10 Best Face Filter SDKs: Ultimate Comparison Guide. Part 1
Face filters are fun. Adding them to your app is a great way to increase user engagement. But here’s the thing. Along with engagement, AR SDK may slow down your app, increase its launch time and cause excessive battery drain or power consumption.
Not that your users wanted anything from this, right?
Besides, as a developer, you want your AR app run smoothly for a broad range of users — from iPhone X owners to those who are on $100 Androids. (There’s a bunch of them, you know.)
So how not to miss? How to choose a face filter SDK that is lightweight, speedy, and capable of providing high-quality AR experience?
That’s simple — we’ll tick the boxes. And this research of the best AR SDKs with face filters will help you with this.
Face filter SDK research
I explored 10 AR SDK providers (Banuba, BinaryFace, DeepAR, Luxand, Mood-me, Image Metrics, Visage Technologies, XZIMG, SenseTime and SeersLab) and compared them based on the most important criteria:
- Performance (if it works well)
- Quality of the effects (if it looks good)
- Functionality (if it’s good to use)
I checked providers’ websites and tech specs. Tested demos and live apps both on high-end devices such as Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone X. And low-end devices (iPhone 5S, Android Xiaomi Redmi 4) to see how face filter SDKs can meet the demand of broad audience usage.
And while high-end devices have shown approximately the same speed and quality, it’s the low-end devices that allowed to see the difference.
Before you jump directly to face filter SDKs comparison you may want to consider the company that provides the software. And make sure the SDK you gonna use in your AR app will come with future updates, improvements and support.
When the app is released, with millions of users gained, switching from one SDK to another is the developer’s worst nightmare. You may also pay attention to the team’s size, investments and company background.
List of augmented reality face filter SDKs
Here’s the overview of companies that can recognize and track your face in the camera and bring virtual objects to your mobile devices.
#1. Banuba
The provider of augmented reality SDK for mobile camera-based apps and real-time video processing. Computer vision technologies for a variety of augmented reality applications for e-commerce, advertising, games, education and face analytics. Focus on mobile optimization, performance and user engagement through 3D avatars, face filters, camera effects and beautification.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2016, Belarus
- $12M investment from VP Capital and Larnabel Ventures
- 100–150 employees
- 30 patent applications, 3 registered patents
Platforms: iOS, Android, Unity support, HTML5
#2. BinaryFace
Facial motion capture solutions for real-time face modification and transformation. Provide face detection, facial landmark tracking, and expression value tracking technologies for real-time 3D characters, AR filters, VR avatar experience. Operate in domains of smart speakers, robotics, and automobile infotainment.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2015, US
- 1 registered patent
- $5.6M funding from KT Investment, Kakao Ventures and more
- 1–10 employees
Platforms: iOS, Android
Website: binaryvr.com
#3. DeepAR
SDK provider for building 3D face masks, lenses + FX. Work with full-stack face recognition, face tracking, filter creation, and special FX solutions.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2015, UK
- 11–50 employees
Platforms: iOS, Android, HTML5
Website: deepar.ai
#4. Youmask
Developed by Luxand who mainly focuses on face recognition and biometric identification technologies as part of its Face/Mirror Reality SDK.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows
Website: youmask.org
#5. MoodMe
Provider of Face SDK with augmented reality face effects and analytics. Operate within the domains of e-commerce, cosmetics, sports fan engagement, apps and games. Among the clients are ATT, LG, Ifwe, Hi5, Glaxo, Cointreau, Tagged, AS ROMA, and more.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2012, Luxembourg
- 2–10 employees
- €620K of the total funding amount
Platforms: iOS, Android
Website: mood-me.com
#6. Image Metrics
Technologies based on face tracking, recognition and real-time animation of facial expressions. Deliver software to digital media, consumer electronics, interactive entertainment and other software companies that can be integrated into computers, tablets, smartphones, interactive television and other digital devices.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2000, US
- 11–50 employees
- Real-world technology application for L’oreal and Nissan
- 3 companies acquired
- $10.7M of the total funding amount
Platforms: iOS, Android
Website: image-metrics.com
#7. Visage Technologies
Computer vision software for face tracking, analysis and recognition, as well as computer vision for automotive applications. The primary product is a multi-platform software development kit visage|SDK that features face and head tracking, including state-of-the-art face detection, eye tracking, face recognition, gender, age and emotion estimation.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2002, Sweden
- 70 full-time employed engineers
- Technology is licensed by more than 200 clients in over 50 countries
Platforms: ioS, Android, Linux, Windows, Unity, RedHat
Website: visagetechnologies.com
#8. XZIMG
Provides face tracking, fiducial markers and images tracking technology for creating AR-based apps.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2014, Hong Kong
- 2–10 employees
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, Unity, HTML5
Website: xzimg.com
#9. SenseTime
An artificial intelligence company that focuses on computer vision and deep learning technologies. Provides SenseAR augmented reality platform with face filters for entertainment and live broadcasting solutions.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2014, China
- 501–1000 employees
Platforms: iOS, Android
Website: sensetime.com
#10. SeersLab
Mobile media service and technology company providing augmented reality experience with lollicam, a real-time video editing app.
Company facts:
- Founded in 2014, US
- 11–50 employees
Platforms: iOS, Android
Website: seerslab.com
Continue reading ‘Part 2’ to see what each company offers for mobile face filter experiences. You’ll find the explanation of each comparison criteria, why it’s important and summaries which AR SDK is the best.
Have I missed anyone? Share in the comments, and I’ll add them to the list.
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