Labelbox
Labelbox is a data-labeling and model-evaluation platform that provides a complete solution for training data problems, combining fast labeling tools, a human workforce, data management, a powerful API, and automation features.
Publisher review
Labelbox is a data-labeling and model-evaluation platform that provides a complete solution for training data problems, combining fast labeling tools, a human workforce, data management, a powerful API, and automation features. It is designed for AI teams and enterprises that need to produce high-quality labeled datasets for computer vision, NLP, and multimodal projects. The platform supports image and video annotation, dataset management, and ML pipeline integration, making it suitable for organizations scaling from research to production. Labelbox also offers a free tier for qualified educational institutions, allowing non-commercial research use at no cost.
The platform operates on a consumption-based model using Labelbox Units (LBUs). For basic data rows (text, images, audio), one LBU equals one data row labeled in Annotate, five data rows in Model, or 60 data rows in Catalog per month. The Starter tier charges $0.10 per LBU based on actual usage, with no upfront payment required. Labelbox also provides managed labeling services (Standard Services) at a base rate of $10/hour, using on-demand labelers in India for standard CV, NLP, and multilingual projects. For complex post-training and evaluation tasks, the Alignerr service offers access to 1.5M+ knowledge workers across 40+ countries and 200+ domains, including 50K+ PhDs. The platform includes a multi-level QA system, auto-labeling via AI models, and active learning for task prioritization.
Labelbox competes directly with Scale AI and Labellerr. According to Vendr, Labelbox's median annual contract value is $40,000, with a typical range between $23,200 and $67,600. The platform partners with over 80% of leading AI labs in the US and is privately owned. Competitors like Scale AI offer similar managed labeling services but may have different pricing structures and automation capabilities. Labellerr, a smaller competitor, focuses on automated data labeling for computer vision. Labelbox differentiates itself through workflow customization, responsive enterprise support, and its quality guarantee on managed services.
Honest trade-offs: Labelbox's pricing can be high for small-scale projects, with the Starter tier's $0.10 per LBU adding up quickly for large datasets. The platform lacks advanced automation for repetitive labeling tasks, meaning teams may need to invest more manual effort for high-volume, simple annotations. Occasional platform slowdowns occur with very large datasets, which can disrupt tight production timelines. Additionally, while the free tier is generous for education, it limits commercial users to 500 LBUs per month, which may be insufficient for even small pilot projects.
How it works
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Multi-modal data annotation
Supports image, video, text, audio, and JSON annotation with specialized tools for each modality.
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Managed labeling services
Standard Services at $10/hour using on-demand labelers in India, with a quality guarantee and fully managed evaluations.
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Alignerr expert network
Access 1.5M+ knowledge workers across 40+ countries and 200+ domains, including 50K+ PhDs, for complex AI training tasks.
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Consumption-based pricing (LBUs)
Pay $0.10 per LBU for Starter tier; one LBU equals one labeled data row in Annotate, five in Model, or 60 in Catalog per month.
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Automated labeling with AI models
Use pre-trained or custom models to auto-label data rows, consuming 1 LBU per 5 data rows in the Model product.
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Multi-level QA system
Built-in review workflows allow approval of ground truth labels and flagging of data rows for re-labeling.
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Active learning prioritization
Automatically prioritize data rows for labeling based on model uncertainty, reducing labeling effort by focusing on high-value samples.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- Flexible service options include both on-demand labelers at $10/hour and a curated expert network of 1.5M+ workers across 200+ domains.
- User-friendly interface with strong annotation tools that support complex annotation types for diverse data needs, including image and video.
- Responsive customer support for enterprise users, backed by a quality guarantee on managed labeling services.
- Free tier available for education, providing 500 LBUs per month for qualified institutions for non-commercial research.
Trade-offs
- Lacks advanced automation for repetitive labeling tasks, requiring more manual effort for high-volume, simple annotations.
- Pricing can be high for small-scale projects, with the Starter tier at $0.10 per LBU adding up quickly for large datasets.
- Occasional platform slowdowns with very large datasets, which can disrupt tight production timelines.
- Free tier limits commercial users to 500 LBUs per month, insufficient for even small pilot projects.
Pricing context
Free tier: 500 LBUs/month for education. Starter: $0.10 per LBU based on actual usage. Enterprise: custom pricing.
Catalog: $8.33/month for 83.33 LBUs per 60 data rows. Median contract value: $40,000/year (range $23,200–$67,600).
