Cognition vs VAST Data
Which Developer Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
Cognition
Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer.
VAST Data
Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure
Side-by-side
Cognition leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($2.5B) and a lower entry price than VAST Data.
| Metric | Cognition | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Applied AI lab building Devin, the AI software engineer. | Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure |
| Foundedi | 2023 | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 67 | 90🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $2.5B🏆 | $2.4B |
| Latest roundi | Series D · May 2026 | Series F · Apr 2026 |
| Valuationi | $26B | $30B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pro · $20/mo🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Max · $200/mo | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 5 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Cognition and VAST Data.
| Capability | Cognition | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✓ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Cognition
- Has raised more capital ($2.5B vs $2.4B)
- Offers a free plan
- Lower starting price ($500/mo)
- Newer company (2023)
🔵 Strengths of VAST Data
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 67)
- More mature (2016)
Which should you choose?
Choose Cognition if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $500/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Tools 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
Cognition vs VAST Data — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Cognition has raised more capital and is the more established option; VAST Data has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Cognition cheaper than VAST Data?
Yes — Cognition's cheapest paid plan is Pro · $20/mo, while VAST Data's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Cognition and VAST Data offer free plans?
Cognition: Yes, has a free plan. VAST Data: Paid only.
Explore more AI Developer Tools tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.