# Docling vs Dolphin (ByteDance)

Docling is free, with no paid plan attached. Dolphin (ByteDance) is free, with no paid plan attached.

| | Docling | Dolphin (ByteDance) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free to start | Yes | Yes |
| Category | Research & Learning | Research & Learning |
| Type | AI OCR & Document Extraction | AI OCR & Document Extraction |
| Best for | MIT-licensed, 64.7k GitHub stars, IBM Research-originated, now under LF AI & Data Foundation | Two-stage document-type and layout analysis then element parsing |

## FAQ

### Docling vs Dolphin (ByteDance): what is the difference?

Docling is free, with no paid plan attached and is listed for MIT-licensed, 64.7k GitHub stars, IBM Research-originated, now under LF AI & Data Foundation. Dolphin (ByteDance) is free, with no paid plan attached and is listed for two-stage document-type and layout analysis then element parsing. Both sit in AI OCR & Document Extraction.

### Is Docling or Dolphin (ByteDance) cheaper to start with?

Neither — Docling and Dolphin (ByteDance) are both free, so the choice comes down to capability rather than cost. Both entries list what they uniquely do above.

### Which should I choose, Docling or Dolphin (ByteDance)?

Choose Docling if you need MIT-licensed, 64.7k GitHub stars, IBM Research-originated, now under LF AI & Data Foundation; choose Dolphin (ByteDance) if you need two-stage document-type and layout analysis then element parsing. Flocci AI Tools does not rank one above the other — it shows both feature sets side by side and lets the requirement decide.

## Related

- [Docling](https://aitools.flocci.in/tool/docling)
- [Dolphin (ByteDance)](https://aitools.flocci.in/tool/dolphin-bytedance)
- [Docling alternatives](https://aitools.flocci.in/alternatives/docling)
- [Dolphin (ByteDance) alternatives](https://aitools.flocci.in/alternatives/dolphin-bytedance)
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Source: Flocci AI Tools — https://aitools.flocci.in/compare/docling-vs-dolphin-bytedance

Facts last verified: October 2026