Cluely vs Grain
Which Meeting Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
Cluely
AI desktop overlay that listens, sees the screen, and whispers answers in real time.
Grain
AI notetaker for accurate meeting summaries, insights, and coaching
Side-by-side
Cluely is the more established option (raised $20.3M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Cluely | Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI desktop overlay that listens, sees the screen, and whispers answers in real time. | AI notetaker for accurate meeting summaries, insights, and coaching |
| Foundedi | 2025 | 2018🏆 |
| HQi | New York, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 61🏆 | 46 |
| Total fundingi | $20.3M🏆 | $20M |
| Latest roundi | Series A · Jun 2025 | Series A |
| Valuationi | $120M🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Pricing not listed | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Cluely and Grain.
| Capability | Cluely | Grain |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Cluely
- Has raised more capital ($20.3M vs $20M)
- Higher Neuron score (61 vs 46)
- Newer company (2025)
🔵 Strengths of Grain
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2018)
Which should you choose?
Choose Grain if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Meeting Tools tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Cluely if you want the most established option — it has raised $20.3M, 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
Cluely vs Grain — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Cluely has raised more capital and is the more established option; Grain has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Cluely cheaper than Grain?
No — Grain's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Cluely's is Pricing not listed.
Do Cluely and Grain offer free plans?
Cluely: Paid only. Grain: Yes, has a free plan.
Explore more AI Meeting Tools tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.