Knostic vs XBOW
Which for Cyber Defense AI tool is better in 2026?
Knostic
Need-to-know access controls and security for enterprise AI
XBOW
Autonomous offensive security AI
Side-by-side
XBOW is the more established option (raised $237M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Knostic | XBOW |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Need-to-know access controls and security for enterprise AI | Autonomous offensive security AI |
| Foundedi | 2023🏆 | 2024 |
| HQi | New York, US | US |
| Employeesi | 11-50🏆 | — |
| Neuron scorei | 63 | 90🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $14M | $237M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series A · Apr 2025 | Series C · May 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | — |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Knostic and XBOW.
| Capability | Knostic | XBOW |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Knostic
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2023)
🔵 Strengths of XBOW
- Has raised more capital ($237M vs $14M)
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 63)
- Newer company (2024)
Which should you choose?
Choose XBOW if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI for Cyber Defense tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose XBOW if you want the most established option — it has raised $237M, 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
Knostic vs XBOW — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Knostic is the leaner option; XBOW has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Knostic cheaper than XBOW?
No — XBOW's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Knostic's is Free.
Do Knostic and XBOW offer free plans?
Knostic: Yes, has a free plan. XBOW: Paid only.
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