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 $2.7B), 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 | 64🏆 | 57 |
| Total fundingi | $327M | $2.7B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Oct 2025 | other · Aug 2026 |
| Valuationi | $4B | $6.9B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | Freemium | 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
- Higher Neuron score (64 vs 57)
- Newer company (2022)
🔵 Strengths of Groq
- Has raised more capital ($2.7B vs $327M)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2016)
Which should you choose?
Choose Fireworks AI if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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 $2.7B, 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 Freemium, while Groq's is Free.
Do Fireworks AI and Groq offer free plans?
Fireworks AI: Paid only. Groq: Yes, has a free plan.
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