Celestial AI vs VAST Data
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Celestial AI
Photonic Fabric optical interconnect for AI infrastructure
VAST Data
Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure
Side-by-side
VAST Data is the more established option (raised $2.4B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Celestial AI | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Photonic Fabric optical interconnect for AI infrastructure | Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure |
| Foundedi | 2020 | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | Santa Clara, United States | US |
| Employeesi | — | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 77 | 88🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $515M | $2.4B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series C1 · Mar 2025 | Series F · Apr 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $30B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | Custom | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Celestial AI and VAST Data.
| Capability | Celestial AI | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Celestial AI
- Newer company (2020)
🔵 Strengths of VAST Data
- Has raised more capital ($2.4B vs $515M)
- Higher Neuron score (88 vs 77)
- More mature (2016)
Which should you choose?
Choose VAST Data if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Infrastructure tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose VAST Data if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.4B, 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.
Frequently asked questions
Celestial AI vs VAST Data — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Celestial AI is the leaner option; VAST Data has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Celestial AI cheaper than VAST Data?
No — VAST Data's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Celestial AI's is Custom.
Do Celestial AI and VAST Data offer free plans?
Celestial AI: Paid only. VAST Data: Paid only.
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