Best Image Annotation Tools In 2023

After reviewing all of the different paid image annotation tools on offer, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. New ones enter the market every few months with promises that they will provide faster labeling and greater accuracy than their competitors- but how do you know which one is right for your computer vision projects?

Whether it is object detection or another use case, to help make this decision easier we have compiled a list covering some popular platforms as well as key features and pricing information. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most popular platforms and what sets them apart.

If you’re interested in getting started with image annotation, read on!

These are the tools we will cover:

V7

Founded in 2018, this company has become a popular platform for image and video labeling. It focuses specifically on image labeling but also allows for certain ML training and deployment capabilities. Its strong AI assistance tool and data management/exploring capabilities make it a powerful platform that can be used for various tasks. It supports various data formats and AI assistance capabilities to support you in your image annotation projects.

Key features
  • Automated annotation features without prior training needed
  • Composable workflows allowing multiple models and human in the loop stages
  • Integrated data labeling services
  • Model Development and Deployment
  • HIPAA compliant
  • FDA & EMA compliant (medical)
  • GDPR compliant
  • Follows data security criteria of SOC 2 framework
  • Supports JPG, PNG, BMP, SVS, TIFF, DCM, ZIP, DICOM, NIfTI.
Supported Image Annotation Types:
  • Bounding Box
  • Classification
  • Attributes
  • Cuboid
  • Polyline
  • Keypoint
  • Keypoint-Skeleton
  • Polygon
  • Image Segmentation
  • Directional Vector
Pricing
  • Free for educational purposes
  • Offers free trial after contacting them
  • Three different plans (Startup – Pro – Enterprise) , but no pricing information on website
Main Advantage
Disadvantages

Not what you are looking for? Check out SYNIO

Labelbox

The image annotation platform was launched in 2018. It has become a strong player within the industry, with support for data types extending beyond images. However, there is a lack of support for certain types within images. A good suite of image annotation tools is available, including polygons, bounding boxes, brush and nested classifications for annotations. The API and Python SDK offer ample support for developer tools, while operational support allows users to check data quality via benchmarking and consensus. In addition, the Labelbox team provides full labeling services.

Key features
  • AI-assisted labeling
  • Integrated data labeling services
  • QA/QC tooling and label review workflows
  • Strong labeler performance analytics
  • Customizable interface to simplify tasks
  • Anomaly detection tool to determine outliers.
  • Superpixel tool for segmentation
  • Supported file formats: JPG, PNG, and BMP
  • Python SDK
  • SOC2 Type 2 certified
  • CCPA & GDPR compliant
  • HIPAA compliant
Supported Image Annotation Types:
  • Bounding Box
  • Classification
  • Cuboid
  • Polyline
  • Point
  • Polygon
  • Image Segmentation
Pricing
  • Free, Standard, Enterprise
  • Free plan is not time-limited, but limits the size of your dataset and the features you can access
  • To get an estimate of your cost, use the calculator on their website
Main advantage
Disadvantages

Not what you are looking for? Check out SYNIO

Scale AI

This platform is one of the leading data annotation and dataset preparation platforms. It has a long list of well-known clients who use it because it offers such a generalized approach to tackling nearly all types of data, including sensor, image, video, text and document data. Plus, it comes with very high operational support since the platform is fully managed. It also incorporates a powerful data explorer tool and supports various formats. And if that wasn’t enough, there are several new products in development that will help you automate your ML pipeline even without expertise!

Key features
  • ML-powered pre-labeling
  • Nucleus dataset management
  • Automated QA system with gold sets
  • Document processing features
  • Model-in-the-loop data curation
  • Model Development and Deployment (early access)
  • On-premise
  • SOC 2 Type II
  • HIPAA
  • ISO 27001
  • NO GDPR or CCPA
Supported Image Annotation Types:
  • Bounding Box
  • Classification
  • Cuboid
  • Polyline
  • Point
  • Polygon
  • Image Segmentation
Pricing
  • One month free trial
  • Rapid and Enterprise plans
  • No pricing info on website for plans
  • Pay-as-you-go model with pricing info
Main advantage
Disadvantages

Not what you are looking for? Check out SYNIO

Superannotate

With its user-friendly interface, diverse range of functions, and ability to handle model training and development, this platform is ideal for those looking to experiment with image annotation. Another key strength of this platform is the AI assisted labeling feature; however it can only be accessed if you use your own models.

