TwelveLabs vs tl;dv: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between TwelveLabs and tl;dv 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
TwelveLabs
AI that sees, hears, and reasons across your entire video content for deep insights and automation.
Best for you if:
- • You need video ai features specifically
- • AI-powered video search and understanding.
- • Processes video content at a monumental scale.
tl;dv
AI meeting recorder for sales and product
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need transcription features specifically
- • tl;dv is an AI meeting recorder that captures and summarizes calls
- • It records Zoom and Google Meet with AI-generated summaries
| At a Glance |  TwelveLabs | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video AI | Transcription |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | TwelveLabs | tl;dv |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video AIComputer Vision | TranscriptionAI Assistants |
Understanding the Differences
Both TwelveLabs and tl;dv solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.TwelveLabs positions itself as "ai that sees, hears, and reasons across your entire video content for deep insights and automation." while tl;dvfocuses on "ai meeting recorder for sales and product". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose TwelveLabs
TwelveLabs makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose tl;dv
tl;dv is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, TwelveLabs lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: TwelveLabs
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. tl;dv is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: tl;dv
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: tl;dv
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with TwelveLabs, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated tl;dv higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted tl;dv more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What tl;dv Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider TwelveLabs If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with tl;dv (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. tl;dv scores higher in our analysis, but TwelveLabs might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TwelveLabs or tl;dv better?
Based on our analysis, tl;dv scores higher with 84/100. TwelveLabs isfreemium while tl;dv is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from TwelveLabs to tl;dv easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do TwelveLabs and tl;dv offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. TwelveLabs is freemium with a free tier.tl;dv is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.