17.7
LightlyStudio is an app for curating, annotating, checking, evaluating, and managing computer-vision datasets.
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinux
Best Active Learning Tools in 2026
Active learning tools help you compare query strategies, human annotation workflows, supported data types and model frameworks. Use the list to match those capabilities to your project. Check platform details before choosing.
26.7
Prodigy is a downloadable developer tool for creating training and evaluation data for machine learning models.
WebAPILinux
36.4
Potato is an open-source platform for annotating text, audio, images, video and qualitative data.
Free planWebAPILinux
- 4
Active Learning Toolbox
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.0Free plan - 5
Dataloop
Dataloop is a web-based platform for annotating image datasets, with model-assisted labeling and collaboration for teams.
WebAPILinuxmacOS6.0 - 6
ALEF
Free planLinux5.7Free plan - 7
Encord
Encord is a paid multimodal data infrastructure layer for AI teams, covering work from pre-training and post-training through deployment.
WebAPISelf-hosted5.6 - 8
ActiveTigger
WebAPISelf-hosted5.2 - 9
ALToolbox
LinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows5.2 - 10
Baal
LinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows5.1 - 11
Label Sleuth
WebLinuxmacOSWindows5.0 - 12
Cardinal
LinuxmacOSWindows4.7 - 13
libact
LinuxmacOSWindows4.7 - 14
modAL
LinuxmacOSWindows4.7 - 154.3
- 164.3
Choosing well
Compare free and paid access
A free plan is available from tools on this list, while other options use paid pricing or provide pricing on request. Check the pricing model and whether a free plan fits your work.
A free trial is also offered by tools in this category. Confirm trial terms before moving annotation work.
Review query strategies
Query strategies are a comparison point for these tools. Look for an approach that matches how you select data for review and labeling.
Check the annotation workflow
Human annotation workflow can shape how reviewers label, correct and send data back to a model. Compare the workflow details before committing to a tool.
Match data and model frameworks
Supported data types and model frameworks help determine whether a tool fits your project. Check both against the data and framework you plan to use.
Plan deployment and platforms
Deployment options include API, self-hosted and hosted platform access across Linux, macOS, Windows and the web. Check the platform you need, and verify Android access separately if it matters.
Questions people ask
Can I use an active learning tool for free?
Tools on this list offer free plans, open-source code or free trials. Check the individual pricing model and terms before choosing.
Which platforms are covered?
The listed platform facts include Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API and self-hosted deployment. Availability varies by tool.
What should I compare between tools?
Compare free plan and paid pricing, query strategies, human annotation workflow, supported data types, model frameworks and deployment options.
Can I self-host an active learning tool?
Self-hosted deployment is one of the platform options represented in this category. Confirm it for the tool you are considering.