Freedom251 › Eye Tracking Software
Pupil Core

What Pupil Core is
Pupil Core pairs a wearable eye-tracking headset with an open-source software suite for research. With the headset connected to a desktop or laptop, Pupil Capture records and displays live gaze and pupil data. Pupil Player visualizes gaze over first-person video, supports analysis plugins, and exports raw and enriched data. The system supports binocular or monocular tracking, five-point calibration, and dark-pupil tracking with a 3D model. Its published specification lists 0.60° accuracy with calibration and 0.02° precision. Two infrared eye cameras record at 192 × 192 pixels and 200 Hz; scene-camera options are 1080p at 30 Hz, 720p at 60 Hz, or 480p at 120 Hz. A real-time API can stream gaze data and scene video over a local network, while runtime-loaded Python plugins add features. Compatible tools listed include Python, iMotions, Lab Streaming Layer, PsychoPy, MATLAB, and Octave. Software needs a desktop or laptop with an Intel i7 or greater CPU and at least 8 GB RAM. Pupil Core supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and costs €3,615.
Who it suits
Pupil Core suits researchers who need a wearable eye-tracking system with software for recording, playback, analysis, and data export. Its API and Python plugins also support workflows that connect other devices or add features.
What it does well
- Records and displays real-time gaze and pupil data.
- Supports binocular or monocular tracking.
- Exports raw and enriched data.
- API streams gaze data and scene video over a local network.
- Open-source software suite.
What to know first
- Costs €3,615.
- Requires an Intel i7 or greater CPU.
- Requires at least 8 GB RAM.
Limits
Pupil Core requires a desktop or laptop with an Intel i7-or-greater CPU and at least 8 GB RAM. The listed purchase is a one-time €3,615 cost for the headset and open-source software suite.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pupil Core | Wearable eye-tracking headset and open-source software suite | €3,615, paid once |
As pupil-labs.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Purchase the Pupil Core headset and software suite
- Use a Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop or laptop
- Connect the headset and launch Pupil Capture
- Calibrate with the five-point procedure
- Record gaze and pupil data
- Review recordings in Pupil Player and export results
Verdict
Pupil Core combines wearable tracking hardware with recording and analysis software, extensibility, and multiple export formats. Check the stated computer requirements and listed price against your research setup.
Questions
How much does Pupil Core cost?
Pupil Core costs €3,615 once.
Which operating systems are supported?
It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Is Pupil Core open source?
Its software source code is available under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0.
What computer is required?
The software requires a desktop or laptop with an Intel i7-or-greater CPU and at least 8 GB RAM.
What data can it export?
Pupil Player exports raw and enriched data, including MP4, CSV, NumPy, PNG, and TLV formats.
Can it connect to other research tools?
Pupil Labs lists Python, iMotions, Lab Streaming Layer, PsychoPy, MATLAB, and Octave as compatible tools. Its API can stream gaze data and scene video over a local network.
Facts from Pupil Core's own pages
- Accuracy
- The published specification lists 0.60° accuracy with calibration and 0.02° precision. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Cameras
- The headset has two infrared eye cameras at 192 × 192 pixels and 200 Hz; scene-camera options include 1080p at 30 Hz, 720p at 60 Hz, and 480p at 120 Hz. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Computer requirements
- Pupil Core software requires a desktop or laptop with an Intel i7 or greater CPU and at least 8 GB RAM. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Users can connect other devices through the API and add features with Python plugins loaded at runtime. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Eye tracking
- The system uses dark-pupil tracking with a 3D model and supports binocular or monocular tracking and five-point calibration. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2014 · pupil-labs.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Berlin, Germany · pupil-labs.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Pupil Labs lists Python, iMotions, Lab Streaming Layer, PsychoPy, MATLAB and Octave among compatible tools; its real-time API streams gaze data and scene video over a local network. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Pupil Labs describes Pupil Core as an open platform used by a global community of researchers for diverse research purposes. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Playback and analysis
- Pupil Player visualizes gaze on first-person video, supports analysis plugins, and exports raw and enriched data. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The company privacy policy identifies Pupil Labs GmbH in Berlin as the service operator and describes personal-data processing under its policy. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Pupil Core combines a wearable eye-tracking headset with an open-source software suite for eye-tracking research. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Recording
- Pupil Capture records and displays real-time gaze and pupil data when the headset is connected to a desktop or laptop. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Software license
- Pupil Labs’ GitHub repository says its source code is available under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Pupil Labs offers community and expert help, including tailored research workflows and training. · pupil-labs.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where Pupil Core stands on Freedom251
- Eye Tracking Software#19 of 27