IMG.LY vs Banuba Alternative

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY’s solution engineers did a deep dive on our business case and helped us implement a custom print kiosk UI.

André Albrecht

Digital Solution Manager

Brother

Our customers create over a million personalized postcards each year choosing from over hundreds of templates with IMG.LY’s SDK. It’s the only solution that allows us to build our own specialized, on-brand UI that integrates seamlessly with our platform.

Jeanine Zaalberg

Product Manager

Swiss Post

Our app has photo-editing at the very core of its experience and the editor has been invaluable in making that vision happen. There are no other tools on the market up to the quality of PE.SDK.

Toby Green

Lead Developer

Elbi

IMG.LY vs. Banuba at a Glance

Primary Use Case

Comprehensive creative editing platform for photo, video, and design with focus on template-based workflows, creative automation, and cross-platform deployment. Enables social media content tools, web-to-print solutions with CMYK support, and digital asset management. All-in-one solution for enterprises requiring production-ready editing with headless automation.

Mobile-first short-form video editing for social media and UGC platforms. Optimized for TikTok-style video creation with built-in AR effects, face tracking, and viral video features. Target use cases include social platforms, video marketing apps, e-commerce showcases, and educational microlearning.

IMG.LY offers comprehensive creative workflows across multiple mediums. Banuba focuses on mobile social video editing with AR-enhanced features.

Target Audience

Enterprise development teams, product builders, and businesses requiring fully white-labeled, production-ready editing solutions.

Mobile app developers building social media platforms, content creation apps, and viral video applications.

Enterprise-grade professional applications vs. consumer-facing mobile social apps and UGC platforms.

Technical Approach

Custom cross-platform C++ rendering engine ensures consistent output across all platforms. Architecture separates core engine from UI layer, allowing integrated editor interfaces and fully headless operation. Operates client-side in browsers with optional server-side rendering via Node.js.

Native platform-specific rendering engines (Swift/Objective-C for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android) wrapped for cross-platform frameworks. Native layer handles video processing, effects, and AR at high speed with bridges to React Native and Flutter. All processing occurs on-device with algorithms working offline.

IMG.LY provides cross-platform engine for consistent rendering everywhere, Banuba has native-first approach prioritizing mobile performance and device-specific optimization.

Advanced Video Editing

Comprehensive multi-track editing for video, images, audio, and overlays with frame-accurate timeline control. Enables editing and saving MP4 files in browsers using modern web codecs. Advanced capabilities include complex media compositions, video templating with adaptive layouts, and programmatic editing via headless APIs. Supports scene-based workflows, multiple export formats across web, iOS, Android, and server-side environments.

Essential video editing including trimming, merging, splitting, and multi-track timeline editing with real-time trimming. Includes picture-in-picture (Duet mode), AI-powered clipping, video transitions, and timeline-based composition.

IMG.LY offers more comprehensive editing with cross-platform deployment and automation. Banuba focuses on mobile-optimized social features and AI-enhanced quick edits.

Social Media Features

Includes features tailored for social content creation: animated text captions with customizable styles and timing, video speed controls (slow motion and time-lapse), dual camera/picture-in-picture support, transitions and effects, stickers and overlays, audio mixing, and aspect ratio presets for different platforms. Combines social media editing capabilities with broader creative tools in a single SDK.

Focus on social media video creation with AR effects, face filters and masks, beauty filters, background replacement, AI captions, color grading (LUTs), music integration, text overlays, GIF support, and AI-powered auto-clipping. Designed specifically for TikTok-style short-form content with effects optimized for viral video creation and user engagement.

Both offer comprehensive social media features; IMG.LY combines them with broader creative capabilities while Banuba specializes exclusively in mobile social video with AR emphasis.

Advanced Design Editing

Excels in advanced design editing with vector graphics, text manipulation, layout systems, and print-ready output including CMYK and Pantone. Enables customizable collage editors with unlimited layout templates, cutout shapes for web-to-print, and advanced typography. Includes smart layouts, role-based templates, pixel-perfect print designs, and flexible canvas management. Export options include PNG, JPEG, TGA, binary, and PDF.

