Core ML vs ML Kit
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Core ML starts at Free and ML Kit starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
- On-device vision APIs
- GenAI APIs with Gemini Nano
- Summarization and proofreading
- Image description
- Speech recognition
- Offline processing
| Feature | Core ML | ML Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Apple framework for running machine learning models on device | Google's on-device machine learning SDK for Android and iOS apps |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Apple | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Core ML starts at Free and ML Kit starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
ML Kit
- Free with no per-call charges
- Works offline on the device
- Keeps user data on the phone
- GenAI APIs limited to supported Android devices
- Less flexible than cloud models
- Mobile platforms only
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 ML Kit if you want:
- Free with no per-call charges
- Works offline on the device
- Keeps user data on the phone
Watch out: genai apis limited to supported android devices.
Core ML vs ML Kit FAQ
What is the difference between Core ML and ML Kit?
Core ML: Apple framework for running machine learning models on device. ML Kit: Google's on-device machine learning SDK for Android and iOS apps. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Core ML or ML Kit cheaper?
Core ML starts at Free and ML Kit starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Core ML and ML Kit have free plans?
Core ML: Yes, fully free. ML Kit: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Core ML?
Core ML is made by Apple, based in United States.
Who makes ML Kit?
ML Kit is made by Google, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Core ML or ML Kit?
Choose Core ML if you value data stays on the user's device and uses apple's neural engine. Choose ML Kit if you value free with no per-call charges and works offline on the device.