 

This platform divides the annotation process into two types of tasks: vector annotations – including boxes, polygons, lines, ellipses, key points, and cuboids – and pixel annotations. Pixel annotations segment images using a brush tool.

Key features
  • AI assisted labeling using ML teams’ own models
  • Superpixels for semantic segmentation
  • Advanced quality control systems
  • Model Training and Generation
  • Intuitive division into vector and pixel annotation
  • Annotation services marketplace
  • SuperAnnotate supports the following image file formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, WEBP, TIFF, BMP, and TIF.
  • Python SDK
  • On-premise data solution
Supported Image Annotation Types:
  • Bounding Box
  • Classification
  • Cuboid
  • Ellipse
  • Lines & Splines
  • Key-Point
  • Polygon
  • Image Segmentation
Pricing
  • Free trial available
  • No pricing information available
  • (limited) Free 1 year plan for startups
Main advantage
Disadvantages

Not what you are looking for? Check out SYNIO

Supervisely

Supervisely is a web-based platform geared towards computer vision tasks involving image and videos. Although data annotation is its primary focus, there are various other features teams might find useful. The ability to extend and customize is what sets it apart. With an ecosystem of plugins and apps developed by its own community, customizations are easy to find and install.

Key features
  • Interactive AI assisted labeling
  • Multi-format data annotation & management
  • Option to develop and import plugins for custom data formats
  • Ecosystem with plugins & apps
  • Model Training, Generation and Deployment
  • Options for project management on different levels for teams, workspaces, and datasets. 
  • images (.png, .jpg), can be extended by using apps from the ecosystem
  • Python SDK & Public REST API
Supported Image Annotation Types:
  • Bounding Box
  • Cuboid
  • Bitmap (Segmentation)
  • Polyline
  • Point
  • Keypoint structure
  • Polygon
Pricing
  • Free community account with limited features and small volumes
  • 30 days trial of Enterprise plan
  • No pricing info available
Main advantage
Disadvantages

Not what you are looking for? Check out SYNIO

Hasty

Hasty is a web-based annotation platform that primarily focuses on images and AI assistance. The Germany-based company uses a training method of “using AI to train AI.” with an active learning feature, improving your predicted labels over time. The company employs state-of-the-art tools to create better algorithms and models.

Key features
  • Various AI-assisted labeling tools (BYO Models)
  • Model Development and deployment (by procuring it from Hasty)
  • Multi-format data annotation & management
  • Error Detection via ML powered assistant
  • images (.png, .jpg, .jpeg)
  • Public REST API
  • HIPAA and ISO 27001-certified
  • Available on-premise
  • GDPR compliant
Supported Image Annotation Types:
  • Bounding Box
  • Bitmap (Segmentation)
  • Polygon
  • Classification
Pricing
  • Starter, self service and custom plans
  • Credit system, starter plan will provide you with free credits for usage in the platform
  • Starter with limited features
  • Self service plan with pay-as-you-go model
  • Pricing info available for credits
Main advantage
Disadvantages

Not what you are looking for? Check out SYNIO

So, which one should I choose now?

I’ll have to draw the project manager card here — it depends.

Make sure you try out some tools first using the free trial options available.If your project budget allows, there is still the option of a data labeling service.But if you are looking for a solution that is fast, reliable and fits into every project budget, read on.

SYNIO

With SYNIO, we are providing an end-to-end ML platform that is based on synthetic data set generation.

Synthetic data provides plenty of benefits, such as reduced costs, increased speed and agility, improved intelligence gathering abilities, and stronger privacy features. It can also be used to enhance test data generation processes and AI governance across organizations.

Other platforms might give you data to train your model, but SYNIO gives you a complete solution. We’ll provide you with a custom-fit model that meets your specific needs.

You don’t have to spend time creating and managing data sets or labeling images. All you need to do is upload your 3D object and start using your model within a few hours!

Key features
  • Completely automated synthetic training data generation based on the object you want to detect
  • Model Training and Development
  • Supports OBJ uploads
Supported Image Annotation Types:
  • None needed!
Main advantage
Disadvantages

Beyond Synthetic Data Generation

If you want to not only create synthetic training data, but solve a computer vision problem too, then our platform is perfect for you. SYNIO is the first and only end-to-end solution that takes care of everything from data to model in one place. And, we make it easy for you by doing all the heavy lifting–you just need a 3D object. Within hours, your working AI model will be solving your computer vision problem!

Join The Alpha

Use SYNIO to train models in one-click, and deploy to web, mobile, or the edge.

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