Knockout API vs Transparent Background

Knockout API provides image and video processing through a browser app and API. Its image tools cover background removal and replacement, batch processing, masking, smart crop, stickers, outlines, shadows, and inpainting; the API also handles upscaling, portrait restoration, colorization, and object removal. Video background removal runs asynchronously, with job polling for progress. The browser Canvas supports layered designs with text and effects, and users can save canvases and cutouts to a free account. Developers can connect through REST, any HTTP client, or official Node, React, Python, and CLI options. The service says it manages GPU processing, endpoint updates, usage records, credentials, teams, and billing. Its privacy policy says uploaded images are processed in GPU worker memory, not retained after the response, and not used to train models. The Free plan is free, with 30 images per month and 60 requests per minute. Pay-as-you-go is $0.02 a month, with metered usage billed monthly; Plus is $10 a month. Paid tiers have no monthly cap and a 600-request-per-minute limit.

Transparent Background is a free Python package that removes backgrounds from images and video using InSPyReNet. It accepts individual files, folders of images or videos, and webcam addresses through its command-line interface; it also offers a Python API and optional GUI. Outputs include transparent RGBA images, saliency maps, green or white backgrounds, blurred or overlaid backgrounds, and composites with another image. The available model modes are base, fast, and base-nightly, with support for custom checkpoints. Static resizing is the default and favors stability over detail; dynamic resizing may sharpen edges but can be unstable. The package supports batch processing and PNG, JPG/JPEG, and MP4 inputs. RGBA output is not supported for video or webcam input. Webcam support is optional, described as unstable, and limited to Linux. Installations are available from PyPI, GitHub, or a local clone, with CPU-only and GPU setup instructions. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted systems. The listed plan is free.