Mercor vs Modal
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Mercor
Mercor is an AI-powered platform connecting top-tier remote AI talent with companies shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Modal
High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling.
Side-by-side
Mercor is the more established option (raised $485.6M), but Modal is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Mercor | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Mercor is an AI-powered platform connecting top-tier remote AI talent with companies shaping the future of artificial intelligence. | High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling. |
| Foundedi | — | 2021🏆 |
| HQi | US | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 53 | 68🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $485.6M🏆 | $442M |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Oct 2025 | Series C · May 2026 |
| Valuationi | $10B🏆 | $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 | Enterprise · Contact sales | Freemium |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Mercor and Modal.
| Capability | Mercor | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 1 (python) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Mercor
- Has raised more capital ($485.6M vs $442M)
🔵 Strengths of Modal
- Higher Neuron score (68 vs 53)
- Newer company (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 Mercor if you want the most established option — it has raised $485.6M, 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
Mercor vs Modal — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Mercor has raised more capital and is the more established option; Modal is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Mercor cheaper than Modal?
No — Modal's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Mercor's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Mercor and Modal offer free plans?
Mercor: Paid only. Modal: Paid only.
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