Groq vs Modal
Which Developer Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
Groq
Fastest AI inference on the planet
Modal
High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling.
Side-by-side
Groq is the more established option (raised $2.3B), but Modal is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Groq | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Fastest AI inference on the planet | High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling. |
| Foundedi | 2016🏆 | 2021 |
| HQi | Mountain View, US | New York, US |
| Employeesi | 200-500 | 51-200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 84🏆 | 59 |
| Total fundingi | $2.3B🏆 | $442M |
| Latest roundi | Series E · Sep 2025 | Series C · May 2026 |
| Valuationi | $6.9B🏆 | $4.7B |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ Free | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 3 published plans | Freemium |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Groq and Modal.
| Capability | Groq | Modal |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (Python, JavaScript) | 3 (Python, JavaScript, Go) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Groq
- Has raised more capital ($2.3B vs $442M)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 59)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
🔵 Strengths of Modal
- 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 Developer Tools tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Groq if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.3B, 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
Groq vs Modal — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Groq has raised more capital and is the more established option; Modal is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Groq cheaper than Modal?
No — Modal's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Groq's is Free.
Do Groq and Modal offer free plans?
Groq: Yes, has a free plan. Modal: Paid only.
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