Databricks vs Modal
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Databricks
The data + AI company
Modal
High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling.
Side-by-side
Databricks is the more established option (raised $5.6B), but Modal is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Databricks | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The data + AI company | High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling. |
| Foundedi | 2013🏆 | 2021 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 8000+🏆 | 51-200 |
| Neuron scorei | 95🏆 | 59 |
| Total fundingi | $5.6B🏆 | $442M |
| Latest roundi | Series L · Dec 2025 | Series C · May 2026 |
| Valuationi | $134B🏆 | $4.7B |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Committed Use Plan · Contact sales | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 3 published plans | Freemium |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Databricks and Modal.
| Capability | Databricks | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 6 (Python, Java, R, Scala…) | 3 (Python, JavaScript, Go) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Databricks
- Has raised more capital ($5.6B vs $442M)
- Higher Neuron score (95 vs 59)
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2013)
🔵 Strengths of Modal
- Newer company (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose Modal if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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 Databricks if you want the most established option — it has raised $5.6B, 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
Databricks vs Modal — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Databricks has raised more capital and is the more established option; Modal is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Databricks cheaper than Modal?
No — Modal's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Databricks's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Databricks and Modal offer free plans?
Databricks: Free trial only. Modal: Paid only.
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