FaceVault vs Sumsub
Sumsub is a well-established cloud KYC platform with broad coverage. FaceVault takes a fundamentally different approach: self-hosted, open architecture, and privacy by design. Here's how they compare.
The short version
Choose FaceVault if
- ✓ You need biometric data to stay on your own infrastructure
- ✓ You run a crypto exchange and want a self-hosted KYC plugin (HollaEx supported)
- ✓ You want 15-signal document fraud detection with tilt challenge
- ✓ You want flat, predictable pricing without annual contracts
- ✓ You need BYOK encryption or Tor/.onion accessibility
- ✓ You want reusable identity credentials (verify once, prove forever)
Choose Sumsub if
- ✓ You need government database lookups and AML/PEP screening
- ✓ You need a full case management UI for compliance teams
- ✓ You need SOC 2 / ISO 27001 certifications from day one
- ✓ You prefer managed SaaS over self-hosting
Feature-by-feature
| Feature | FaceVault | Sumsub |
|---|---|---|
| Face matching | ArcFace ResNet100 (ONNX, INT8 quantized) | Proprietary cloud model |
| Liveness detection | Client-side head turn + 11-signal server fusion | Active liveness (instructions-based) |
| Anti-deepfake | 11 signals: rPPG, depth, GAN texture, noise print, blendshapes, eye specular | Proprietary deepfake detection |
| Document OCR | OnnxTR + RapidOCR PP-OCRv4 + PassportEye MRZ | Proprietary OCR |
| Document fraud | 15 signals: Moire FFT, ELA, EXIF, tilt challenge, screen capture, flash analysis | Proprietary document checks |
| Document capture | CamScanner-style auto-scan with edge detection and perspective correction | SDK-based guided capture |
| NFC passport chip | Built-in NFC reader with trust score boost | Available (add-on) |
| Proof of address | Built-in PoA with OCR name cross-check | Available as add-on |
| Trust scoring | 0-100 trust score with Accept/Review/Reject engine | Risk score (proprietary thresholds) |
| Reusable credentials | Verify once, prove forever (selective disclosure) | Not available |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM + BYOK client-managed keys | Encrypted at rest (platform-managed) |
| Deployment | Self-hosted (Docker, your infra) | Cloud-only (SaaS) |
| Data residency | Your servers, your jurisdiction | Sumsub data centers (EU/US) |
| Exchange plugins | HollaEx plugin, white-label ready | Pre-integrated in B2Broker, ChainUp, etc. |
| SDKs | Python + Node.js (v1.0.0) | 15+ SDKs and libraries |
| Tor / .onion support | Built-in hidden service | Not supported |
| Pricing model | Flat per-check ($0.35-$0.99) | Volume-tiered, opaque enterprise pricing |
| Minimum commitment | None (50 free/month) | Annual contract for most plans |
| Global coverage | Any document with MRZ or OCR text | 220+ countries, government DB checks |
| AML screening | Not included (bring your own) | Built-in PEP/sanctions screening |
| Compliance certs | GDPR-compliant by design (self-hosted) | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR certified |
The privacy argument
With Sumsub, every selfie, every ID document, and every biometric embedding passes through their cloud infrastructure. They store it, they process it, they control the retention. Your users' biometric data lives on someone else's servers.
With FaceVault, biometric data never leaves your infrastructure. The API runs in a Docker container on your VPS. Face embeddings are computed locally, stored in your database, and purged on your schedule. There is no third-party cloud to trust — because there is no third party.
Pricing transparency
Sumsub's pricing is opaque. Their website says "contact sales". Industry reports suggest $1-3 per verification at enterprise volume, with annual contracts and minimum commitments.
FaceVault
Free: 50 checks/month, $0
Starter: 500 checks + $0.99 overage
Pro: 5,000 checks + $0.69 overage
Enterprise: $0.20/check, custom volume
No annual contracts. No minimums. Cancel anytime.
Sumsub
Pricing: "Contact sales"
Typical range: $1-3/verification
Annual contracts typical
Minimum volume commitments
Pricing varies by region, volume, and features selected.
For crypto exchanges
Sumsub is pre-integrated into most white-label exchange platforms — B2Broker, ChainUp, AlphaPoint, Shift Markets. That's their distribution moat.
FaceVault is taking a different approach: open plugins for open platforms. Our HollaEx KYC plugin lets any HollaEx-powered exchange swap in FaceVault with a single install — self-hosted, no per-check cloud fees, biometric data stays on the operator's infrastructure.
Self-hosted
Data never leaves your infra
One-click install
Upload plugin JSON, configure API key
No cloud fees
Flat pricing, no per-check markup
Try FaceVault free
50 checks/month, no credit card, no sales calls.