Nebius vs Thinking Machines Lab
Which Foundation Models AI tool is better in 2026?
Nebius
Full-stack AI cloud with large-scale GPU clusters for training and inference
Thinking Machines Lab
Frontier AI research lab building customizable, multimodal models
Side-by-side
Thinking Machines Lab leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($2B) and a lower entry price than Nebius.
| Metric | Nebius | Thinking Machines Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Full-stack AI cloud with large-scale GPU clusters for training and inference | Frontier AI research lab building customizable, multimodal models |
| Foundedi | 2024🏆 | 2025 |
| HQi | Amsterdam, Netherlands | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 1000 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 77 | 90🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $700M | $2B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | private_placement · Dec 2024 | Seed · Jul 2025 |
| Valuationi | — | $12B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free trial | Usage |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Nebius and Thinking Machines Lab.
| Capability | Nebius | Thinking Machines Lab |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 4 (Python, REST API, CLI, Terraform) | 1 (python) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Nebius
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Thinking Machines Lab
- Has raised more capital ($2B vs $700M)
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 77)
- Newer company (2025)
Which should you choose?
Choose Thinking Machines Lab if price matters most — it starts at Usage, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both Foundation Models tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Thinking Machines Lab if you want the most established option — it has raised $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.
Frequently asked questions
Nebius vs Thinking Machines Lab — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Nebius is the leaner option; Thinking Machines Lab is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Nebius cheaper than Thinking Machines Lab?
No — Thinking Machines Lab's cheapest paid plan is Usage, while Nebius's is Free trial.
Do Nebius and Thinking Machines Lab offer free plans?
Nebius: Free trial only. Thinking Machines Lab: Paid only.
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