Fluidstack vs Modal
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Fluidstack
London-based AI cloud platform providing large-scale GPU compute for training and inference
Modal
High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling.
Side-by-side
Fluidstack is the more established option (raised $2.4B), but Modal is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Fluidstack | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | London-based AI cloud platform providing large-scale GPU compute for training and inference | High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling. |
| Foundedi | 2017🏆 | 2021 |
| HQi | London, United Kingdom | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 53 | 70🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $2.4B🏆 | $1.2B |
| Latest roundi | other · May 2023 | series-d · Oct 2026 |
| Valuationi | $7.5B🏆 | $4.7B |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | Freemium |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Fluidstack and Modal.
| Capability | Fluidstack | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 1 (python) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Fluidstack
- Has raised more capital ($2.4B vs $1.2B)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2017)
🔵 Strengths of Modal
- Higher Neuron score (70 vs 53)
- Newer company (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose Modal if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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 Fluidstack if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.4B, 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
Fluidstack vs Modal — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Fluidstack has raised more capital and is the more established option; Modal is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Fluidstack cheaper than Modal?
No — Modal's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Fluidstack's is Free.
Do Fluidstack and Modal offer free plans?
Fluidstack: Yes, has a free plan. Modal: Paid only.
Explore more AI Infrastructure tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.