Quick Overview
- 1#1: Labelbox - Cloud-based platform for collaborative data labeling with ML-assisted workflows for images, text, video, and sensor data.
- 2#2: Scale AI - High-quality data labeling platform using human-in-the-loop and automation for training AI models at scale.
- 3#3: Label Studio - Open-source multi-format data annotation tool supporting images, text, audio, and video with custom workflows.
- 4#4: V7 - AI-powered labeling platform for computer vision and NLP with auto-annotation and team collaboration features.
- 5#5: Supervisely - Comprehensive platform for image and video annotation with neural networks integration for computer vision projects.
- 6#6: Prodigy - Active learning annotation tool for NLP, NER, image segmentation, and custom ML tasks with rapid iteration.
- 7#7: CVAT - Open-source web-based computer vision annotation tool for images, videos, and 3D point clouds.
- 8#8: SuperAnnotate - Professional annotation platform for high-accuracy labeling of images and videos with QA and automation tools.
- 9#9: Encord - Data development platform with active learning and ontology management for efficient ML data labeling.
- 10#10: Doccano - Open-source text annotation tool for NLP tasks like NER, sentiment analysis, and sequence labeling.
We ranked tools by evaluating robustness (e.g., multi-format support, custom workflows), user experience (ease of adoption, collaboration tools), and value (cost-effectiveness, scalability), ensuring each entry meets the demands of modern data annotation workflows.
Comparison Table
Explore a breakdown of top labeling software options, including Labelbox, Scale AI, Label Studio, V7, Supervisely, and more, in our comparison table. This guide highlights key features, use cases, and differences to help readers identify the most suitable tool for their data labeling needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Labelbox Cloud-based platform for collaborative data labeling with ML-assisted workflows for images, text, video, and sensor data. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Scale AI High-quality data labeling platform using human-in-the-loop and automation for training AI models at scale. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Label Studio Open-source multi-format data annotation tool supporting images, text, audio, and video with custom workflows. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 4 | V7 AI-powered labeling platform for computer vision and NLP with auto-annotation and team collaboration features. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Supervisely Comprehensive platform for image and video annotation with neural networks integration for computer vision projects. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Prodigy Active learning annotation tool for NLP, NER, image segmentation, and custom ML tasks with rapid iteration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | CVAT Open-source web-based computer vision annotation tool for images, videos, and 3D point clouds. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | SuperAnnotate Professional annotation platform for high-accuracy labeling of images and videos with QA and automation tools. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Encord Data development platform with active learning and ontology management for efficient ML data labeling. | general_ai | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Doccano Open-source text annotation tool for NLP tasks like NER, sentiment analysis, and sequence labeling. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based platform for collaborative data labeling with ML-assisted workflows for images, text, video, and sensor data.
High-quality data labeling platform using human-in-the-loop and automation for training AI models at scale.
Open-source multi-format data annotation tool supporting images, text, audio, and video with custom workflows.
AI-powered labeling platform for computer vision and NLP with auto-annotation and team collaboration features.
Comprehensive platform for image and video annotation with neural networks integration for computer vision projects.
Active learning annotation tool for NLP, NER, image segmentation, and custom ML tasks with rapid iteration.
Open-source web-based computer vision annotation tool for images, videos, and 3D point clouds.
Professional annotation platform for high-accuracy labeling of images and videos with QA and automation tools.
Data development platform with active learning and ontology management for efficient ML data labeling.
Open-source text annotation tool for NLP tasks like NER, sentiment analysis, and sequence labeling.
Labelbox
enterpriseCloud-based platform for collaborative data labeling with ML-assisted workflows for images, text, video, and sensor data.
Model-assisted labeling that seamlessly integrates custom ML models into the annotation interface for iterative improvement and cost efficiency
Labelbox is an enterprise-grade data labeling platform that enables teams to annotate images, videos, text, sensor fusion, and other data types for machine learning projects. It offers customizable ontologies, automation tools like model-assisted labeling, and robust quality control features to ensure high annotation accuracy at scale. The platform supports collaborative workflows, active learning integration, and versioning for efficient data pipelines.
Pros
- Advanced model-assisted labeling and automation reduce manual effort by up to 80%
- Comprehensive support for multi-modal data with custom ontologies and workflows
- Enterprise-scale collaboration, benchmarking, and quality assurance tools
Cons
- High cost for small teams or startups without volume discounts
- Steeper learning curve for complex ontology setup and custom integrations
- Limited advanced features in the free tier
Best For
Enterprise ML teams and organizations needing scalable, high-precision data labeling for production AI models.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing with pay-as-you-go starting at ~$0.05-$0.50 per annotation; free tier for prototyping, Pro/Enterprise plans scale with usage and features.
Scale AI
enterpriseHigh-quality data labeling platform using human-in-the-loop and automation for training AI models at scale.
