Comparison
AnnotateAI vs Scale AI vs Labelbox
AnnotateAI is a data annotation platform that is around 70% cheaper than traditional services like Scale AI and Labelbox, with 2-minute setup, no minimum order, and 12 export formats included. Here is an honest, side-by-side comparison for ML and computer vision teams.
| Feature | In-House Team | Scale AI / Labelbox | AnnotateAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 3–6 months | 1–2 months | 2 minutes |
| Cost per 1,000 labels | $200–400 | $100–200 (typical) | £30–50 |
| Minimum order | N/A | $500+ minimums (typical) | £30 — no minimums |
| Turnaround | Days–weeks | 24–48 hours | 2 seconds (AI) / hours (human) |
| Quality control | Manual | Manual | AI-assisted + human review |
| Export formats | Custom only | Fewer formats, conversion often extra | 12 formats, all included |
| Scalability | Limited by headcount | Contract-based | Unlimited, on-demand |
Competitor figures are estimates based on publicly available information and typical 2026 industry ranges. Scale AI and Labelbox do not publish fixed per-label pricing; actual costs vary by task complexity, volume, and contract.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Scale AI cost compared to AnnotateAI?
Scale AI and Labelbox don't publish fixed per-label pricing — costs are quoted per project based on complexity and volume, and enterprise contracts often run into five or six figures annually. AnnotateAI uses transparent pricing from £30 per task with no minimums, which is why smaller ML teams often find it more accessible.
Is AnnotateAI cheaper than Scale AI or Labelbox?
Yes. AnnotateAI charges £30–50 per 1,000 labels with no minimum order, compared to the $100–400 range and $500+ minimums typically associated with traditional annotation services. For small-to-mid ML teams, that usually works out around 70% cheaper.
What is the best Scale AI alternative for small ML teams?
AnnotateAI is built specifically for ML engineers and AI startups who need enterprise-grade annotation without enterprise headcount: 2-minute setup, no minimum order, AI-first automation plus an on-demand human expert marketplace, and 12 export formats included.
Does AnnotateAI support YOLO, COCO, and DICOM formats?
Yes. AnnotateAI exports to 12 formats out of the box, including YOLO, COCO, Pascal VOC, JSON, JSONL, HuggingFace, LabelStudio, CSV, and DICOM-SEG for medical imaging — with no per-format conversion fees.
How fast is AnnotateAI compared to traditional annotation services?
AnnotateAI's AI engine returns annotations in about 2 seconds per item versus the 24–48 hour turnaround typical of agency services. For complex work, the human marketplace delivers in hours rather than days or weeks.
Is AnnotateAI suitable for medical image annotation?
Yes. AnnotateAI supports radiology imaging — X-Ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound — with DICOM support and structured draft reports. It is an AI-assisted annotation tool, not a certified medical device, and is not intended for diagnostic use.
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