RLtools
Fastest deep reinforcement learning library for continuous control in C++ with Python bindings.
Pricing
Free tier
Flat rate
Adoption
→StableLicense
Open Source
Data freshness
Aging · Jun 8, 2026Overview
What is RLtools?
RLtools is a high-performance deep reinforcement learning library designed for continuous control tasks, implemented in pure C++ without dependencies. It also offers Python bindings to facilitate integration into existing workflows.
Key differentiator
“RLtools stands out as the fastest deep reinforcement learning library for continuous control, implemented in pure C++ without dependencies, making it ideal for high-performance applications and rapid prototyping.”
Capability profile
Capability Radar
Honest assessment
Strengths & Weaknesses
↑ Strengths
↓ Weaknesses
The library is implemented in C++, which may be challenging for developers without a strong background in this language.
While Python bindings are provided, the integration and documentation for these bindings can be less mature compared to the core C++ library.
Historical version updates have included significant API changes that required substantial refactoring of user code, such as the migration from v0.1 to v0.2.
As an open-source project with a niche focus on C++ reinforcement learning, it has a relatively small user base and fewer contributions or integrations compared to larger frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
The lack of dependencies while beneficial for performance, also means developers must rely on lower-level debugging techniques and tools available in the C++ ecosystem.
Fit analysis
Who is it for?
✓ Best for
Developers working on high-performance reinforcement learning tasks in C++ who need a dependency-free solution.
Researchers requiring a lightweight, header-only library for rapid prototyping of reinforcement learning algorithms.
✕ Not a fit for
Projects that require extensive integration with other libraries and frameworks due to RLtools' dependency-free design.
Developers preferring a more comprehensive ecosystem with built-in support for various machine learning tasks beyond reinforcement learning.
Cost structure
Pricing
Free Tier
Available
Open source — free to use
Starts at
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise
None
Performance benchmarks
How Fast Is It?
Ecosystem
Relationships
Works well with
Next step
Get Started with RLtools
Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.