Comprehensive Benchmarking of Python Text Extraction Libraries in 2025: Which One Reigns Supreme?
In the ever-evolving landscape of document processing, selecting the right Python library for text extraction can be challenging. To aid developers, researchers, and enterprises alike, I conducted an in-depth, impartial comparison of four prominent Python text extraction frameworks using real-world data. This article summarizes the key findings from extensive testing carried out in 2025, offering a clear overview of each library’s strengths and limitations.
Why Benchmark These Libraries?
As the creator of Kreuzberg, a lightweight and performant text extraction tool, I aimed to evaluate how it stacks up against other leading solutions like IBM’s Docling, Microsoft’s MarkItDown, and the enterprise-grade Unstructured library. The goal was to provide transparent, data-driven insights to inform your choices—whether for quick prototyping, production deployments, or research projects.
The Tested Libraries
- Kreuzberg: My custom-built solution optimized for speed and low resource consumption.
- Docling: IBM’s advanced ML-based document understanding tool.
- MarkItDown: Microsoft’s Markdown-focused converter, ideal for structured documents.
- Unstructured: An enterprise-oriented library designed for diverse and complex document types.
Test Dataset and Methodology
The benchmarks utilized a collection of 94 authentic documents across various formats, including PDFs, Word documents, HTML pages, scanned images, and spreadsheets. These ranged in size from modest files (<100KB) to massive academic papers (>50MB), covering multiple languages such as English, German, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, and Korean.
Tests were performed on a system with no GPU acceleration—mimicking typical server or desktop environments. Essential metrics captured included processing speed, memory utilization, success rate, and installation footprint.
Key Findings at a Glance
Performance Speed
| Rank | Library | Approximate Throughput | Notes |
|———|———————|——————————|————————————————–|
| 1 | Kreuzberg | Over 35 files per second | Handles all document types reliably |
| 2 | Unstructured | Moderate speed; high reliability | Excellent with complex, layered formats |
| 3 | MarkItDown | Fast on simple documents | Struggles with larger/complex files |
| 4 | Docling | Hourly processing times (~60
