Hex vs VAST Data
Which Data Engineering AI tool is better in 2026?
Hex
The collaborative data workspace with AI.
VAST Data
Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure
Side-by-side
VAST Data is the more established option (raised $2.4B), but Hex is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Hex | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The collaborative data workspace with AI. | Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure |
| Foundedi | 2019 | 2016🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | US |
| Employeesi | 51-200🏆 | 201-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 56 | 90🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $70M | $2.4B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series C · May 2025 | Series F · Apr 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $30B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Professional · $36/mo🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✓ Community | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Team · $75/mo | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 4 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Hex and VAST Data.
| Capability | Hex | VAST Data |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Hex
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- Lower starting price ($24/mo)
- Newer company (2019)
🔵 Strengths of VAST Data
- Has raised more capital ($2.4B vs $70M)
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 56)
- More mature (2016)
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 VAST Data 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
Hex vs VAST Data — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Hex is the leaner option; VAST Data has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Hex cheaper than VAST Data?
Yes — Hex's cheapest paid plan is Professional · $36/mo, while VAST Data's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Hex and VAST Data offer free plans?
Hex: Yes, has a free plan. VAST Data: Paid only.
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