Hex vs MotherDuck
Which Data Engineering AI tool is better in 2026?
Hex
The collaborative data workspace with AI.
MotherDuck
Serverless analytics platform built on the popular DuckDB engine, combining the speed of local
Side-by-side
MotherDuck is the more established option (raised $87.5M), but Hex is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Hex | MotherDuck |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The collaborative data workspace with AI. | Serverless analytics platform built on the popular DuckDB engine, combining the speed of local |
| Foundedi | 2019🏆 | 2022 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | — |
| Employeesi | 51-200 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 57🏆 | 51 |
| Total fundingi | $70M | $87.5M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series C · May 2025 | Series A |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Professional · $36/mo🏆 | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ Community | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Team · $75/mo | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 4 published plans | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Hex and MotherDuck.
| Capability | Hex | MotherDuck |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Hex
- Higher Neuron score (57 vs 51)
- Lower starting price ($24/mo)
- More mature (2019)
🔵 Strengths of MotherDuck
- Has raised more capital ($87.5M vs $70M)
- Newer company (2022)
Which should you choose?
Choose Hex if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $24/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Data Engineering tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose MotherDuck if you want the most established option — it has raised $87.5M, 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
Hex vs MotherDuck — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Hex is the leaner option; MotherDuck has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Hex cheaper than MotherDuck?
Yes — Hex's cheapest paid plan is Professional · $36/mo, while MotherDuck's is Free.
Do Hex and MotherDuck offer free plans?
Hex: Yes, has a free plan. MotherDuck: Yes, has a free plan.
Explore more AI Data Engineering tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.