a century-old photo for an archive, modern photo restoration software can make the process accessible to everyone.
In this review, we’ve rounded up five of the best photo restoration software tools available today. Our selection is based on several key criteria:
- Ease of use — how beginner-friendly and intuitive the interface is.
- Performance — how effectively the software restores damaged or faded photos.
- Features — from automatic colorization to manual retouching tools.
- Pricing — whether it’s free, one-time purchase or subscription-based.
- Accessibility – whether it is designed for a specific system or available across systems and devices (Windows, macOS, online).
We’ll also look at what makes each program stand out, who it’s best suited for, and what drawbacks to consider.
1. PhotoGlory — Best All-in-One Tool for Effortless Photo Restoration
If you want professional-looking results without the steep learning curve, PhotoGlory is an outstanding choice. Designed specifically for restoring old photographs, it combines advanced AI technology with intuitive manual tools.
What makes PhotoGlory stand out is its balance between automation and control. You can restore torn, faded, or stained photos in just a few clicks, while still being able to fine-tune small details manually. Its colorization tool is remarkably accurate — it doesn’t just splash random hues, but detects skin tones, fabrics, and even background elements with impressive realism.
PhotoGlory also offers tools for removing scratches, repairing cracks, reconstructing missing parts, and enhancing contrast and brightness. For anyone digitizing family archives or building a genealogical photo collection, this old photo restoration software feels tailor-made.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate users who want professional-quality results with minimal effort.
Pros:
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- Powerful AI tools for restoration and colorization
- Manual editing options for precision work
- Fast processing, no steep learning curve
- One-time purchase (no subscription required)
Cons:
- Available only on Windows
- Limited creative editing tools beyond restoration
Verdict: A perfect mix of smart automation and hands-on control — PhotoGlory is one of the most complete and accessible photo restoration software available today.
2. Luminar Neo — Great for Creative Restoration and Artistic Touches
Luminar Neo is primarily known as an advanced photo editor for photographers, but its AI-powered enhancement tools also make it useful for restoring old photos. The program’s Erase and Structure AI features can remove dust and spots while improving clarity. It also has a Color Harmony tool to breathe life into faded photos, and an optional Relight AI for balancing exposure.
That said, Luminar Neo is not a specialized photo restoration software — it’s a general photo editing tool with restoration-like capabilities. To achieve a proper restoration, you’ll need to combine several tools and spend time learning how each works.
Best for: Experienced users or photographers who want to mix restoration with artistic enhancement.
Pros:
- Powerful AI enhancement tools
- Excellent for creative adjustments and stylized restoration
- Works on both Windows and macOS
Cons:
- Not specifically built for restoration
- Requires time to master
- Subscription or high one-time cost
Verdict: If you already use Luminar Neo for photography, it’s a capable option for moderate restoration — but it’s less intuitive for beginners looking to repair severe damage.
3. Adobe Photoshop — The Industry Standard, but Not for Everyone
No list of photo editing software would be complete without Adobe Photoshop. Its reputation as a professional powerhouse is well-earned — it can restore virtually any damaged image with the right skill. From cloning and healing brushes to layer-based correction and color balancing, Photoshop provides complete creative control.
However, Photoshop is not designed specifically as old photo restoration software. Every adjustment must be made manually, so it’s best suited for professionals who know the tools inside and out. The program’s subscription model also makes it one of the most expensive options.
Best for: Advanced users, designers, and restoration professionals who need full control.
Pros:
- Industry-leading precision and flexibility
- Endless editing possibilities
- Vast online tutorials and plugin support
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Subscription-based (no lifetime license)
- Requires significant time investment
Verdict: Photoshop can deliver incredible restoration results — but only in expert hands. For everyday users, its complexity and cost can be overwhelming.
4. MyHeritage — Quick Online Restoration for Family Archives
MyHeritage Photo Enhancer and In Color™ tools are among the best photo restoration software for genealogy enthusiasts. This web-based service focuses on automated restoration and colorization, requiring virtually no editing skills. Upload an image, and the algorithm enhances sharpness, removes minor damage, and colorizes it in seconds.
It’s an excellent choice if you want fast, shareable results — especially for uploading old portraits to your online family tree. However, it’s limited in control and flexibility. You can’t manually adjust specific areas or repair major cracks and tears.
Best for: Casual users who want quick online restoration for genealogy projects.
Pros:
- No installation required
- Extremely easy to use
- Fast automatic enhancement and colorization
Cons:
- Requires an internet connection
- Limited manual editing options
- Some features require a paid subscription
Verdict: MyHeritage offers impressive one-click results for portraits, but it lacks depth for users who need full restoration control or offline editing.
5. Fotor Photo Restoration — Convenient, All-in-One Web Tool
Fotor is a versatile online photo editor with a dedicated photo restoration tool. It combines AI-driven enhancement with basic manual adjustments for contrast, exposure, and sharpness. It’s quick, clean, and beginner-friendly — ideal for people who want to fix minor imperfections or faded colors.
However, like MyHeritage, Fotor’s restoration capabilities are mostly automatic. It works best for lightly damaged photos rather than heavily torn or aged ones. Still, its accessibility and free tier make it a convenient photo restoration software for casual users.
Best for: Beginners who want a free, browser-based restoration tool for simple fixes.
Pros:
- Works directly in your browser
- Fast AI-based enhancement
- Includes basic photo editing tools
Cons:
- Limited manual repair functions
- Internet connection required
- Some features behind the paywall
Verdict: A handy option for light retouching and quick restorations, but not powerful enough for seriously damaged photos.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
Each of these tools has its strengths — from professional-grade editing to one-click simplicity. If you’re serious about bringing old memories back to life without spending hours learning complicated software, PhotoGlory strikes the best balance between ease of use, precision, and power.
Luminar Neo is great for artistic restorations, while Photoshop remains unbeatable for professionals. MyHeritage and Fotor are both excellent for quick online restoration but lack depth for detailed work.
Ultimately, the best photo restoration software choice depends on your goals — whether you’re preserving a single cherished portrait or rebuilding an entire family archive. But no matter which you choose, one thing is certain: restoring old photos is not just about fixing pixels — it’s about reviving memories.