MiniMax vs Zhipu AI
Which Developer Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
MiniMax
Chinese AI lab behind Hailuo video and Talkie companions.
Zhipu AI
Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4.
Side-by-side
MiniMax is the more established option (raised $2.2B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | MiniMax | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Chinese AI lab behind Hailuo video and Talkie companions. | Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4. |
| Foundedi | 2021 | 2019🏆 |
| HQi | Shanghai, CN | Beijing, CN |
| Employeesi | 201-500 | 201-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 66🏆 | 63 |
| Total fundingi | $2.2B🏆 | $2.0B |
| Latest roundi | IPO · Jan 2026 | IPO · Jan 2026 |
| Valuationi | $13.7B🏆 | $6.6B |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free Tier |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | — | — |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for MiniMax and Zhipu AI.
| Capability | MiniMax | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 2 (Python, Go) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✓ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of MiniMax
- Has raised more capital ($2.2B vs $2.0B)
- Higher Neuron score (66 vs 63)
- Newer company (2021)
🔵 Strengths of Zhipu AI
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2019)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zhipu AI if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Tools tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose MiniMax if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.2B, 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.
💸 Deals
MiniMax API — free signup credits
MiniMax gives new developers free signup credits across Hailuo video, voice cloning, and abab chat APIs.
Terms: New accounts only.
Zhipu GLM API — free signup credits
New Zhipu BigModel API accounts get free starter credits to evaluate GLM-4 and CogView image models.
Terms: New accounts only.
Frequently asked questions
MiniMax vs Zhipu AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. MiniMax has raised more capital and is the more established option; Zhipu AI has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is MiniMax cheaper than Zhipu AI?
No — Zhipu AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while MiniMax's is Freemium.
Do MiniMax and Zhipu AI offer free plans?
MiniMax: Paid only. Zhipu AI: Yes, has a free plan.
Explore more AI Developer Tools tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.