kitio.aiKeras vs MLX
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Keras starts at Free and MLX 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
- Multi-backend support
- Functional and sequential APIs
- KerasHub pretrained models
- KerasTuner hyperparameter search
- Keras RS recommenders
- Unified memory use
- NumPy-like API
- mlx-lm for LLMs
- LoRA fine-tuning
- Swift bindings
| Feature | Keras | MLX |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source deep learning library that runs on JAX, PyTorch and TF | Apple's array framework for running and training models on Apple Silicon |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Keras team at Google | Apple |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Keras starts at Free and MLX starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Keras
- Free and open source
- Same code runs on three backends
- Pretrained models in KerasHub
- Thorough docs and examples
- Requires Python and ML knowledge
- Very custom research may need raw framework code
- No hosted training service
MLX
- Fast on Apple Silicon
- Runs big models on high-RAM Macs
- Simple Python API
- Mac only
- Smaller ecosystem than PyTorch
- Some models need conversion
Which one should you choose?
Choose Keras if you want:
- Free and open source
- Same code runs on three backends
- Pretrained models in KerasHub
Watch out: requires python and ml knowledge.
Choose MLX if you want:
- Fast on Apple Silicon
- Runs big models on high-RAM Macs
- Simple Python API
Watch out: mac only.
Keras vs MLX FAQ
What is the difference between Keras and MLX?
Keras: Open-source deep learning library that runs on JAX, PyTorch and TF. MLX: Apple's array framework for running and training models on Apple Silicon. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Keras or MLX cheaper?
Keras starts at Free and MLX starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Keras and MLX have free plans?
Keras: Yes, fully free. MLX: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Keras?
Keras is made by Keras team at Google, based in United States.
Who makes MLX?
MLX is made by Apple, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Keras or MLX?
Choose Keras if you value free and open source and same code runs on three backends. Choose MLX if you value fast on apple silicon and runs big models on high-ram macs.