Limited design editing focused on video content enhancement. Available features include text overlays with customizable fonts, GIF integration, sticker placement, and basic graphic overlays. Does not provide comprehensive static design editing, vector graphics manipulation, or print-focused features.

IMG.LY offers full-featured design editor supporting print and web design workflows. Banuba’s design features are limited to video content enhancement only.

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Comprehensive template-based workflows with adaptive layouts that automatically adjust to content variations. Templates support variable placeholders for text, images, and media populated programmatically or by end users. Enables easily customizable templates with role-based permissions. Dynamic editing enhanced through smart layouts, automated content fitting, and unlimited template variations. Templates work consistently across all platforms in UI mode or via headless APIs.

AI-driven video templates enable users to create videos using predefined sets of effects, transitions, and music. Templates help new or time-constrained users make content in minutes. However, template customization is limited with fixed template structures and limited flexibility to modify underlying layouts. Emphasizes ease of use over flexibility.

IMG.LY provides fully customizable templates with programmatic control and adaptive layouts, Banuba offers simpler AI-driven templates optimized for speed with limited customization.

Creative Automation

Industry-leading creative automation with full headless mode support for programmatic editing without UI. Engine runs in Node.js for server-side automation, enabling mass personalization and automated content generation from any data source. Automation workflows support video generation, design scaling, and batch processing. Integrates with marketing automation platforms, asset libraries, and data sources.

Full headless mode for programmatic video editing is not available. Automation constrained to specific AI features rather than general-purpose template-based content generation. No server-side rendering or mass personalization workflows. Creative automation limited primarily to AI-powered features rather than comprehensive programmatic control. AI clipping automatically creates compilations from multiple clips. AI captions (AWS Transcribe) automate subtitle generation.

IMG.LY leads with comprehensive headless automation for enterprise workflows. Banuba’s automation capabilties are limited to specific AI features without full programmatic control.

AI Capabilities

Integrates AI features for image, video, text, and voice generation. AI capabilities include AI-assisted design editing, smart layouts that automatically adapt to content, and AI-powered creative suggestions. Supports integration with third-party AI services and generative AI workflows. Architecture allows extending AI capabilities through custom integrations and plugins.

AI capabilities optimized for mobile video editing: AI Captions (AWS Transcribe) for automatic subtitle generation, AI Clipping that intelligently compiles highlights, and AI-powered background subtraction for background swap. Includes AR-based features with face tracking, hand tracking, gesture recognition, and Face AR masks. AI features focus on automating tedious tasks and enhancing videos with AR effects. Integrated directly into SDK and work offline on-device.

Design assistance and content generation vs. AR effects and automated video enhancements for social content.

Asset Management

Comprehensive asset management with built-in libraries of stickers, icons, overlays, and fonts, plus integration with third-party providers like Getty Images, Unsplash, and Airtable. Users can tailor the library to app-specific needs by adding custom asset sources. Uniquely designed to handle both video and static designs, suitable for DAM integration. All assets and data remain under user control with fully on-premise browser operation.

Supports various asset types including color filters (LUT), Face AR masks, video effects, transition effects, GIFs, text overlays, stickers, custom backgrounds, and audio tracks. Users can add soundtracks from phone storage to clips. Developers can add or remove effects or change their appearance order in the UI. Asset management focused on mobile video content rather than centralized DAM workflows.

IMG.LY offers enterprise-grade DAM integration with third-party providers and custom sources, Banuba provides mobile-focused asset libraries for video enhancement.

User Interface

Provides a complete, production-ready video editing interface with timeline-based editing, adjustment tools, filters, effects, blur functionality, and audio track integration. Interface includes intuitive controls for adding videos, photos, stickers, text, and shapes to canvas. Highly customizable component-based architecture allows developers to reposition elements, change icons, adjust complexity, and theme the entire interface. Extensive theming with built-in dark/light modes and CSS customization. Developers can also build entirely custom UIs using headless API while leveraging core editing functionality.