Hybrid human-AI active learning system that intelligently routes tasks to optimize speed, cost, and accuracy
Scale AI is a comprehensive data labeling platform designed to generate high-quality annotated datasets for training machine learning models across computer vision, NLP, audio, and 3D sensor data. It offers advanced annotation tools like bounding boxes, polygons, semantic segmentation, and text classification, powered by a global workforce of experts and AI-assisted workflows. The platform excels in scalability, quality assurance through consensus labeling and active learning, and seamless integrations with popular ML frameworks.
Pros
- Exceptional scalability for enterprise-level projects with millions of data points
- Robust quality control via multi-stage review, consensus, and ML-assisted pre-labeling
- Broad support for diverse data types and annotation tasks with API integrations
Cons
- High cost structure unsuitable for small teams or low-volume needs
- Steep learning curve for customizing ontologies and advanced workflows
- Limited transparency in pricing without sales contact
Best For
Large AI teams and enterprises requiring high-volume, production-grade labeled data with guaranteed quality.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on data volume and task complexity; typically pay-per-label (e.g., $0.01-$1+ per annotation) with minimum commitments—contact sales for quotes.
Label Studio
otherOpen-source multi-format data annotation tool supporting images, text, audio, and video with custom workflows.
Configurable labeling interface builder using a declarative XML-like syntax for rapid custom UI creation
Label Studio is an open-source data labeling platform that enables teams to annotate various data types including images, text, audio, video, and time-series data for machine learning projects. It offers a flexible, web-based interface for creating custom annotation workflows using a simple XML-like configuration language. The tool supports collaborative labeling, active learning integrations, and exports to numerous ML-compatible formats.
Pros
- Highly customizable labeling interfaces via intuitive config language
- Broad support for multiple data types and annotation tools
- Open-source with strong community and ML backend integrations
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited out-of-box support in free edition for enterprise-scale use
Best For
ML teams and researchers needing flexible, multi-modal annotation pipelines without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source Community Edition; Enterprise Edition with cloud hosting and advanced features starts at custom pricing.
V7
general_aiAI-powered labeling platform for computer vision and NLP with auto-annotation and team collaboration features.
AI Auto-Anno with trainable models like SAM for near-instant, high-accuracy annotations
V7 is an advanced AI-powered data labeling platform specializing in computer vision tasks, allowing users to annotate images, videos, documents, and 3D data with precision. It features automated annotation tools driven by state-of-the-art models like Segment Anything (SAM) to accelerate workflows and reduce manual effort. The platform supports collaborative team environments, custom workflows, and seamless integrations with ML frameworks for end-to-end model training.
Pros
- Powerful AI auto-annotation significantly speeds up labeling
- Versatile support for images, videos, docs, and CAD files
- Robust collaboration and workflow management tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams or individuals
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Primarily focused on computer vision, less versatile for other domains
Best For
Mid-to-large teams developing scalable computer vision AI models requiring AI-assisted annotation and team collaboration.
Pricing
Free tier for basic use; Pro plan at $150/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
Supervisely
specializedComprehensive platform for image and video annotation with neural networks integration for computer vision projects.
Neural Interface with trainable AI models for interactive auto-annotation
Supervisely is an end-to-end platform for computer vision annotation, supporting images, videos, 3D point clouds, and medical data with advanced tools like polygons, brushes, cuboids, and AI-assisted labeling. It enables collaborative workflows, dataset management, and integration with ML training pipelines. The platform offers both cloud and on-premise deployment options for scalability.
Pros
- Extensive annotation tools including AI-powered SmartTools for segmentation and object detection
- Strong team collaboration with role-based access and real-time editing
- Versatile support for 2D, video, 3D, and volumetric data types
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced 3D and custom tool usage
- Pricing scales quickly for large teams or high-volume projects
- Some integrations and apps ecosystem still maturing
Best For
Computer vision teams and enterprises needing scalable, collaborative annotation for complex datasets.
Pricing
Free Community plan (limited storage/users); Pro from $49/user/month; Enterprise custom with on-premise options.
Prodigy
specializedActive learning annotation tool for NLP, NER, image segmentation, and custom ML tasks with rapid iteration.
Active learning suggestion engine that dynamically prioritizes high-value examples
Prodigy by Explosion AI is a scriptable annotation tool optimized for labeling text, images, and categorical data in NLP and ML workflows. It excels in active learning, where suggestion models prioritize uncertain examples to streamline annotation and reduce manual effort. Fully customizable via Python recipes, it integrates natively with spaCy for efficient, local data labeling without cloud dependencies.
Pros
- Powerful active learning reduces labeling volume by up to 50-70%
- Highly scriptable with Python for custom workflows and integrations
- Runs entirely locally for data privacy and speed
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires Python/spaCy knowledge
- UI is functional but less polished than drag-and-drop alternatives
- Per-user pricing scales poorly for very large teams
Best For
NLP engineers and ML teams seeking programmable, efficient annotation with active learning.
Pricing
Team licenses start at $390/user/year; enterprise options with support available.
