Introduction: Why Use AI to Remove Objects from Video?
Last week, I filmed what I thought was the perfect product demo video. The lighting was great, my explanation was clear, and I was feeling pretty good about it—until I noticed the delivery guy walking right through the background at the crucial moment. Ugh.
This kind of thing happens all the time, right? Whether it's a random person photobombing your content, an annoying watermark from stock footage, or just some visual clutter that's distracting from your message, unwanted objects in videos used to mean starting over or spending hours learning complex editing techniques.
Not anymore.
AI object removal tools have completely changed the game. What used to require expensive software like After Effects and serious technical skills can now be done in your browser in just a few minutes. I've been testing these tools extensively over the past few months, and I'm honestly impressed by how far the technology has come.
Whether you're a content creator trying to clean up background distractions, a marketer dealing with logo removal, or just someone editing personal footage, these AI-powered tools can detect and erase people, watermarks, or objects with surprising accuracy—no manual frame-by-frame work required.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the best AI tools I've actually tested for removing objects from videos, break down the real-world pricing (some of these "free" tools have gotchas), and help you figure out which one makes sense for your specific needs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Use AI to Remove Objects from Video?
- How Does AI Remove Objects from Video?
- Best AI Tools to Remove Object from Video (with Website List)
- How to Choose the Best AI Video Object Remover for Your Workflow
- Final Thoughts: Is AI Object Removal Worth It?
How Does AI Remove Objects from Video?
Before diving into the tools, it's worth understanding what's actually happening under the hood—it'll help you set realistic expectations and choose the right tool for your footage.
AI object removal works through a process called "inpainting." Essentially, the AI analyzes the pixels around the object you want to remove, then intelligently fills in what it thinks should be there based on the surrounding context. For video, this gets more complex because the AI also needs to maintain temporal consistency—making sure the "filled-in" area looks natural as it moves from frame to frame.
The process typically works like this:
- You mark the object you want to remove (usually by painting over it)
- The AI analyzes the surrounding background in that frame and adjacent frames
- It predicts what should be behind the object based on visible context
- It fills in the gap and tracks any movement across frames
The results can be surprisingly good, but there are limitations. These tools work best with:
- Objects against relatively simple backgrounds
- Good contrast between the object and background
- Stable camera movement
- Reasonable lighting conditions
They struggle with:
- Objects that blend into complex backgrounds
- Reflective surfaces or glass
- Very fast movement or shaky camera work
- Poor lighting that makes edge detection difficult
Understanding these limitations will save you frustration when testing these tools.
Best AI Tools to Remove Objects from Video
1. PXZ.AI
Website: https://www.pxz.ai Best For: Fast, high-accuracy removal of people, logos, and watermarks Platform: Web Free Version: Yes – limited length & SD export Paid Plan: From $9.99/mo for HD export & batch jobs
I've probably used PXZ.AI more than any other tool on this list, and there's a good reason for that. The interface is intuitive—you literally just brush over what you want gone—and the AI does a surprisingly good job filling in the gaps, even with 4K footage.
What impressed me:
- The masking is genuinely one-click easy
- Processing speeds are consistently fast
- Results look clean even with complex backgrounds
- 4K export quality is solid on the paid plan
Where it could improve:
- Free version resolution limits are pretty restrictive
- Credit system can get expensive for heavy users
- Occasional artifacts with very fast-moving objects
Real-world use case: I used this to remove a distracting sign from a product demo video, and the result was so clean that even I couldn't tell where the edit happened.
👉 Try it here: https://www.pxz.ai
2. Runway ML
Website: https://runwayml.com Best For: Frame-accurate inpainting on longer clips Platform: Web / macOS app Free Version: 3 projects + 5 GB storage Paid Plan: $12/user/mo billed annually, 625 monthly credits
Runway ML feels like the professional option in this space. Their inpainting tool actually tracks your masked area through every frame, which is crucial for longer clips or footage with camera movement. I've used this for more complex edits where other tools failed.
Standout features:
- Timeline-based mask tracking is incredibly useful
- Part of a larger AI video suite if you need other tools
- Team workspaces work well for collaboration
- Credit billing gives you control over costs
Considerations:
- Steeper learning curve than simpler tools
- Credit system requires planning for longer projects
- Interface can feel overwhelming for basic edits
When I use it: This is my go-to for longer-form content or when I need precise control over the tracking. Recently used it to remove a person walking through a 2-minute interview segment.
