AI21 Labs vs Zhipu AI
Which Agents AI tool is better in 2026?
AI21 Labs
Advanced language AI for enterprise applications
Zhipu AI
Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4.
Side-by-side
Zhipu AI leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($2.0B) and a lower entry price than AI21 Labs.
| Metric | AI21 Labs | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Advanced language AI for enterprise applications | Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4. |
| Foundedi | 2017🏆 | 2019 |
| HQi | Tel Aviv, IL | Beijing, CN |
| Employeesi | 200-500 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 50 | 86🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $336M | $2.0B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Nov 2023 | IPO · Jan 2026 |
| Valuationi | $1.4B | $6.6B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free Tier |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise / Custom Solutions · Contact sales | — |
| Pricing summaryi | 2 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for AI21 Labs and Zhipu AI.
| Capability | AI21 Labs | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (Python, TypeScript) | 2 (Python, Go) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of AI21 Labs
- More mature (2017)
- Verified profile
🔵 Strengths of Zhipu AI
- Has raised more capital ($2.0B vs $336M)
- Higher Neuron score (86 vs 50)
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2019)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zhipu AI if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Agents tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Zhipu AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.0B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
💸 Deals
Zhipu GLM API — free signup credits
New Zhipu BigModel API accounts get free starter credits to evaluate GLM-4 and CogView image models.
Terms: New accounts only.
Frequently asked questions
AI21 Labs vs Zhipu AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. AI21 Labs is the leaner option; Zhipu AI is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is AI21 Labs cheaper than Zhipu AI?
No — Zhipu AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while AI21 Labs's is Free trial.
Do AI21 Labs and Zhipu AI offer free plans?
AI21 Labs: Free trial only. Zhipu AI: Yes, has a free plan.
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