CVAT vs Roboflow: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CVAT and Roboflow comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CVAT
The industry-leading open data annotation platform for machine learning.
Best for you if:
- • You need image editing features specifically
- • Open-source data annotation platform for images, videos, and 3D.
- • Accelerates annotation with AI-powered auto-annotation and algorithmic assistance.
Roboflow
Everything you need to build and deploy computer vision applications.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.3/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need ai data labeling features specifically
- • End-to-end platform for building and deploying computer vision applications.
- • Offers tools for data curation, AI-assisted annotation, model training, and cloud/edge deployment.
| At a Glance |  CVAT |  Roboflow |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Image Editing | AI Data Labeling |
Rating | —/100 | 73/100 |
| Feature | CVAT | Roboflow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 73 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Image EditingAI Data Labeling | AI Data LabelingAI Model Deployment |
How CVAT and Roboflow Compare
CVAT
The industry-leading open data annotation platform for machine learning.
Free tier available
Roboflow
Everything you need to build and deploy computer vision applications.
Free tier available · 73/100 score
CVAT is a image editing tool. Roboflow is in ai data labeling.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: CVAT
Want the highest-rated option?
Roboflow scores 73/100. CVAT is unrated.
Go with: Roboflow
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Roboflow
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
CVAT is a image editing tool. Roboflow is in ai data labeling. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Roboflow
- Higher score: 73/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
CVAT
- Better fit for image editing
The Bottom Line
Roboflow (73/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVAT or Roboflow better?
Roboflow scores 73/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are CVAT and Roboflow used for?
CVAT: The industry-leading open data annotation platform for machine learning.. Roboflow: Everything you need to build and deploy computer vision applications..
What does CVAT cost vs Roboflow?
CVAT is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Roboflow is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.