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Lightly vs Scale AI: Which Data Labeling Is Better in 2026?

Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.

Lightly
Lightly
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Data Labeling

Scale AI
Scale AI
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Data Labeling

Jump to scorecard Ask SIA

The Short Answer

Lightly vs Scale AI, in 15 seconds

Choose Lightly if…

  • You want to trial before paying

Choose Scale AI if…

  • You want deeper AI and automation features

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Lightly and Scale AI score

It's evenly matched, each leads on 1 of 9 measured dimensions.

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    Lightly
    No reviews
    Scale
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Lightly
    0
    Scale
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Lightly
    Custom
    Scale
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Lightly
    Lightly
    Free trial
    Scale
    Paid only

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Lightly
    6
    Scale
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Lightly
    6
    Scale
    6

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Scale AI
    Lightly
    ,
    Scale
    3

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    Lightly
    3
    Scale
    3

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    Lightly
    4
    Scale
    4

Feature Comparison

Lightly vs Scale AI feature breakdown

Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.

Lightly
Scale AI
Overview
User rating
,
,
Pricing model
Subscription
Custom Quote
Starting price
Custom
Custom
Free version
Free trial
Features
Key capabilities
Active learningData selectionEmbedding-based curationSelf-supervised learningQuality assurance workflowsWorkforce management
Data Engine for model trainingData labeling & annotation at scaleAgentic AI for enterprise automationAI evaluation & benchmarkingGenAI platform deploymentPhysical AI for robotics
AI features
,
Agentic AI for enterprise automationAI evaluation & benchmarkingPhysical AI for robotics
Integrations & API
Integrations
AWS S3Google Cloud StorageAzure BlobHugging FacePythonREST APIs
AWS S3Google Cloud StorageAzure BlobPython SDKHugging FaceREST APIs
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
SOC 2ISO 27001GDPR
SOC 2ISO 27001GDPR
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
2019
2016
Headquarters
Zurich, Switzerland
San Francisco, California, USA

Pricing Comparison

Lightly vs Scale AI pricing

Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.

Lightly

Custom to start
ProCustom
  • Higher usage limits
  • Active learning
  • Data selection
  • Integrations
EnterpriseCustom
  • Everything in Pro
  • Embedding-based curation
  • Self-supervised learning
  • Dedicated support

Scale AI

Custom to start
EnterpriseCustom
  • Data Engine & annotation
  • Agentic AI & GenAI deployment
  • Model evaluation & benchmarking
  • Dedicated support

Total cost of ownership factors

Free planLightly Scale
Free trial to evaluateLightly Scale
Transparent published pricingLightly Scale
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)Lightly Scale

Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.

Pros & Cons

Lightly vs Scale AI: strengths and trade-offs

Lightly

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

Scale AI

Pros

  • Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
  • Stronger AI / automation features
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • No free trial
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

Buyer Fit

Who should use Lightly vs Scale AI?

Startups

Either

Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.

Small businesses

Either

Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.

Agencies

Either

Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.

Enterprises

Either

Either leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.

Ecommerce

Scale AI

Scale AI integrates with more of the commerce stack.

SaaS companies

Scale AI

Scale AI is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.

Integration overlap

Shared integrations (5)

AWS S3Google Cloud StorageAzure BlobHugging FaceREST APIs

Only in Lightly (1)

Python

Only in Scale AI (1)

Python SDK

Keep Exploring

Other alternatives worth considering

Similar data labeling products buyers compare alongside Lightly and Scale AI.

Encord

Encord

Custom
V7

V7

Custom
Roboflow

Roboflow

Free
Dataloop

Dataloop

Custom
Kili Technology

Kili Technology

Custom
Segments.ai

Segments.ai

Custom
More Lightly alternatives →More Scale AI alternatives →

Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Lightly and Scale AI against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.

Get a personalised recommendation

Lightly vs Scale AI, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Lightly and Scale AI?

Lightly and Scale AI are both Data Labeling solutions. Lightly is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Scale AI is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.

Which is better, Lightly or Scale AI?

Based on user ratings, Lightly scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.

Which is cheaper, Lightly or Scale AI?

Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.

Does Lightly or Scale AI have a free plan?

Neither Lightly nor Scale AI currently offers a free plan, but Lightly provides a free trial.

Can I switch from Lightly to Scale AI?

Switching between Lightly and Scale AI is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.

Who should use Lightly vs Scale AI?

Lightly is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Scale AI works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.

Our Verdict

The bottom line on Lightly vs Scale AI

Best Overall

Either

It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.

Best for Startups

Either

It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.

Best for Enterprise

Either

It's a tie leads on compliance and feature breadth.

Best Value

Either

It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.

Best AI Features

Scale AI

Scale AI ships more AI and automation.

Highest Rated

Either

Both earn equal user ratings.

Ready to decide between Lightly and Scale AI?

Visit Lightly Visit Scale AI Ask SIA
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