Chroma vs Marqo
Which Search AI tool is better in 2026?
Chroma
Open-source search infrastructure for AI with vector, full-text, regex, and metadata search.
Marqo
AI-native search and product discovery platform that optimises ecommerce conversion and revenue.
Side-by-side
Chroma leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($20.3M) and a lower entry price than Marqo.
| Metric | Chroma | Marqo |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Open-source search infrastructure for AI with vector, full-text, regex, and metadata search. | AI-native search and product discovery platform that optimises ecommerce conversion and revenue. |
| Foundedi | 2022 | 2022 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 50 | 52🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $20.3M🏆 | $17.8M |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Apr 2023 | Series A · Feb 2024 |
| Valuationi | $75M🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | —🏆 | — |
| Free plani | ✓ Open Source | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise (BYOC) · Contact sales | Enterprise / Custom · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 3 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Chroma and Marqo.
| Capability | Chroma | Marqo |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 3 (Python, TypeScript, Rust) | 1 (Python) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Chroma
- Has raised more capital ($20.3M vs $17.8M)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
🔵 Strengths of Marqo
- Higher Neuron score (52 vs 50)
Which should you choose?
Choose Chroma if price matters most — it starts at Open source, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Search tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Chroma if you want the most established option — it has raised $20.3M, 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
Chroma vs Marqo — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Chroma has raised more capital and is the more established option; Marqo has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Chroma cheaper than Marqo?
Yes — Chroma's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Marqo's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Chroma and Marqo offer free plans?
Chroma: Yes, has a free plan. Marqo: Paid only.
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