CVAT
otherOpen-source web-based computer vision annotation tool for images, videos, and 3D point clouds.
Semi-automatic annotation powered by integrated machine learning models for efficient labeling
CVAT (Computer Vision Annotation Tool) is an open-source, web-based platform for annotating images and videos tailored for computer vision machine learning projects. It supports a wide array of annotation types including bounding boxes, polygons, polylines, keypoints, and cuboids, with advanced features like object tracking in videos and interpolation. The tool enables collaborative workflows, integrates with ML models for semi-automatic labeling, and exports data in standard formats like COCO, YOLO, and Pascal VOC.
Pros
- Powerful video annotation with tracking and interpolation
- Fully open-source and highly extensible via plugins
- Strong collaboration features for teams
Cons
- Self-hosting requires server setup and technical expertise
- User interface feels somewhat dated and cluttered
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Computer vision researchers and teams needing robust, scalable annotation for image and video datasets on a budget.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; CVAT.ai SaaS has a free community tier with limits and paid plans starting at $49/month.
SuperAnnotate
enterpriseProfessional annotation platform for high-accuracy labeling of images and videos with QA and automation tools.
Model-Assisted Labeling (MAL) that leverages pre-trained models for predictive auto-annotation to dramatically speed up labeling while maintaining accuracy
SuperAnnotate is an end-to-end platform for annotating training data for AI and machine learning models, supporting images, videos, documents, and text with tools like bounding boxes, polygons, semantic segmentation, keypoints, and NER. It streamlines workflows through team collaboration, automated quality assurance, and model-assisted labeling to ensure high accuracy and efficiency. Ideal for computer vision and NLP projects, it integrates with popular ML frameworks and offers scalable project management.
Pros
- Comprehensive annotation tools for multiple data types and modalities
- Advanced QA workflows including consensus, analytics, and auto-correction
- Model-assisted automation and seamless team collaboration features
Cons
- Enterprise-focused pricing can be costly for small teams or individuals
- Steep learning curve for complex annotation types and custom workflows
- Performance can lag with very large video datasets or high-volume projects
Best For
Mid-to-large teams and enterprises developing production-grade AI models requiring precise, scalable annotation with robust quality control.
Pricing
Custom enterprise plans starting at ~$500/month or pay-per-annotation (~$0.01-0.05 per task); free trial and limited community edition available.
Encord
general_aiData development platform with active learning and ontology management for efficient ML data labeling.
Encord Active for automated active learning that prioritizes high-impact data for labeling
Encord is a data-centric AI platform specializing in computer vision annotation and management for images and videos. It provides advanced tools for object detection, semantic segmentation, keypoint annotation, and video tracking, alongside data curation, active learning, and quality control features. Designed for enterprise-scale ML workflows, it emphasizes collaboration, automation, and dataset optimization to improve model performance.
Pros
- Robust annotation tools tailored for complex computer vision tasks like video tracking and segmentation
- Built-in active learning and quality metrics to reduce labeling costs
- Strong collaboration features with role-based access and workflow automation
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom ontologies
- Limited support for non-computer vision modalities like text or audio
- Enterprise pricing can be opaque and higher for smaller teams
Best For
Enterprise teams developing sophisticated computer vision models requiring scalable annotation and data quality assurance.
Pricing
Free community plan for small projects; paid plans start at ~$500/month for teams, with custom enterprise pricing based on usage.
Doccano
otherOpen-source text annotation tool for NLP tasks like NER, sentiment analysis, and sequence labeling.
Versatile support for multiple annotation project types (e.g., NER, classification, translation) within a single lightweight platform
Doccano is an open-source, web-based annotation tool primarily designed for labeling text data in NLP tasks such as text classification, named entity recognition (NER), sequence-to-sequence, and relation extraction. It enables collaborative annotation through multi-user projects, with support for importing data from various sources and exporting in formats like JSON, CSV, and CoNLL. The tool is self-hosted via Docker or direct installation, making it suitable for teams handling custom datasets without vendor lock-in.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Supports a wide range of NLP annotation types in one platform
- Collaborative multi-user support with role-based access
Cons
- Requires self-hosting and technical setup (e.g., Docker)
- Basic UI lacks advanced UX polish and customization
- No built-in auto-annotation or ML-assisted labeling features
Best For
Small teams or researchers needing a free, flexible self-hosted solution for NLP data labeling without enterprise-scale requirements.
Pricing
Free (open-source, self-hosted)
Conclusion
The reviewed labelling software provides versatile solutions for diverse data types and workflows, with top performers offering distinct strengths. Labelbox leads as the top choice, excelling in collaborative workflows and ML-assisted tools for various data types. Scale AI and Label Studio follow as strong alternatives, with Scale AI focusing on large-scale training and Label Studio offering open-source flexibility.
Explore Labelbox to unlock efficient, high-quality labeling—whether for images, text, or more—laying a solid foundation for impactful AI projects tailored to your needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
