Exa vs Twelve Labs
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Exa
Search for AI applications
Twelve Labs
Video understanding AI for developers
Side-by-side
| Exa | Twelve Labs | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Search for AI applications | Video understanding AI for developers |
| Founded | 2022 | 2021 |
| HQ | San Francisco, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employees | 20-50 | 50-100 |
| Total funding | $17M | $77M |
| Latest round | series-a · Nov 2023 | Series B |
| Valuation | $150M | $500M |
| Cheapest paid plan | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier price | Enterprise · Contact sales | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summary | 3 published plans | 3 published plans |
| Categories |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Exa and Twelve Labs.
| Capability | Exa | Twelve Labs |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 3 (Python, JavaScript, TypeScript) | 2 (Python, JavaScript) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Exa
- Higher Neuron score (51 vs 48)
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2022)
🔵 Strengths of Twelve Labs
- Has raised more capital ($77M vs $17M)
- More mature (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose Twelve Labs 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 Twelve Labs if you want the most established option — it has raised $77M, 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
Exa vs Twelve Labs — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Exa is the leaner option; Twelve Labs is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Exa cheaper than Twelve Labs?
No — Twelve Labs's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Exa's is Free.
Do Exa and Twelve Labs offer free plans?
Exa: Yes, has a free plan. Twelve Labs: Yes, has a free plan.
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