Fireworks AI vs Groq
Which Developer Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
Fireworks AI
Production-grade generative AI serving
Groq
Fastest AI inference on the planet
Side-by-side
Groq is the more established option (raised $2.3B), but Fireworks AI is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Fireworks AI | Groq |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Production-grade generative AI serving | Fastest AI inference on the planet |
| Foundedi | 2022 | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | Mountain View, US |
| Employeesi | 50-100🏆 | 200-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 56 | 84🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $327M | $2.3B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Oct 2025 | Series E · Sep 2025 |
| Valuationi | $4B | $6.9B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | —🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✓ Free Starter Credits | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 4 published plans | 3 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Fireworks AI and Groq.
| Capability | Fireworks AI | Groq |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Fireworks AI
- Newer company (2022)
🔵 Strengths of Groq
- Has raised more capital ($2.3B vs $327M)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 56)
- More mature (2016)
Which should you choose?
Choose Fireworks AI if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Tools 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
Fireworks AI vs Groq — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Fireworks AI is the leaner option; Groq has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Fireworks AI cheaper than Groq?
Yes — Fireworks AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Groq's is Free.
Do Fireworks AI and Groq offer free plans?
Fireworks AI: Yes, has a free plan. Groq: Yes, has a free plan.
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