Neurophos vs Zilliz
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Neurophos
Metasurface optical processors for exaflop-scale AI inference
Zilliz
Fully managed vector database for AI, built by the creators of Milvus
Side-by-side
Neurophos is the more established option (raised $118M), but Zilliz is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Neurophos | Zilliz |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Metasurface optical processors for exaflop-scale AI inference | Fully managed vector database for AI, built by the creators of Milvus |
| Foundedi | 2020 | 2017🏆 |
| HQi | Austin, US | Redwood City, United States |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 50 | 75🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $118M🏆 | $113M |
| Latest roundi | Series A | series_b · Aug 2022 |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| 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 | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Neurophos and Zilliz.
| Capability | Neurophos | Zilliz |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 5 (Python, Node.js, Go, Java…) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Neurophos
- Has raised more capital ($118M vs $113M)
- Newer company (2020)
🔵 Strengths of Zilliz
- Higher Neuron score (75 vs 50)
- More mature (2017)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zilliz if price matters most — it starts at Free, 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 Neurophos if you want the most established option — it has raised $118M, 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
Neurophos vs Zilliz — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Neurophos has raised more capital and is the more established option; Zilliz is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Neurophos cheaper than Zilliz?
No — Zilliz's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Neurophos's is Free.
Do Neurophos and Zilliz offer free plans?
Neurophos: Yes, has a free plan. Zilliz: Yes, has a free plan.
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