LocalBG

LocalBG is a background-removal app for images, video and GIFs that processes files on your device. It is best suited to people who need private or offline processing, or want to automate repeatable work locally. Its free image plan is unusually capable, but batch processing and video work require Pro.

Overview

LocalBG runs processing on the user’s machine, and files can be processed without an internet connection. The maker says media is never transmitted and the app does not collect or transmit personal data from within the software. That combination makes it a credible option for sensitive media or disconnected work, though it is not the right fit for someone who wants a browser-first service.

The command-line interface supports local automation, and can be wrapped in a self-hosted HTTP API using frameworks such as Express or FastAPI. The maker documents headless Linux AppImage use in cron jobs, Docker and CI pipelines. A practical installation caveat: the download page says the software is not code signed yet, so operating systems may flag its installer. Internet access is needed for license activation or renewal and optional update checks.

Key features

LocalBG imports JPG, JPEG, PNG, WEBP and GIF, and exports images as PNG or WEBP. Beyond background removal, listed tools include custom backgrounds, sticker export, watermarks, alpha-mask export, auto-centering, shadows, reflections, AI enhancement, resizing, compression and layered PSD export. That breadth suits creators who need to prepare cutouts for different uses, although the free plan excludes resizing and compression.

Pro adds removal for MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM and MKV, with export to ProRes 4444 with an alpha channel or green-screen MP4. Those options make it more relevant to video workflows than a still-image-only remover. The maker also lists GPU acceleration for Windows, naming NVIDIA, AMD and Intel support.

For automation, LocalBG’s CLI is more useful than a standalone desktop workflow: it can be used directly or placed behind a self-hosted HTTP API. Linux server users have documented paths for scheduled and pipeline processing, but those capabilities will matter less to people who only need occasional manual edits.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and processes unlimited images at full resolution, one at a time, without an account or watermark. It supports JPG, JPEG, PNG and WEBP. For occasional single-image work, that is a substantial no-cost allowance; the trade-off is no bulk processing, resizing or compression, and no video or GIF removal.

Pro costs €8 a month, with prices excluding VAT and monthly billing starting after a 3-day free trial. It adds bulk processing, video and GIF removal, AI model import (ONNX), AI Enhance, Edge Despill, resizing, compression, PSD export and use on up to three devices. The monthly term avoids a long commitment, but the three-device limit may constrain a larger team. The maker also offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Choose Free if one-at-a-time image processing covers the job. Pro is the practical choice for recurring batches, video, or the added editing and export tools; its value depends on needing those features rather than simply wanting more single-image capacity.

Platforms

LocalBG is available for Linux, macOS and Windows, and supports API and self-hosted workflows. The maker specifically documents headless Linux use. The Pro license can be activated on up to three devices. Windows users with a supported NVIDIA, AMD or Intel GPU may use the listed GPU acceleration.

Who it's for

LocalBG is a strong fit for individuals and small workflows that prioritize local processing, offline access or automation. The unlimited free single-image tier works for occasional cutouts, while Pro targets users processing batches or working with video and GIFs. It is less suitable for teams needing more than three licensed devices or anyone who prefers a browser-based tool.

Pros and cons

Pro: Unlimited full-resolution image processing at no cost makes the free plan useful beyond a short evaluation.

Pro: Local and offline processing, plus the maker’s privacy claims, suit sensitive files and disconnected work.

Pro: CLI and documented Linux headless workflows support cron, Docker and CI automation.

Con: Free users must process images one at a time and give up resizing and compression; batch work requires Pro.

Con: Video removal and the expanded output options are paid features, so the free tier is not a video workflow.

Con: The installer is not code signed yet, and operating systems may flag it.

Con: One Pro license covers at most three devices, limiting its fit for larger teams.

Alternatives

BackgroundRemover is worth considering if open-source software that can be installed locally for free with pip or from source is the priority. unbagrnd may suit users looking for a free, MIT-licensed option with no paid tiers or usage limits stated.

Don's Tools Background Remover is a browser-running option with a free batch allowance of up to 150 images and support for JPG, PNG and WebP. For credit-based services, Cutout.Pro offers a freemium plan and a subscription at $5 a month for 80 credits; Slazzer has a free plan for personal use and evaluation with 2 free credits, while its 100-credit monthly subscription has no price listed. Pick either when a credit-based service better matches the workflow.

Pixelcut offers mobile and web access, with a free plan for limited background removal and upscale plus watermark-free export; it may suit users who want those platforms. PhotoScissors is another freemium alternative, with a 10-image monthly plan at 4.99 USD and a 50-image plan at 9.99 USD. Zawa AI Background Remover (formerly X-Design) offers a free tier with 60 daily credits and up to 20 image generations daily, but background removal is limited.

See the broader AI Background Removers directory for more options.

Verdict

Choose LocalBG if local privacy, offline processing or automation matters, and its one-at-a-time free image plan may be enough for light use. Pro is justified when batch work, video or its additional editing and export tools are part of the job. Look elsewhere if you need a signed installer, more than three licensed devices, or a browser-based workflow.