kitio.aiCore ML vs Mirai
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Core ML is completely free, while Mirai is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- On-device inference
- Neural Engine acceleration
- Xcode integration
- Model conversion via coremltools
- Works offline
- uzu inference engine
- Quantized on-device models
- Model conversion tools
- CLI and macOS app
- Published benchmarks
| Feature | Core ML | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Apple framework for running machine learning models on device | On-device LLM engine and models for iPhone, iPad and Mac |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Apple | Mirai Labs |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Core ML is completely free, while Mirai is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Core ML
- Data stays on the user's device
- Uses Apple's Neural Engine
- Free with Apple's developer tools
- Only for Apple platforms
- Models must be converted to Core ML format
- Large models limited by device memory
Mirai
- Runs fully offline on Apple devices
- Engine source on GitHub
- Benchmarks against MLX and llama.cpp
- Android support not yet available
- Commercial terms need a sales talk
- Limited to smaller models
Which one should you choose?
Choose Core ML if you want:
- Data stays on the user's device
- Uses Apple's Neural Engine
- Free with Apple's developer tools
Watch out: only for apple platforms.
Choose Mirai if you want:
- Runs fully offline on Apple devices
- Engine source on GitHub
- Benchmarks against MLX and llama.cpp
Watch out: android support not yet available.
Core ML vs Mirai FAQ
What is the difference between Core ML and Mirai?
Core ML: Apple framework for running machine learning models on device. Mirai: On-device LLM engine and models for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Core ML or Mirai cheaper?
Core ML is completely free, while Mirai is freemium.
Do Core ML and Mirai have free plans?
Core ML: Yes, fully free. Mirai: Yes.
Who makes Core ML?
Core ML is made by Apple, based in United States.
Who makes Mirai?
Mirai is made by Mirai Labs.
Which should I choose, Core ML or Mirai?
Choose Core ML if you value data stays on the user's device and uses apple's neural engine. Choose Mirai if you value runs fully offline on apple devices and engine source on github.