Dash0 vs Helicone
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Dash0
AI-native observability platform built on OpenTelemetry
Helicone
Helicone is an AI gateway and LLM observability platform that helps companies route, debug, and analyze their AI applications.
Side-by-side
Dash0 is the more established option (raised $155M), but Helicone is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Dash0 | Helicone |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI-native observability platform built on OpenTelemetry | Helicone is an AI gateway and LLM observability platform that helps companies route, debug, and analyze their AI applications. |
| Foundedi | 2023🏆 | — |
| HQi | DE | US |
| Employeesi | — | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 90🏆 | 60 |
| Total fundingi | $155M🏆 | Undisclosed |
| Latest roundi | Series B · Mar 2026 | — |
| Valuationi | $1B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✓ Free Trial |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | — |
| Pricing summaryi | 2 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Dash0 and Helicone.
| Capability | Dash0 | Helicone |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Dash0
- Has raised more capital ($155M vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 60)
- Newer company (2023)
🔵 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 Dash0 if you want the most established option — it has raised $155M, 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
Dash0 vs Helicone — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Dash0 has raised more capital and is the more established option; Helicone is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Dash0 cheaper than Helicone?
No — Helicone's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Dash0's is Free.
Do Dash0 and Helicone offer free plans?
Dash0: Yes, has a free plan. Helicone: Yes, has a free plan.
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