Aster vs Zhipu AI
Which Agents AI tool is better in 2026?
Aster
The first AI-native AI research lab using agentic workflows to accelerate model discovery.
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 Aster.
| Metric | Aster | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The first AI-native AI research lab using agentic workflows to accelerate model discovery. | Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4. |
| Foundedi | 2026 | 2019🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | Beijing, CN |
| Employeesi | — | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 45 | 65🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $500K | $2.0B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Mar 2026 | IPO · Jan 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $6.6B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free Tier |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Pricing summaryi | Contact-sales | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Aster and Zhipu AI.
| Capability | Aster | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 2 (Python, Go) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Aster
- Newer company (2026)
🔵 Strengths of Zhipu AI
- Has raised more capital ($2.0B vs $500K)
- Higher Neuron score (65 vs 45)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
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
Aster vs Zhipu AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Aster is the leaner option; Zhipu AI is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Aster cheaper than Zhipu AI?
No — Zhipu AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Aster's is Contact-sales.
Do Aster and Zhipu AI offer free plans?
Aster: Paid only. Zhipu AI: Yes, has a free plan.
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