Liquid AI vs ModelBest
Which Foundation Models AI tool is better in 2026?
Liquid AI
Efficient general-purpose foundation models built for edge, on-device, and cloud deployment at every scale.
ModelBest
Tsinghua-born unicorn behind the MiniCPM efficient edge AI models
Side-by-side
Liquid AI is the more established option (raised $250M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Liquid AI | ModelBest |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Efficient general-purpose foundation models built for edge, on-device, and cloud deployment at every scale. | Tsinghua-born unicorn behind the MiniCPM efficient edge AI models |
| Foundedi | 2023 | 2022🏆 |
| HQi | Boston, US | Beijing, China |
| Employeesi | 51-200🏆 | — |
| Neuron scorei | 67🏆 | 33 |
| Total fundingi | $250M🏆 | Undisclosed |
| Latest roundi | Series A · Dec 2024 | Series E |
| Valuationi | $2.4B🏆 | $1.3B |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise Partnerships · Contact sales | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Liquid AI and ModelBest.
| Capability | Liquid AI | ModelBest |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 1 (Python) | 1 (Python) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✓ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Liquid AI
- Has raised more capital ($250M vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (67 vs 33)
- Newer company (2023)
🔵 Strengths of ModelBest
- Offers a free plan
- More mature (2022)
Which should you choose?
Choose ModelBest if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both Foundation Models tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Liquid AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $250M, 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.
💸 Deals
Liquid Foundation Models — free on Liquid Playground
Try Liquid Foundation Models free in the Liquid Playground — LFM-1B, LFM-3B, and LFM-40B available for evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Liquid AI vs ModelBest — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Liquid AI has raised more capital and is the more established option; ModelBest has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Liquid AI cheaper than ModelBest?
No — ModelBest's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Liquid AI's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Liquid AI and ModelBest offer free plans?
Liquid AI: Paid only. ModelBest: Yes, has a free plan.
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