👉 Try it here: https://runwayml.com
3. HitPaw Video Object Remover
Website: https://www.hitpaw.com/video-object-remover.html Best For: Offline batch removal on Windows/Mac Platform: Desktop Free Version: Trial with watermark Paid Plan: 1 month $39.99, 1 year $59.99, lifetime $99.99
HitPaw is interesting because it's one of the few desktop-only options that focuses specifically on object removal. The motion analysis is pretty sophisticated, and I like that everything processes locally—no uploading large files to servers.
Desktop advantages:
- No file upload limits or privacy concerns
- GPU acceleration makes processing faster
- Lifetime license option beats recurring subscriptions
- Works offline completely
Trade-offs:
- Interface feels a bit dated compared to web tools
- Learning curve is steeper than browser options
- Limited to desktop workflows
Best for: If you frequently edit longer videos and want to keep everything local, the lifetime license makes HitPaw a solid investment.
👉 Try it here: https://www.hitpaw.com
4. Media.io AniEraser
Website: https://www.media.io Best For: Completely free, quick fixes up to HD Platform: Web Free Version: 100% free, no hidden charges Paid Plan: Not required for standard HD exports
This is the tool I recommend to friends who just need occasional object removal. It's genuinely free (rare these days), works in any browser, and the quality is surprisingly good for quick edits.
Why it's great:
- Actually free with no watermarks—seriously
- Simple drag-to-select interface
- Preserves original video quality
- No account required for basic use
Limitations:
- Processing can be slow during peak times
- Limited to HD resolution
- No advanced tracking for complex scenes
Perfect for: Casual users who need to remove something obvious from a video once in a while. I used this to remove a distracting poster from a testimonial video, and it worked perfectly.
👉 Try it here: https://www.media.io/object-remover.html
5. Kapwing
Website: https://www.kapwing.com Best For: All-in-one online editor with object removal Platform: Web Free Version: Watermarked exports, 720p max Paid Plan: From $24/mo Pro for 4K, no watermark
Kapwing's strength is that object removal is just one feature in a comprehensive video editing platform. If you're already using it for other editing tasks, the object removal tool is a nice bonus that works well for simpler edits.
Integrated workflow benefits:
- Same timeline for trimming, captions, and object removal
- Cloud collaboration actually works well
- Good template library for social content
- Auto-subtitles are surprisingly accurate
Object removal specifics:
- Simple paint-and-remove interface
- Works well for static objects
- Quick processing for shorter clips
When to choose it: If you need to do more than just object removal—adding captions, resizing for different platforms, etc.—Kapwing's integrated approach saves time.
👉 Try it here: https://www.kapwing.com/tools/remove-background
6. Fotor Video Object Remover
Website: https://www.fotor.com/remove-object-from-video/ Best For: One-click cleanup on short social clips Platform: Web Free Version: Yes – 3-second previews free Paid Plan: Credits for full-length exports (pricing at checkout)
Fotor is optimized for speed over sophistication. It's perfect when you need to quickly clean up a short clip for social media and don't want to deal with complex interfaces.
Speed advantages:
- Processing is genuinely fast
- Simple brush interface
- Can finish edits in under a minute
- Good for batch processing short clips
Limitations:
- Best suited for simple removal tasks
- Quality can vary with complex backgrounds
- Credit pricing can add up quickly
Ideal use case: Social media creators who need to quickly remove distracting elements from multiple short clips. The speed makes it worth considering even if the quality isn't always perfect.
👉 Try it here: https://www.fotor.com
7. Unscreen Pro
Website: https://www.unscreen.com Best For: Removing moving subjects & backgrounds simultaneously Platform: Web Free Version: GIF-only, watermark Paid Plan: Pay-as-you-go credits or subscriptions
While Unscreen is famous for background removal, I've found their masking tools work well for foreground object removal too, especially when combined with their layer-based editor.
Unique strengths:
- Excellent motion tracking capabilities
- Alpha-channel exports for compositing
- API access for automation
- Good quality with moving objects
Workflow considerations:
- Better suited for users familiar with compositing
- Credit system requires planning
- Interface assumes some editing knowledge
Best for: Users who need transparent exports for further compositing work, or when dealing with moving objects that other tools struggle with.
