Cognite vs Databricks
Which Data Engineering AI tool is better in 2026?
Cognite
Deploy and scale industrial AI to optimize production, reduce downtime, and increase productivity across your enterprise.
Databricks
The data + AI company
Side-by-side
Databricks is the more established option (raised $10.6B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Cognite | Databricks |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Deploy and scale industrial AI to optimize production, reduce downtime, and increase productivity across your enterprise. | The data + AI company |
| Foundedi | — | 2013🏆 |
| HQi | Oslo, NO | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 501-1000 | 8000+🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 59 | 65🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $240M | $10.6B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series B · May 2021 | other · Aug 2026 |
| Valuationi | $1.6B | $134B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | Committed Use Plan · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | 3 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Cognite and Databricks.
| Capability | Cognite | Databricks |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✓ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✓ |
| SDK languages | 2 (Python, JavaScript) | 6 (Python, Java, R, Scala…) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Cognite
- Strong in AI Data Engineering
🔵 Strengths of Databricks
- Has raised more capital ($10.6B vs $240M)
- Higher Neuron score (65 vs 59)
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2013)
Which should you choose?
Choose Databricks if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Data Engineering tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Databricks if you want the most established option — it has raised $10.6B, 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
Cognite vs Databricks — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Cognite is the leaner option; Databricks has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Cognite cheaper than Databricks?
No — Databricks's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Cognite's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Cognite and Databricks offer free plans?
Cognite: Paid only. Databricks: Free trial only.
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