Arcade vs Cognition
Which Agents AI tool is better in 2026?
Arcade
Authenticated tool-calling platform that lets AI agents take secure, real-world actions on
Cognition
Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer.
Side-by-side
Cognition leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($4.1B) and a lower entry price than Arcade.
| Metric | Arcade | Cognition |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Authenticated tool-calling platform that lets AI agents take secure, real-world actions on | Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer. |
| Foundedi | 2024 | 2023🏆 |
| HQi | — | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 53 | 74🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $12M | $4.1B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed | series-e · Sep 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 Arcade and Cognition.
| Capability | Arcade | Cognition |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Arcade
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Cognition
- Has raised more capital ($4.1B vs $12M)
- Higher Neuron score (74 vs 53)
- Lower starting price ($500/mo)
- More mature (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 $4.1B, 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
Arcade vs Cognition — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Arcade is the leaner option; Cognition is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Arcade cheaper than Cognition?
No — Cognition's cheapest paid plan is Pro · $20/mo, while Arcade's is Free.
Do Arcade and Cognition offer free plans?
Arcade: Yes, has a free plan. Cognition: Yes, has a free plan.
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