Chainguard vs Helicone
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Chainguard
Secure, minimal container images for software and AI supply chains
Helicone
Helicone is an AI gateway and LLM observability platform that helps companies route, debug, and analyze their AI applications.
Side-by-side
Chainguard is the more established option (raised $256M), but Helicone is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Chainguard | Helicone |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Secure, minimal container images for software and AI supply chains | Helicone is an AI gateway and LLM observability platform that helps companies route, debug, and analyze their AI applications. |
| Foundedi | 2021🏆 | — |
| HQi | Kirkland, United States | US |
| Employeesi | — | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 75🏆 | 26 |
| Total fundingi | $256M🏆 | Undisclosed |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Jul 2024 | — |
| Valuationi | $1.1B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✓ Free Trial |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Chainguard and Helicone.
| Capability | Chainguard | Helicone |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Chainguard
- Has raised more capital ($256M vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (75 vs 26)
- Newer company (2021)
🔵 Strengths of Helicone
- Lower starting price ($79/mo)
Which should you choose?
Choose Helicone if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $79/mo, 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 Chainguard if you want the most established option — it has raised $256M, 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
Chainguard vs Helicone — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Chainguard has raised more capital and is the more established option; Helicone is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Chainguard cheaper than Helicone?
No — Helicone's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Chainguard's is Free.
Do Chainguard and Helicone offer free plans?
Chainguard: Yes, has a free plan. Helicone: Yes, has a free plan.
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