Modal vs Vast.ai
Which Developer Platforms AI tool is better in 2026?
Modal
High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling.
Vast.ai
Agent-ready GPU infrastructure for AI, offering API-native provisioning, real-time pricing, and per-second billing.
Side-by-side
| Modal | Vast.ai | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | High-performance AI infrastructure with sub-second cold starts and instant autoscaling. | Agent-ready GPU infrastructure for AI, offering API-native provisioning, real-time pricing, and per-second billing. |
| Founded | 2021 | — |
| HQ | New York, US | — |
| Employees | 51-200 | — |
| Total funding | $111M | Undisclosed |
| Latest round | series-b | — |
| Valuation | $1.1B | — |
| Cheapest paid plan | Team · $250/mo | — |
| Free plan | ✓ Starter | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier price | Team · $250/mo | Clusters · Contact sales |
| Pricing summary | 3 published plans | 3 published plans |
| Categories |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Modal and Vast.ai.
| Capability | Modal | Vast.ai |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 3 (Python, JavaScript, Go) | 1 (Python) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Modal
- Has raised more capital ($111M vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (75 vs 12)
- Newer company (2021)
🔵 Strengths of Vast.ai
- Strong in AI Developer Platforms
Which should you choose?
Choose Modal if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Platforms 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 $111M, 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
Modal vs Vast.ai — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Modal has raised more capital and is the more established option; Vast.ai is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Modal cheaper than Vast.ai?
No — Vast.ai's cheapest paid plan is Paid · From $5/mo, while Modal's is Team · $250/mo.
Do Modal and Vast.ai offer free plans?
Modal: Yes, has a free plan. Vast.ai: Paid only.
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