kitio.aiCustom Vision vs NVIDIA DeepStream SDK
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. NVIDIA DeepStream SDK is completely free, while Custom Vision is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Image classification training
- Object detection models
- Assisted image tagging
- Model evaluation in the portal
- REST prediction API
- GStreamer-based pipeline plugins
- TensorRT inference
- Multi-stream batching
- Multi-sensor input
- Reference applications
- Edge to cloud deployment
| Feature | Custom Vision | NVIDIA DeepStream SDK |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft service for training custom image recognition models | NVIDIA SDK for real-time video analytics pipelines with vision AI |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | See pricing page | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Microsoft | NVIDIA |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
NVIDIA DeepStream SDK is completely free, while Custom Vision is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Custom Vision
- Needs only a few labeled images
- No machine learning expertise required
- Backed by Azure infrastructure
- Requires an Azure account
- Portal looks dated
- Limited to image tasks
NVIDIA DeepStream SDK
- Handles many video streams per GPU
- Same code from Jetson to data center
- Reference apps to start from
- Requires NVIDIA GPUs
- Steep learning curve for GStreamer
- Tied to the NVIDIA software stack
Which one should you choose?
Choose Custom Vision if you want:
- Needs only a few labeled images
- No machine learning expertise required
- Backed by Azure infrastructure
Watch out: requires an azure account.
Choose NVIDIA DeepStream SDK if you want:
- Handles many video streams per GPU
- Same code from Jetson to data center
- Reference apps to start from
Watch out: requires nvidia gpus.
Custom Vision vs NVIDIA DeepStream SDK FAQ
What is the difference between Custom Vision and NVIDIA DeepStream SDK?
Custom Vision: Microsoft service for training custom image recognition models. NVIDIA DeepStream SDK: NVIDIA SDK for real-time video analytics pipelines with vision AI. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Custom Vision or NVIDIA DeepStream SDK cheaper?
NVIDIA DeepStream SDK is completely free, while Custom Vision is freemium.
Do Custom Vision and NVIDIA DeepStream SDK have free plans?
Custom Vision: Yes. NVIDIA DeepStream SDK: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Custom Vision?
Custom Vision is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes NVIDIA DeepStream SDK?
NVIDIA DeepStream SDK is made by NVIDIA, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Custom Vision or NVIDIA DeepStream SDK?
Choose Custom Vision if you value needs only a few labeled images and no machine learning expertise required. Choose NVIDIA DeepStream SDK if you value handles many video streams per gpu and same code from jetson to data center.