Getting started with Labelbox
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Sign up for Labelbox
Go to the Labelbox website and create an account. Choose the Starter tier for pay-as-you-go pricing or request Enterprise access for custom needs. If you are from a qualified educational institution, apply for the free tier to get 500 LBUs per month for non-commercial research.
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Connect your data
Upload your dataset into Labelbox Catalog. You can import images, videos, text, or audio files directly or connect cloud storage like AWS S3 or Google Cloud Storage. Organize data rows into projects for efficient management and labeling.
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Configure annotation ontology
Define the ontology for your labeling project by specifying object classes, attributes, and relationships. Use the ontology editor to create classification and annotation schemas tailored to your computer vision, NLP, or multimodal tasks.
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Label your first data row
Open a data row in the Annotate tool and apply labels using the available annotation tools (bounding boxes, polygons, text spans, etc.). Submit the labeled row to trigger the multi-level QA system for review and approval.
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Set up automated labeling
In the Model product, connect a pre-trained or custom AI model to auto-label data rows. Configure the model to run on your dataset, consuming 1 LBU per 5 data rows. Review and correct auto-labels to improve model accuracy over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Labelbox and how does it work for data labeling?
Labelbox is a data-labeling and model-evaluation platform for AI teams. It combines fast labeling tools, a human workforce, data management, an API, and automation. It supports image, video, text, audio, and JSON annotation for computer vision, NLP, and multimodal projects.
How much does Labelbox cost per data row?
Labelbox uses a consumption-based model with Labelbox Units (LBUs). The Starter tier charges $0.10 per LBU. One LBU equals one labeled data row in Annotate, five data rows in Model, or 60 data rows in Catalog per month. Enterprise pricing is custom.
Does Labelbox offer a free tier for educational institutions?
Yes, Labelbox offers a free tier for qualified educational institutions. It provides 500 LBUs per month for non-commercial research use at no cost. This allows students and researchers to use the platform for academic projects without paying.
What managed labeling services does Labelbox provide?
Labelbox offers Standard Services at $10 per hour using on-demand labelers in India for standard CV, NLP, and multilingual projects. For complex tasks, the Alignerr service provides access to 1.5 million knowledge workers across 40 countries and 200 domains, including 50,000 PhDs.
What are the main weaknesses of Labelbox for small projects?
Labelbox pricing can be high for small-scale projects, with the Starter tier at $0.10 per LBU adding up quickly for large datasets. The free tier limits commercial users to 500 LBUs per month, which is insufficient for even small pilot projects. Occasional platform slowdowns with very large datasets can also disrupt timelines.
How does Labelbox compare to Scale AI and Labellerr?
Labelbox competes directly with Scale AI and Labellerr. Labelbox differentiates through workflow customization, responsive enterprise support, and a quality guarantee on managed services. Scale AI offers similar managed labeling but may have different pricing. Labellerr focuses on automated data labeling for computer vision.
Alternatives
How Labelbox compares
Direct head-to-head against 3 competitors. Picked by 7wData.
Labelbox
- Pricing
- Free tier: 500 LBUs/month for education. Starter: $0.10 per LBU based on actual usage. Enterprise: custom pricing. Catalog: $8.33/month for 83.33 LBUs per 60 data rows. Median contract value: $40,000/year (range $23,200–$67,600).
- Target
- Labelbox is a data-labeling and model-evaluation platform that provides a complete solution for training data problems, combining fast labeling tools, a human workforce, data management,
- Strength
- Flexible service options include both on-demand labelers at $10/hour and a curated expert network of 1.5M+ workers across 200+ domains.
- Watch for
- Lacks advanced automation for repetitive labeling tasks, requiring more manual effort for high-volume, simple annotations.
SuperAnnotate
- Pricing
- Custom/Contact sales
- Target
- Enterprise teams needing pixel-perfect annotations
- Deployment
- Cloud, on-prem
- Strength
- Medical imaging annotations with DICOM support
- Watch for
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
Dataloop
- Pricing
- $99/user/month starter plan
- Target
- Teams requiring workflow automation
- Deployment
- Cloud, hybrid
- Strength
- Python SDK for custom pipeline integration
- Watch for
- Complex setup for non-coders
Encord
- Pricing
- $50/user/month base plan
- Target
- Computer vision teams
- Deployment
- Cloud
- Strength
- Active learning feedback loops
- Watch for
- Limited 3D point cloud support
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Sources
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