KERNEL vs Nebius
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
KERNEL
Crazy fast, open source infra for AI agents to use the Internet
Nebius
Full-stack AI cloud with large-scale GPU clusters for training and inference
Side-by-side
Nebius is the more established option (raised $700M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | KERNEL | Nebius |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Crazy fast, open source infra for AI agents to use the Internet | Full-stack AI cloud with large-scale GPU clusters for training and inference |
| Foundedi | 2025 | 2024🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 1000🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 55 | 77🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $22.5M | $700M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series A · Oct 2025 | private_placement · Dec 2024 |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Pricing not listed | Free trial |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for KERNEL and Nebius.
| Capability | KERNEL | Nebius |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 4 (Python, REST API, CLI, Terraform) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of KERNEL
- Newer company (2025)
🔵 Strengths of Nebius
- Has raised more capital ($700M vs $22.5M)
- Higher Neuron score (77 vs 55)
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2024)
Which should you choose?
Choose Nebius if price matters most — it starts at Free trial, 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 Nebius if you want the most established option — it has raised $700M, 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
KERNEL vs Nebius — which is better?
It depends on your priority. KERNEL is the leaner option; Nebius has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is KERNEL cheaper than Nebius?
No — Nebius's cheapest paid plan is Free trial, while KERNEL's is Pricing not listed.
Do KERNEL and Nebius offer free plans?
KERNEL: Paid only. Nebius: Free trial only.
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