👉 Try it here: https://www.unscreen.com
8. Adobe Premiere Pro (Content-Aware Fill)
Website: https://www.adobe.com/premiere Best For: Professionals already in the Creative Cloud ecosystem Platform: Desktop (Win/Mac) Free Version: 7-day trial Paid Plan: $22.99/mo single-app or in CC bundle
If you're already a Premiere Pro user, Content-Aware Fill is incredibly powerful. It analyzes surrounding frames and uses temporal blending for results that often surpass standalone tools.
Professional advantages:
- Timeline keyframe refinement gives precise control
- Integrates seamlessly with color correction workflow
- Part of a complete professional editing suite
- Temporal analysis produces very clean results
Considerations:
- Requires Creative Cloud subscription
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Overkill if you only need object removal
When it makes sense: If you're already paying for Creative Cloud and working on professional projects, this is often the best quality option available.
👉 Try it here: https://www.adobe.com/premiere
9. Wondershare Filmora AI Smart Cutout
Website: https://filmora.wondershare.com Best For: Desktop editing with user-friendly AI features Platform: Desktop (Win/Mac) Free Version: Watermarked export Paid Plan: $49.99-$79.99/year depending on bundle
Filmora strikes a nice balance between professional features and user-friendly design. The Smart Cutout feature lets you outline an object once, then AI tracks it automatically—no frame-by-frame work required.
User-friendly features:
- Outline once, AI tracks automatically
- Smooth learning curve for beginners
- Perpetual license still available
- Integrated with full editing suite
Performance notes:
- Motion tracking works well for moderate movement
- Background replacement options are creative
- Processing speed is reasonable
Good fit for: Creators who want more control than web tools offer but don't need the complexity of professional software.
👉 Try it here: https://filmora.wondershare.com
10. Descript
Website: https://www.descript.com Best For: Podcasters & educators editing talking-head footage Platform: Desktop / Web hybrid Free Version: Limited hours per month Paid Plan: From $15/mo Creator
Descript's approach is unique—their "Green Screen" effect works as an object remover for talking-head videos. Since I already use Descript for podcast editing, having object removal in the same workflow is convenient.
Unique workflow:
- Text-based editing is revolutionary for some users
- Object removal integrated with transcript editing
- Filler word removal saves time
- One-click canvas editing
Specific use cases:
- Best for presenter-style videos
- Great for educational content
- Ideal if you already use Descript for audio
Limitations:
- Not designed for complex object removal
- Better suited for simpler talking-head scenarios
👉 Try it here: https://www.descript.com
11. Movavi Video Editor Plus 2025
Website: https://www.movavi.com Best For: Beginners who want guided workflows Platform: Desktop Free Version: 7-day trial, watermark Paid Plan: 1-month $29.95; 1-year suite $250.95
Movavi focuses on making complex editing tasks approachable for beginners. Their object removal tool is tucked into the Effects tab with a simple brush interface.
Beginner-friendly features:
- Wizard-style interface guides you through tasks
- Built-in effect packs save time
- Money-back guarantee reduces risk
- Screen recording bundle included
Object removal specifics:
- Simple brush-and-remove workflow
- Good for static objects
- Processing quality is decent
Best for: Complete beginners who want desktop software with good support and tutorials.
👉 Try it here: https://www.movavi.com
12. VEED.IO
Website: https://www.veed.io Best For: Browser-based social media editing with object removal Platform: Web Free Version: 720p, VEED branding Paid Plan: From $18/mo Basic for 1080p
VEED.IO is another all-in-one platform where object removal is part of a larger editing toolkit. I appreciate being able to remove objects and add subtitles in the same timeline.
Social media focus:
- Auto-subtitle generator works well
- Brand kit templates save time
- Multiple aspect ratio exports
- Live stream studio integration
Object removal performance:
- Simple mask and track interface
- Good for basic removal tasks
- Processing speed is reasonable
Right for: Social media creators who want multiple editing tools in one browser tab.