Mobile-optimized UI designed for TikTok-like content creation with intuitive, easy-to-use interface. Multiple redesigns for cleaner experiences while maintaining customization for colors, styles, icons, and text. UI customization includes branding adaptation, custom icon replacement, text modifications, and localization. Overall UI structure and editing flow are fixed. Video Editor API variant offers more UI flexibility but fewer out-of-the-box UI elements.

IMG.LY provides complete production-ready
interface with timeline editing and
full customization, Banuba offers polished
mobile-optimized UI with fixed flow
and theming options.

White-labeling

Complete white-labeling capabilities allowing fully branded editing experiences with no IMG.LY branding visible. Supports custom theming, complete UI reorganization, custom icons and text, internationalization, and fully custom UI implementations via headless mode. Enterprises can match the editor precisely to brand guidelines with customized color libraries.

White-labeling capabilities focused on visual customization including icons, colors, text, and localization. SDK can be adapted to match app branding and design requirements through theming options. White-labeling is more limited as the core UI structure and editing workflow remain fixed.

IMG.LY ensures comprehensive white-labeling with structural UI customization. Banuba employs visual branding customization within a fixed UI framework.

Component Architecture

Modular component-based architecture separating Engine (core rendering and logic) from Editor (UI layer). Components include Canvas, Dock, Canvas Menu, Inspector Bar, Navigation Bar, and Canvas Bar, each configurable via dedicated Order APIs. Supports custom component registration using builder components. Architecture allows using the engine headlessly or with integrated UI, and supports extending functionality through a plugin system.

Native-core architecture with platform-specific implementations wrapped for cross-platform frameworks. Architecture separates video processing/rendering (native layer) from framework bridges (React Native/Flutter). Components are less granularly modular, with the SDK providing integrated feature sets rather than pick-and-choose components. Video Editor API variant offers more modular access but with fewer pre-built UI components.

IMG.LY supports highly modular component architecture with granular customization; Banuba offers integrated feature sets with native-performance architecture.

Cross-Platform Support

Comprehensive cross-platform support spanning Web (JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue.js, Svelte, Next.js), Mobile (Android, iOS, React Native, Flutter), Desktop (Electron, MacCatalyst, macOS), and Server (Node.js). Custom C++ rendering engine ensures consistent output quality across all platforms. Architecture enables "design once, deploy anywhere" workflows.

Supports iOS 15.0+ and Android 6.0+ natively with cross-platform framework support for React Native, Flutter, and NativeScript. Web and desktop platforms are not supported, exclusively focused on mobile and mobile-derived frameworks. Native-first approach ensures optimal mobile performance but limits deployment to mobile-only contexts.

IMG.LY supports web, mobile, desktop, and server environments; Banuba works exclusively on mobile (iOS/Android) with no web or desktop support.

Complete Customizability

Fully customizable with ability to customize UI, theming, toolbar elements, asset libraries, editing workflows, and build entirely custom UIs via headless APIs. Customization extends to internationalization, role-based permissions, export configurations, color spaces (CMYK, Pantone), and component ordering. Can be flexibly adjusted to fit any use case with granular control. Plugin system allows extending core functionality. Configuration is code-based allowing developers full programmatic control.

Offers customization of icons, colors, text, styles, localization, and selective feature inclusion (add/remove effects, change UI ordering). Developers can use custom icons, change fonts for captions, and adapt the UI to match branding. Customization is limited to theming with a fixed UI. Core editing workflows and UI structure cannot be fundamentally restructured.

IMG.LY offers architectural-level customization with unlimited flexibility; Banuba provides visual/theming customization within fixed structural constraints.

Extensibility

Comprehensive plugin system enabling developers to add custom functionality beyond built-in features. Fully extensible via a plugin system for additional features allowing third-party extensions and custom capabilities. Headless engine API enables building entirely custom editing experiences and integrating with external systems. Developers can register custom components, integrate third-party AI services, connect to custom asset sources, and extend export capabilities.

