dlib vs OpenNN
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. dlib starts at Free and OpenNN 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
- Face detection and landmarks
- Deep learning API
- SVMs and kernel methods
- Object detection training
- Python bindings
- Optimization routines
- Dense, LSTM and CNN networks
- Transformers
- CPU and CUDA GPU training
- Tutorials and benchmarks
| Feature | dlib | OpenNN |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source C++ toolkit for machine learning and computer vision | Open-source C++ library for building neural networks |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Davis King | Artelnics |
| Based in | United States | Spain |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
dlib starts at Free and OpenNN starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
dlib
- Free and permissively licensed
- Fast, dependable face landmark models
- Many worked example programs
- C++ focus is harder for beginners
- Smaller deep learning ecosystem than PyTorch
- Website design feels dated
OpenNN
- High-performance C++
- Runs on CPU or GPU
- Covers several network types
- Requires C++ skills
- Smaller ecosystem than Python libraries
- Licensing page may apply to commercial use
Which one should you choose?
Choose dlib if you want:
- Free and permissively licensed
- Fast, dependable face landmark models
- Many worked example programs
Watch out: c++ focus is harder for beginners.
Choose OpenNN if you want:
- High-performance C++
- Runs on CPU or GPU
- Covers several network types
Watch out: requires c++ skills.
dlib vs OpenNN FAQ
What is the difference between dlib and OpenNN?
dlib: Open-source C++ toolkit for machine learning and computer vision. OpenNN: Open-source C++ library for building neural networks. Both are models & apis tools.
Is dlib or OpenNN cheaper?
dlib starts at Free and OpenNN starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do dlib and OpenNN have free plans?
dlib: Yes, fully free. OpenNN: Yes, fully free.
Who makes dlib?
dlib is made by Davis King, based in United States.
Who makes OpenNN?
OpenNN is made by Artelnics, based in Spain.
Which should I choose, dlib or OpenNN?
Choose dlib if you value free and permissively licensed and fast, dependable face landmark models. Choose OpenNN if you value high-performance c++ and runs on cpu or gpu.