Consensus vs Profound
Which Search AI tool is better in 2026?
Consensus
AI search engine that answers research questions from 220M+ peer-reviewed papers
Profound
AI search visibility platform for Answer Engine Optimization across ChatGPT and Perplexity
Side-by-side
Profound is the more established option (raised $151M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Consensus | Profound |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI search engine that answers research questions from 220M+ peer-reviewed papers | AI search visibility platform for Answer Engine Optimization across ChatGPT and Perplexity |
| Foundedi | 2021🏆 | 2024 |
| HQi | Boston, United States | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 35 | 68🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $151M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series B · May 2026 | Series C · Feb 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Consensus and Profound.
| Capability | Consensus | Profound |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Consensus
- More mature (2021)
🔵 Strengths of Profound
- Has raised more capital ($151M vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (68 vs 35)
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2024)
Which should you choose?
Choose Profound if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Search tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Profound if you want the most established option — it has raised $151M, 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
Consensus vs Profound — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Consensus is the leaner option; Profound has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Consensus cheaper than Profound?
No — Profound's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Consensus's is Free.
Do Consensus and Profound offer free plans?
Consensus: Yes, has a free plan. Profound: Yes, has a free plan.
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