Photo
The best open source background removal tool currently known is withoutbg, an open-source application that works locally on your device without uploading images to the cloud, ensuring privacy.
It offers a Python package and an API and is available under the MIT license.
This tool focuses on background removal for images, providing effective AI-powered extraction with the advantage of running totally offline for enhanced security.[1]
Other notable open-source tools or models often mentioned include Python libraries such as rembg and AI models hosted on platforms like Hugging Face, but withoutbg stands out for local operation and ease of use.
If you want a powerful, privacy-respecting background remover that is free, open source, and runs locally, withoutbg is a leading choice as of 2025.
For simple needs or GUI apps, tools like GIMP with plugins can also do background removal but may be less automated.
If you’re open to using online tools with open-source backends, platforms like remove.bg offer APIs but are not open source themselves.
In summary:
| Tool | Type | Key Feature | License | Runs Locally? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| withoutbg | CLI, API, lib | Open source, local operation | MIT License | Yes |
| rembg | Python lib | AI model-based background removal | Open Source | Yes |
| GIMP with plugin | GUI | Manual and semi-automated removal | GPL | Yes |
| remove.bg | SaaS/Online | High accuracy, easy to use | Proprietary | No |
Withoutbg is the best if you want open-source, local, privacy-focused background removal.
https://github.com/danielgatis/rembg
MIT | Rembg is a tool to remove images background
flatpak install flathub org.kde.digikamPhotoQT
dupeGuru
sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt install dupeguru-seHow to check for duplicate images - dupeGuru
sudo apt install dupeguru- Upscayl
For background removal, try…