FTD Mercury vs Cognex: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between FTD Mercury and Cognex 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
FTD Mercury
Capture and analyze high-speed video for precise motion analysis and impact testing.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need cad & simulation features specifically
- • Captures high-speed video for detailed motion analysis.
- • Ideal for impact testing, quality control, and research applications.
Cognex
Machine vision and industrial barcode reading solutions for manufacturing and logistics.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • Provides machine vision systems for quality control and automation.
- • Offers industrial barcode readers for traceability and error reduction.
| At a Glance |  FTD Mercury |  Cognex |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | CAD & Simulation | Testing & QA |
Rating | —/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | FTD Mercury | Cognex |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CAD & SimulationComputer Vision | Testing & QAAutomation |
How FTD Mercury and Cognex Compare
FTD Mercury
Capture and analyze high-speed video for precise motion analysis and impact testing.
Free tier available
Cognex
Machine vision and industrial barcode reading solutions for manufacturing and logistics.
Paid · 85/100 score
FTD Mercury is a cad & simulation tool. Cognex is in testing & qa.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
FTD Mercury has a free tier. Cognex is paid only.
Go with: FTD Mercury
Want the highest-rated option?
Cognex scores 85/100. FTD Mercury is unrated.
Go with: Cognex
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cognex
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
FTD Mercury is freemium. Cognex is paid. FTD Mercury lets you start free.
What's your use case?
FTD Mercury is a cad & simulation tool. Cognex is in testing & qa. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Cognex
- Higher score: 85/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
FTD Mercury
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for cad & simulation
The Bottom Line
Cognex (85/100) is our pick. FTD Mercury has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTD Mercury or Cognex better?
Cognex scores 85/100 in our evaluation. FTD Mercury is freemium and Cognex is paid.
What are FTD Mercury and Cognex used for?
FTD Mercury: Capture and analyze high-speed video for precise motion analysis and impact testing.. Cognex: Machine vision and industrial barcode reading solutions for manufacturing and logistics..
What does FTD Mercury cost vs Cognex?
FTD Mercury is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Cognex is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.