Manufact (formerly mcp-use) vs Modal
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Manufact (formerly mcp-use)
Open source SDK & cloud infrastructure for MCP Servers & ChatGPT Apps
Modal
High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling.
Side-by-side
Modal leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($1.2B) and a lower entry price than Manufact (formerly mcp-use).
| Metric | Manufact (formerly mcp-use) | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Open source SDK & cloud infrastructure for MCP Servers & ChatGPT Apps | High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling. |
| Foundedi | 2025 | 2021🏆 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 55 | 70🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $6.8M | $1.2B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Feb 2026 | series-d · Oct 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $4.7B🏆 |
| 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 | Freemium |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Manufact (formerly mcp-use) and Modal.
| Capability | Manufact (formerly mcp-use) | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 1 (python) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Manufact (formerly mcp-use)
- Newer company (2025)
🔵 Strengths of Modal
- Has raised more capital ($1.2B vs $6.8M)
- Higher Neuron score (70 vs 55)
- More mature (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose Modal if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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 Modal if you want the most established option — it has raised $1.2B, 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
Manufact (formerly mcp-use) vs Modal — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Manufact (formerly mcp-use) is the leaner option; Modal is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Manufact (formerly mcp-use) cheaper than Modal?
No — Modal's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Manufact (formerly mcp-use)'s is Pricing not listed.
Do Manufact (formerly mcp-use) and Modal offer free plans?
Manufact (formerly mcp-use): Paid only. Modal: Paid only.
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