Aide vs Cognition
Which Agents AI tool is better in 2026?
Aide
Aide is a developer tools lab exploring how inference-time scaling and agentic systems can reshape software development.
Cognition
Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer.
Side-by-side
Cognition leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($2.5B) and a lower entry price than Aide.
| Metric | Aide | Cognition |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Aide is a developer tools lab exploring how inference-time scaling and agentic systems can reshape software development. | Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer. |
| Foundedi | — | 2023🏆 |
| HQi | — | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 57 | 84🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $2.5B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | — | Series D · May 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $26B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pro · $20/mo🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Max · $200/mo |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | 5 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Aide and Cognition.
| Capability | Aide | Cognition |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Aide
- Strong in AI Agents
🔵 Strengths of Cognition
- Has raised more capital ($2.5B vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 57)
- Lower starting price ($500/mo)
- Newer company (2023)
Which should you choose?
Choose Cognition if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $500/mo, 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 Cognition if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.5B, 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
Try Devin with starter credits
Cognition's Devin offers a starter pack of ACU credits on signup so you can test the autonomous engineer on real tasks.
Terms: Credit amount varies by program.
Frequently asked questions
Aide vs Cognition — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Aide is the leaner option; Cognition is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Aide cheaper than Cognition?
No — Cognition's cheapest paid plan is Pro · $20/mo, while Aide's is Free.
Do Aide and Cognition offer free plans?
Aide: Yes, has a free plan. Cognition: Yes, has a free plan.
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