20+ Best Alternatives to Waymo in 2026
The world's most experienced autonomous driver
Looking for an alternative to Waymo? Below are 20 AI startups working in the same space — ranked by our Neuron score so the most credible options come first. Each card shows what makes the tool a viable substitute, pricing signals, and funding stage.
- 1View alternative →
Aurora
$2.5BDelivering the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 2View alternative →
Wayve
$2.3BEmbodied intelligence for autonomous driving
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 3View alternative →
Pony.ai
UndisclosedDeveloping safe and reliable autonomous driving technology globally, accumulating millions of kilometers in road testing.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 4View alternative →
Nuro
UndisclosedA universal autonomy platform for all roads and all rides, empowering automakers and mobility providers to scale autonomy responsibly.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 5View alternative →
WeRide
UndisclosedWeRide is a global leader in autonomous driving technology, transforming urban living with a portfolio of five core products.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 6View alternative →
Kodiak AI
UndisclosedSafely driving an autonomous future with AI-powered ground autonomy solutions for reliable and efficient driverless movement.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 7View alternative →
Polymath Robotics
UndisclosedSuperpowering off-highway autonomy programs with streamlined, software-first solutions for any machine in any environment.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 8View alternative →
VinAI
UndisclosedBringing tomorrow's AI solutions to today's challenges, enhancing safety and intelligence in automotive and beyond.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 9View alternative →
Encord
UndisclosedThe multimodal data layer powering physical AI from training to real-world deployment.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 10View alternative →
PlusAI
UndisclosedTransforming transportation with Physical AI, powered by SuperDrive™, our AI-based autonomous driving system for trucks.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 11View alternative →
Ineffable Intelligence
$1.1BAn AI research company building a superlearner to achieve superintelligence through reinforcement learning
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 12View alternative →
Anduril Drones
$2.8BAutonomous defense drones and counter-UAS systems.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 13View alternative →
Skydio
$340MAutonomous drones for inspection, public safety, and defense.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 14View alternative →
Physical Intelligence
$735MFoundation models for physical world AI
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 15View alternative →
Saronic Technologies
$2.6BRedefining maritime superiority with the most advanced and capable autonomous vessels in the maritime domain.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 16View alternative →
Skild AI
$2.2BUniversal AI brain for any robot
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 17View alternative →
Figure AI
$1.7BGeneral-purpose humanoid robots
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 18View alternative →
Covariant
$222MAI robots that learn and generalise
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 19View alternative →
Periodic Labs
UndisclosedCreating AI scientists and autonomous laboratories to accelerate scientific discovery, starting with physical sciences.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Enterprise · Contact sales
- 20View alternative →
Reliable Robotics
$160MLeading Robotics & AI Solutions Provider in the Middle East, offering a wide range of advanced robotic products and services.
Why it's similar: Shares categories with Waymo — AI Robotics.
💵 Paid
Frequently asked questions
What are the best alternatives to Waymo?
The top-ranked alternatives to Waymo on NeuronFeed are Aurora, Wayve, Pony.ai, Nuro, WeRide. Rankings are based on our Neuron score, which weighs funding, momentum and editorial signal.
Is there a free alternative to Waymo?
Most direct alternatives are paid. Check individual profiles for free trials and startup discounts on our deals page.
How is this list ranked?
We rank alternatives by shared categories with Waymo, then by our proprietary Neuron score (0–100) which combines funding, team quality, momentum, and editorial input. The list refreshes every 30 days.
Waymo vs Aurora — which is better?
It depends on use case. Aurora (Delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.) is the #1-ranked alternative. See the full side-by-side at /compare/waymo-vs-aurora.
Explore more around Waymo
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.