Etched vs Groq
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Etched
Etched is building custom hardware to accelerate large language models and achieve superintelligence.
Groq
Fastest AI inference on the planet
Side-by-side
Groq is the more established option (raised $2.3B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Etched | Groq |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Etched is building custom hardware to accelerate large language models and achieve superintelligence. | Fastest AI inference on the planet |
| Foundedi | — | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | — | Mountain View, US |
| Employeesi | — | 200-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 57 | 84🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $2.3B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | — | Series E · Sep 2025 |
| Valuationi | — | $6.9B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | Enterprise · Contact sales | 3 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Etched and Groq.
| Capability | Etched | Groq |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 2 (Python, JavaScript) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Etched
- Strong in AI Infrastructure
🔵 Strengths of Groq
- Has raised more capital ($2.3B vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 57)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
Which should you choose?
Choose Groq if price matters most — it starts at Free, 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 Groq if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.3B, 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
Etched vs Groq — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Etched is the leaner option; Groq has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Etched cheaper than Groq?
No — Groq's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Etched's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Etched and Groq offer free plans?
Etched: Paid only. Groq: Yes, has a free plan.
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