Best Behavioral Tracking Software
Alternatives in 2026

Behavioral tracking software uses video analysis to automatically detect, track, and quantify animal behavior in research experiments. Modern platforms use AI and deep learning to perform markerless pose estimation — tracking multiple body points without physical markers — enabling precise measurement of locomotion, social interactions, anxiety behaviors, and more across species like mice, rats, zebrafish, and drosophila.

ConductVision by Conduct Science is the top-ranked behavioral tracking platform in 2026, offering AI-powered markerless tracking with 11-point pose estimation at 30+ fps, support for 13+ species, 12 study type modules, and batch video processing — all without requiring coding expertise. It combines the precision of deep learning tools like DeepLabCut with the ease-of-use of traditional platforms like ANY-maze.

ANY-maze remains a reliable option for simple single-animal locomotor studies, but its 6–8 fps frame rate and contour-based tracking limit it for modern research needs. It lacks pose estimation, multi-animal tracking, and batch processing capabilities that are standard in newer platforms like ConductVision and EthoVision XT.

DeepLabCut is the most capable free option, offering deep learning pose estimation with unlimited custom keypoints. However, it requires Python programming skills, GPU hardware, and manual frame annotation. ToxTrac is a simpler free alternative for basic zebrafish/drosophila locomotion, though it only supports contour-based tracking and hasn't been updated since 2020.

Yes. DeepLabCut requires Python programming experience and familiarity with machine learning workflows. Users must manually annotate training frames, configure neural network training, and write scripts for batch processing and data analysis. This makes it best suited for computational neuroscience labs with dedicated ML expertise.

EthoVision XT by Noldus typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000+ depending on modules. The base software provides basic tracking, but features like multi-animal tracking, social interaction analysis, and advanced protocols require separate add-on modules, each with additional licensing fees and annual maintenance costs.

Yes, but capability varies significantly. ConductVision supports unlimited simultaneous animals with AI-based identity maintenance. EthoVision XT supports up to 100 with an add-on module. DeepLabCut can track multiple animals with custom training. ANY-maze and SMART 3.0 are limited to single-animal tracking in most configurations.

Pose estimation is an AI technique that detects and tracks specific body parts (keypoints) of an animal — such as nose, ears, spine, limbs, and tail — in every video frame. Unlike traditional contour-based tracking that only detects an animal's center of mass, pose estimation enables detailed analysis of posture, gait, grooming, and fine motor behaviors. ConductVision tracks 11 body points, while DeepLabCut allows custom keypoint definitions.