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CompreFace

What it is

CompreFace is a free, open-source face recognition service delivered through a REST API. It handles recognition, verification, face and landmark detection, mask detection, head-pose detection, age recognition, and gender recognition. The project says setup does not require prior machine-learning knowledge. It is packaged as a Docker Compose configuration that can run as a standalone server, in the cloud, or in a hybrid deployment. Instructions cover Windows, macOS, and Linux with Docker and Docker Compose or Docker Desktop. CPU and GPU models are supported, with an x86 processor and AVX support among the requirements. A web panel and role-management system control access to services. The software uses libraries including FaceNet and InsightFace, and links JavaScript, Python, and .NET SDK repositories. Self-hosting is described as adding data-security guarantees. CompreFace is licensed under Apache 2.0 and offers GitHub issue reporting plus community chat support.

For and against

For

  • Free and open-source service
  • REST API covers multiple face tasks
  • CPU and GPU model support
  • Role management and access controls
  • JavaScript, Python, and .NET SDK links

Against

  • Requires Docker and Docker Compose
  • x86 processor with AVX is listed
  • Self-hosting requires deployment setup

The verdict

CompreFace combines broad face-analysis functions with Docker-based deployment and access controls. Its free Apache 2.0 model suits organizations comfortable running their own service.

Who it suits

It suits teams needing self-hosted face-recognition APIs across Windows, macOS, Linux, or cloud environments. Users without machine-learning expertise can follow the documented setup.

Plans and prices

Free

Free

face recognition · verification · detection · landmark, mask, age, gender and head-pose plugins

CompreFace

Free

free and open-source; Docker-based deployment; CPU and GPU support

Every plan, in full

On the record

Access management
The web interface includes roles and permissions for controlling access to face services.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Age recognition
An age-recognition plugin is listed among the available services.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
API documentation depth
The repository documentation includes endpoint descriptions for subjects, examples, recognition, verification, detection, embeddings and base64 requests.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Cloud and on-premises
Official feature documentation says the software can be deployed in the cloud or on premises.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Company headquarters and founding
LinkedIn lists Walnut Creek, California as headquarters and 1998 as the founding year.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
CPU and GPU
The project documents model variants that run on both CPU and GPU hardware.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Data-control positioning
The project presents self-hosting and on-premises deployment as ways to keep face data under the operator’s control.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Deployment
It is delivered as a Docker Compose configuration and can run as a standalone server or be deployed in the cloud.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
Deployment model
CompreFace is distributed as Docker Compose configuration and can run as a standalone server or in cloud environments.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Documentation scope
The documentation index also covers configuration, architecture and scalability, custom builds, migration, roles, plugins, Kubernetes and installation options.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Extensibility
The project invites contributors to add SDKs, plugins and integrations such as Home Assistant or DreamFactory.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Face detection
A face-detection service is included alongside recognition and verification.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Face recognition
The service can identify enrolled people from submitted images.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Face verification
The API supports comparing faces to verify whether they belong to the same person.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Gender recognition
A gender-recognition plugin is available.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
Hardware
CompreFace supports CPU and GPU models and lists an x86 processor with AVX support among its requirements.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
Independent deployment example
A 2026 technical article used CompreFace with Immich, Home Assistant, UniFi Protect and Double Take in a self-hosted doorbell workflow.whitematter.tech · read 15 Oct 2026
Integrations
The project invites contributors to add support for other platforms such as Home Assistant or DreamFactory; it does not describe these as built-in integrations on the page.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026

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