👉 Try it here: https://www.veed.io
13. Cutout.pro Video Remover
Website: https://www.cutout.pro Best For: Pay-as-you-go high-res exports Platform: Web Free Version: 5-second, 360p preview Paid Plan: Starts at $19 per video-minute, volume discounts
Cutout.pro's pay-per-use model is interesting—no subscription commitment, just pay for what you actually process. Good for occasional high-quality projects.
Pay-per-use advantages:
- No ongoing subscription
- Volume discounts for bulk work
- API access for developers
- High-resolution export options
Workflow considerations:
- Upload, brush, download approach
- Quality is good for the price point
- Processing times can vary
Makes sense for: Occasional users who need high-quality results but don't want monthly subscriptions.
👉 Try it here: https://www.cutout.pro
14. VSDC Free Video Editor (AI Segmentation)
Website: https://www.videosoftdev.com Best For: Windows users wanting free desktop software Platform: Desktop (Windows only) Free Version: Fully free with AI features included Paid Plan: Optional Pro $19.99/year for extra codecs
VSDC is one of the few completely free desktop editors with built-in AI object removal. The interface takes some getting used to, but the functionality is surprisingly robust for a free tool.
Free software benefits:
- Truly free with no limitations on object removal
- AI segmentation module included
- Motion tracking capabilities
- No watermarks or export restrictions
Learning curve reality:
- Interface is definitely more complex
- Windows-only limitation
- Requires time investment to master
Perfect for: Windows users who want powerful free software and don't mind investing time to learn it.
👉 Try it here: https://www.videosoftdev.com
15. AirBrush AI Video Watermark Remover
Website: https://airbrush.com/video-watermark-remover Best For: Quick logo/watermark cleanup Platform: Web / Mobile Free Version: Short clips, standard definition Paid Plan: In-app credits (pricing at upload)
AirBrush specializes in watermark and logo removal specifically. It's optimized for this particular use case and does it well, especially for quick mobile edits.
Watermark-focused features:
- Optimized specifically for logo/text removal
- Mobile-friendly interface
- No signup required
- Fast processing for small elements
Scope limitations:
- Best for watermarks and small objects
- Not designed for complex scene editing
- Limited advanced features
Use it when: You specifically need to remove watermarks or logos quickly, especially on mobile.
👉 Try it here: https://airbrush.com
How to Choose the Best AI Video Object Remover for Your Workflow
After testing all these tools extensively, here's my honest framework for choosing the right one:
1. Start with Your Use Case
Quick social media cleanup: PXZ.AI, Fotor, or Media.io are your best bets. They're fast, easy, and designed for shorter clips.
Professional projects: Runway ML, Premiere Pro (if you're already subscribed), or Filmora offer the control and quality you need.
Watermark/logo removal: AirBrush or Cutout.pro are specifically optimized for this.
Learning/experimenting: Media.io (free) or VSDC (Windows) let you try advanced features without financial commitment.
2. Free vs. Paid Reality Check
Most "free" versions have real limitations:
- Resolution caps (usually 720p max)
- Time limits (often 30 seconds or less)
- Watermarks on exports
- Processing queue delays
If you're doing this more than occasionally, paid plans quickly become worth it. I'd rather pay $10/month for clean HD exports than deal with watermarks and re-encoding quality loss.
3. Online vs. Desktop Considerations
Web tools (PXZ.AI, Unscreen, etc.):
- Pros: No installation, always updated, work on any computer
- Cons: Upload time for large files, internet dependency, privacy concerns
Desktop tools (HitPaw, VSDC, Filmora):
- Pros: Privacy, no upload limits, often faster processing
- Cons: Installation required, updates manual, platform-specific
4. Match Tool Complexity to Your Footage
Simple scenes (person against plain background): Most tools work fine
Complex scenes (moving objects, detailed backgrounds): You need motion tracking—go with Runway ML, Premiere Pro, or Filmora
Mixed requirements: Start with mid-tier tools like VEED.IO or Kapwing that handle both simple and moderately complex scenes
5. Factor in Your Broader Workflow
If you're already using:
- Creative Cloud: Premiere Pro makes sense
- Browser-based editing: Stick with web tools like Kapwing or VEED.IO
- Podcast workflows: Descript integration is valuable
- Mobile-first creation: BgRem or AirBrush fit better
6. Test Before Committing
This is crucial: run the same 10-second test clip through 2-3 tools before paying for anything. You'll immediately see quality and speed differences that matter for your specific footage type.