No support for third-party extensions or plugin systems. Extensibility is limited to the features and APIs provided directly by the SDK. Developers cannot add custom plugins or extend core functionality beyond configuration of existing features. Video Editor API provides more low-level access to customize SDK features and core modules compared to the standard SDK, but this represents deeper configuration rather than true extensibility.

IMG.LY supports plugin system for unlimited extensibility Banuba has no plugin support or third-party extension capabilities.

Ease of Integration

Offers free trials (30-day) with comprehensive documentation including in-depth guides, tutorials, sample code, and API references for all supported platforms. Documentation organized by platform with quickstart guides and pre-built solutions for common use cases. Demo repositories available for React, React Native, Cordova, Flutter, Ionic, Ruby, Rails, Angular, and Vue.js.

Emphasizes quick integration. Offers a 14-day free trial with integration samples on GitHub for iOS, Android, React Native, and Flutter. Documentation includes installation guides, configuration instructions, and platform-specific integration examples.

IMG.LY offers comprehensive documentation for deeper integration across more platforms. Banuba provides integration focused mobile SDKs.

Flexible Rendering Approach

Custom cross-platform C++ rendering engine supports both client-side and server-side rendering. Client-side mode operates in web browsers, iOS, Android, and desktop apps with all processing on user devices. Server-side mode runs CreativeEngine in Node.js environments for headless automation, batch processing, and programmatic content generation without UI. Unified engine ensures consistent output quality whether rendering happens client-side or server-side.

Native platform-specific rendering engines (Swift/Objective-C for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android) handle video processing, effects, and rendering at high speed directly on devices. All rendering occurs on-device with algorithms working offline with no content sent to servers. Close-to-native performance maintained even when used through React Native or Flutter bridges.

IMG.LY supports both client-side and server-side rendering with unified engine; Banuba works exclusively on-device rendering optimized for mobile performance.

Mobile Performance

Delivers mobile performance across native iOS, native Android, React Native, and Flutter implementations using the same C++ rendering engine used on web. Optimized for modern mobile devices with responsive editing and smooth preview across all mobile platforms. Video editing relies on modern codecs and device capabilities.

Advertised to work smoothly on both low-end and high-end devices without lag. High speed and low battery drain apply across native versions and cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter maintain close-to-native performance).

IMG.LY provides consistent cross-platform performance across native iOS, Android, React Native, and Flutter; Banuba offers device-specific optimization with native engines.

Production Readiness

Production-ready, having matured in demanding environments, currently powering 500M+ creative productions monthly. Targets teams demanding fully white-labeled, production-ready editing solutions for enterprise deployment. Regular feature updates maintain production stability and compatibility. Deployed in high-volume commercial applications across web-to-print, martech, DAM, and content creation platforms.

Positions itself as production-ready with the SDK deployed in commercial social media apps, content creation platforms, e-commerce applications, and marketing tools. Receives frequent updates with version releases improving UI, performance, and features. Apps using the SDK are available on app stores, indicating production deployment. Specific deployment scale metrics (e.g., number of apps or monthly usage) are not publicly disclosed.

IMG.LY supports enterprise-scale deployments (500M+ monthly productions), Banuba ha mobile app production releases without disclosed scale metrics.

Scalability

Server-side rendering via Node.js supports automation workflows at scale for mass personalization and batch processing. Architecture handles high-volume creative production (500M+ monthly) without performance degradation. Creative automation capabilities enable generating thousands of content variations from templates.

On-device processing model scales horizontally as user base grows since rendering occurs on user devices rather than centralized servers. No user data transmission eliminates backend scaling concerns for video processing. Scalability is primarily about supporting growing user bases rather than enterprise-level content automation or multi-tenant SaaS deployments.

IMG.LY scales for enterprise automation and mass content generation; Banuba scales horizontally for growing mobile app user bases through on-device processing.

