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✦ Free & open sourceData Science

AutoKeras

Automates deep learning model search and hyperparameter tuning using a Keras-based interface.

Automated deep learning model search for Keras

Find optimal neural network architectures and hyperparameters with high-level Python APIs.

Free forever · open source · Apache-2.0
✓ Light setup✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
7.5
ZEKAI
Top choice for Keras AutoML.
Free & open source · Data Science
Ease of setup8
Usefulness8
Maintenance5.5
Community8.5
★ 9,329
GITHUB
Nov 2025
UPDATED
Apache-2.0
LICENSE
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⚡ Quick answer

AutoKeras is an automated machine learning library built on Keras and TensorFlow. It automates neural architecture search and hyperparameter tuning for tasks like image classification. You should use it if you want to find performant deep learning architectures without manual trial and error.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Cloud or self-host
Languages
Python
License
Apache-2.0

What it is

The library provides high-level estimators like ImageClassifier that run automated neural architecture searches under the hood. It searches across network topologies and hyperparameter configurations to select a model for your dataset. The resulting models run natively on TensorFlow and Keras execution environments.

Who it's for

It suits data scientists and machine learning engineers who want to automate deep learning model selection in Python. It is less suitable for practitioners who need highly custom neural network architectures or fine-grained control over every layer during training.

Key features

Automated Neural Search

Searches for optimal deep learning model architectures for your specific dataset.

High-Level Task Estimators

Provides simple abstractions like ImageClassifier to train models in few lines of code.

TensorFlow Integration

Builds directly on top of Keras and TensorFlow for native ecosystem compatibility.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Install the library along with TensorFlow using pip install autokeras.
2
Initialize a task-specific estimator like ak.ImageClassifier() in your Python script.
3
Pass your training dataset into the fit method to start the automated search process.
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Simplifies neural architecture search into a scikit-learn style fit and predict API.
  • Maintained as part of the official Keras ecosystem with strong academic foundation.
  • Eliminates manual tuning of neural network layers and hyperparameter configurations.
  • Outputs standard Keras models that you can export and deploy into production.

Where it falls short

  • Neural architecture search consumes substantial compute time and hardware resources during training.
  • Strict dependencies on specific TensorFlow and Python version ranges can cause environment conflicts.
  • Provides less fine-grained control compared to manually defining custom PyTorch or Keras layers.
Cost

Pricing & license

AutoKeras is completely free under the Apache-2.0 license. The primary cost involved is the computational resource power and GPU hosting required to run automated architecture searches.

Paid work

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Questions

FAQ

Do I need a GPU to run AutoKeras?

While you can run AutoKeras on a CPU, automated neural architecture search is compute-intensive and practically requires a GPU for reasonable training times.

What dependencies are required?

AutoKeras requires Python 3.7 or higher and TensorFlow 2.8.0 or higher.

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