Pro tip: Use a clip that represents your typical challenges—if you usually film against busy backgrounds, test with that. If you mostly do talking-head videos, test with that scenario.
Feature Comparison Table
| Tool | Platform | 4K Export | Motion Tracking | Free Watermark-Free | Batch/API | Best For |
| PXZ.AI | Web | ✅ (Paid) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | General use, quality results |
| Runway ML | Web/Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Professional projects |
| HitPaw | Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Offline workflows |
| Media.io | Web | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Casual, free use |
| Kapwing | Web | ✅ (Paid) | Limited | ❌ | ✅ | All-in-one editing |
| Fotor | Web | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Quick social clips |
| Unscreen | Web | ✅ (Paid) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Compositing work |
| Premiere Pro | Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (Trial) | ✅ | Professional editing |
| Filmora | Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Prosumer editing |
| Descript | Desktop/Web | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Podcast/education |
| Movavi | Desktop | ✅ | Limited | ❌ | ❌ | Beginner-friendly |
| VEED.IO | Web | ✅ (Paid) | Limited | ❌ | ❌ | Social media focus |
| Cutout.pro | Web | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Pay-per-use |
| VSDC | Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Free Windows option |
| AirBrush | Web/Mobile | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Watermark removal |
How to Read This Table:
- 4K Export: Whether the tool can handle 4K resolution (and if it requires paid plans)
- Motion Tracking: Can track and remove objects that move across the frame
- Free Watermark-Free: Can you get clean exports without paying (rare but valuable)
- Batch/API: Supports processing multiple files or programmatic access
Quick Decision Framework:
- Need professional quality + motion tracking? → Runway ML, Premiere Pro, or Filmora
- Want completely free with decent quality? → Media.io or VSDC (Windows)
- Need fast web-based processing with good quality? → PXZ.AI or Kapwing
- Just removing watermarks? → AirBrush or Cutout.pro
Final Thoughts: Is AI Object Removal Worth It?
After months of testing these tools on everything from simple logo removal to complex scene cleanup, I can confidently say: yes, AI object removal is absolutely worth it for most creators.
The technology has reached a point where you can get genuinely useful results without needing to become a video editing expert. That delivery guy walking through my product demo? Gone in under 5 minutes with PXZ.AI. The distracting poster in a client testimonial? Cleaned up perfectly with Media.io's free tool.
Here's what actually works well:
- Watermark and logo removal: Almost foolproof with any tool
- People in backgrounds: Works great if they're clearly separated from the main subject
- Static distracting objects: Signs, trash cans, equipment—usually clean results
- Simple background cleanup: Removing clutter from relatively plain backgrounds
What still challenges these tools:
- Complex, detailed backgrounds: Trees, crowds, intricate patterns still trip up the AI
- Reflective surfaces: Mirrors, glass, water create artifacts
- Very fast movement: Quick camera pans or rapidly moving objects
- Poor lighting: Dark or very contrasty footage makes edge detection difficult
My honest recommendations by use case:
If you're just starting out: Try Media.io first—it's completely free and will give you a sense of what AI object removal can do. If you like the results, upgrade to PXZ.AI for better quality and HD exports.
For professional work: Runway ML offers the best balance of quality and control in a modern interface. If you're already paying for Creative Cloud, Premiere Pro's Content-Aware Fill is hard to beat.
For mobile-first creators: BgRem's iOS app actually works better than I expected for quick edits on the go.
For Windows users on a budget: VSDC gives you surprisingly powerful features for free, though you'll need to invest time learning the interface.
For occasional high-quality jobs: Cutout.pro's pay-per-use model makes sense when you don't want monthly subscriptions.
The bottom line:
These tools won't replace professional video editing for complex projects, but they've made basic object removal accessible to everyone. Whether you're a content creator, small business owner, or just someone trying to clean up personal videos, there's likely a tool on this list that can solve your problem quickly and affordably.
The technology is only getting better, and prices are getting more reasonable. If you've been avoiding video projects because of background distractions or unwanted objects, now's a great time to give these tools a try.
Ready to test one out? Pick a tool from the comparison table above, grab a video with something you want to remove, and see what AI can do for you. You might be surprised by how much this can improve your content with minimal effort.