Storage & Data Ownership

Operates with full user data ownership. Editor works client-side so all assets, images, and data remain under user control. Fully on-premise running in the browser with no required data transmission to servers. Permanent internet connection is not necessary after SDK load, enabling offline editing and exporting. Server solutions run on user-controlled infrastructure (Node.js deployments).

SDK is built into apps and runs on user devices with algorithms working offline. Video processing occurs on-device with no user content or data sent to servers. Users retain complete ownership of edited videos stored on their devices. Asset storage (filters, effects, music) is included in the SDK build deployed within the app. On-device architecture ensures compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR.

Neither transmits user content to vendor servers. IMG.LY offers client-side/on-premise operation, Banuba provides entirely on-device processing.

Offline Capabilities

Provides full offline editing and exporting capabilities after initial SDK load, permanent internet connection is not necessary for the editor to run properly. Editor works client-side without server dependencies for core editing operations. Asset libraries may require connectivity if using third-party integrations (Getty, Unsplash) but custom local asset libraries work offline.

Offers complete offline functionality with all algorithms working offline and video processing occurring entirely on the user's device. No internet connectivity required for video editing, effect application, AR features, or export operations. SDK is built into the app with all assets (filters, effects, AR masks) included in the app package.

Both support editing, processing, and export work without internet connectivity.

Clear Pricing Model

Enterprise licensing determined by usage, magnitude, platforms, and capability requirements. Free evaluation accessible for assessment.

Available via license-based pricing models priced per month per platform, with costs depending on features selected, custom development requirements, and payment period. Video Editor SDK and Face AR SDK are priced separately.

IMG.LY delivers enterprise licensing with exhaustive capabilities. Banuba offers separately prices SDKs.

Community & Enterprise Support

Provides comprehensive documentation with in-depth guides, tutorials, sample code, and API references for all platforms; dedicated enterprise support with SLA-backed response times.

Offers a dedicated Community Portal, documentation, sample code, and technical support. Blog publishes guides and use case examples.

IMG.LY provides comprehensive documentation and direct support channels based on license tier, Banuba offers public community forums for developer interaction.

Video Automation

Supports headless mode for programmatic editing and automated video generation.

Not supported – all editing is manual.

Video Templating (Web Editor)

Fully supports video templates with adaptive layouts and dynamic content insertion.

No dynamic template support – layouts are static.

Multi-Track Editing

Supports multi-track editing for video, images, audio, and overlays.

Single-layer editing only.

Framework Support

Supports Web, iOS, Android, and Server-Side automation.

Supports iOS & Android (native apps only).

Deep Customizability

Fully white-label, customizable UI, configurable editing workflows.

Limited to theming – fixed UI and editing flow.

Headless Mode & Automation

Fully extendable via a plugin system to add unique features.

No headless mode—manual rendering only.

Plugin System

Fully extensible via a plugin system for additional features.

No support for third-party extensions.

Composition (Media Collages, Image-Video Mix)

Supports advanced media compositions, video collages, image-in-video, etc.

Limited – lacks advanced composition features.

Web2Print Designer

Elevate your Web2Print application with best-in-class Design Editor.

Learn More Open Showcase

Creative Automation

Automate & scale content creation with ease.

Learn More Open Showcase

Variable Data Printing

Enable mass-personalization in your design & print workflows.

Learn More Open Showcase

Photo Prints

Provide seamless design experience and inspire users with easily personalized templates.

Learn More Open Showcase

Print Personalization

Streamline personalization for your print products.

Learn More Open Showcase

Apparel Designer

Whether t-shirts, hoodies or caps, build for any use case, deploy on any platform.

Learn More Open Showcase

FAQs

What is the best Banuba alternative?

A strong alternative to Banuba is IMG.LY, which offers an extensive suite of tools for in-browser video and image editing. IMG.LY focuses on providing customizable video editing and design tools, including real-time video editing, layering, animation, and media compositing. IMG.LY also offers AI-powered features like background removal and automated content generation, making it a versatile solution for industries ranging from social media to e-commerce.

