AssemblyAI vs Cognition
Which Agents AI tool is better in 2026?
AssemblyAI
AI models for accurate speech recognition
Cognition
Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer.
Side-by-side
Cognition is the more established option (raised $2.5B), but AssemblyAI is cheaper to start.
| Metric | AssemblyAI | Cognition |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI models for accurate speech recognition | Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer. |
| Foundedi | 2017🏆 | 2023 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 100-200 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 48 | 84🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $78M | $2.5B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series B · Sep 2022 | Series D · May 2026 |
| Valuationi | $500M | $26B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | —🏆 | Pro · $20/mo |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Custom / Enterprise · Contact sales | Max · $200/mo |
| Pricing summaryi | 2 published plans | 5 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for AssemblyAI and Cognition.
| Capability | AssemblyAI | Cognition |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDK languages | 7 (Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, Go…) | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of AssemblyAI
- More mature (2017)
- Verified profile
🔵 Strengths of Cognition
- Has raised more capital ($2.5B vs $78M)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 48)
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2023)
Which should you choose?
Choose AssemblyAI if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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
AssemblyAI vs Cognition — which is better?
It depends on your priority. AssemblyAI is the leaner option; Cognition has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is AssemblyAI cheaper than Cognition?
Yes — AssemblyAI's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Cognition's is Pro · $20/mo.
Do AssemblyAI and Cognition offer free plans?
AssemblyAI: Paid only. Cognition: Yes, has a free plan.
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