Epirus vs Shield AI
Which Drones AI tool is better in 2026?
Epirus
High-power microwave systems that disable drone swarms in flight
Shield AI
Autonomous AI software for defence
Side-by-side
Shield AI is the more established option (raised $2.0B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Epirus | Shield AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | High-power microwave systems that disable drone swarms in flight | Autonomous AI software for defence |
| Foundedi | 2018 | 2015🏆 |
| HQi | Torrance, US | San Diego, US |
| Employeesi | 201-500 | 500-1000🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 80🏆 | 52 |
| Total fundingi | $550M | $2.0B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series D · Mar 2025 | Series G · Mar 2026 |
| Valuationi | $1B | $12.7B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Hivemind Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | Enterprise · Contact sales | 2 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Epirus and Shield AI.
| Capability | Epirus | Shield AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Epirus
- Higher Neuron score (80 vs 52)
- Newer company (2018)
🔵 Strengths of Shield AI
- Has raised more capital ($2.0B vs $550M)
- More mature (2015)
- Verified profile
Which should you choose?
Choose Shield AI if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Drones tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Shield AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.0B, 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
Epirus vs Shield AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Epirus is the leaner option; Shield AI has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Epirus cheaper than Shield AI?
No — Shield AI's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Epirus's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Epirus and Shield AI offer free plans?
Epirus: Paid only. Shield AI: Paid only.
Explore more AI Drones tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.