What are the key differences between Banuba and IMG.LY?

IMG.LY provides a versatile SDK for creative design and media editing across images and videos while Banuba specializes in AR-powered effects, face filters, and video editing. Banuba focuses more on AI-driven augmented reality, whereas IMG.LY is built for white-label customization of design and editing experiences.

How customizable is IMG.LY compared to Banuba?

IMG.LY offers deep customization with a fully white-label solution, customizable UI, and configurable editing workflows. In contrast, Banuba provides limited customization, primarily focused on theming with a fixed UI and editing flow.

Which solution is better for enterprises looking for a white-label editor?

IMG.LY is the better choice for enterprises seeking a white-label editor because it allows full branding and UI customization, whereas Banuba offers limited customization options.

Does IMG.LY offer better performance for complex graphics than Banuba?

Yes, IMG.LY is optimized for handling complex design elements, providing advanced media compositions, video collages, and image-in-video capabilities, while Banuba lacks these advanced composition features.

Which tool is easier to use for non-developers?

IMG.LY is more user-friendly as it comes with an intuitive UI and extensive customization options, making it accessible to non-developers. Banuba, being more focused on AR functionalities, may require more technical expertise to implement and use effectively.

Does Banuba or IMG.LY offer better AI-powered editing features?

Banuba focuses on AR-based effects, such as AR filters, and virtual backgrounds. IMG.LY, on the other hand, offers features such as AI-assisted design editing, smart layouts, and automation tools for image and video content.

How do Banuba’s and IMG.LY’s pricing models compare?

Banuba’s pricing is typically based on per-app licensing and usage-based tiers for its AR SDK. IMG.LY follows a flexible licensing model, allowing developers to integrate a white-label creative editor into their platforms. Pricing varies based on usage, features, and customization needs.

Which tool is better for video editing and processing?

IMG.LY is stronger in providing a fully customizable video editor that allows users to trim, cut, and add overlays, making it ideal for content creation platforms. Banuba is better for AI-powered video effects like face tracking and AR overlays.

Which platform offers better support for mobile app development?

Banuba provides native SDKs for mobile apps, especially for AR applications. IMG.LY also supports mobile platforms but is more focused on web-based and cross-platform creative tools.

IMG.LY vs. Banuba

What makes IMG.LY the best Banuba alternative?

Video Automation & Headless Mode

Extensibility & Plugin System

Deeply Customizable

Advanced Video Composition

What Our Clients Say About Us

IMG.LY vs. Banuba at a Glance

Features

IMG.LY

Banuba

Notes

Primary Use Case

Target Audience

Technical Approach

Advanced Video Editing

Social Media Features

Advanced Design Editing

Templating & Dynamic Editing

Creative Automation

AI Capabilities

Asset Management

User Interface

White-labeling

Component Architecture

Cross-Platform Support

Complete Customizability

Extensibility

Ease of Integration

Flexible Rendering Approach

Mobile Performance

Production Readiness

Scalability

Storage & Data Ownership

Offline Capabilities

Clear Pricing Model

Community & Enterprise Support

IMG.LY

Banuba

Video Automation

Video Templating (Web Editor)

Multi-Track Editing

Framework Support

Deep Customizability

Headless Mode & Automation

Plugin System

Composition (Media Collages, Image-Video Mix)

Everything you need

Key Capabilities

Editing

Adjustments

Effect & Blur

Element Snapping

Blend Modes & Grouping

Undo & Redo

Printing

Cutout Lines

CMYK/ Spot color support

Templating

Design Templates

Text Variables

Placeholders & Lockable Designs

Configurable Presets

Customizability

Build Custom UIs

Theming

Media Libraries

Toolbar Customization

Internationalization

Export Options

Check Out Other Use Cases

Web2Print Designer

Creative Automation

Variable Data Printing

Photo Prints

Print Personalization

Apparel Designer

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