Profound vs Shade
Which Search AI tool is better in 2026?
Profound
AI search visibility platform for Answer Engine Optimization across ChatGPT and Perplexity
Shade
Intelligent cloud file system with AI search for creative teams
Side-by-side
Profound is the more established option (raised $331M), but Shade is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Profound | Shade |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI search visibility platform for Answer Engine Optimization across ChatGPT and Perplexity | Intelligent cloud file system with AI search for creative teams |
| Foundedi | 2024🏆 | — |
| HQi | New York, US | New York, United States |
| Employeesi | 51-200🏆 | — |
| Neuron scorei | 70🏆 | 39 |
| Total fundingi | $331M🏆 | $20M |
| Latest roundi | series-d · May 2024 | Series A · Apr 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | From $29.75/mo🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | Free trial · From $29.75/mo |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Profound and Shade.
| Capability | Profound | Shade |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Profound
- Has raised more capital ($331M vs $20M)
- Higher Neuron score (70 vs 39)
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Shade
- Lower starting price ($29.75/mo)
Which should you choose?
Choose Shade if price matters most — it starts at Free trial · From $29.75/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Search tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Profound if you want the most established option — it has raised $331M, 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
Profound vs Shade — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Profound has raised more capital and is the more established option; Shade is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Profound cheaper than Shade?
No — Shade's cheapest paid plan is Free trial · From $29.75/mo, while Profound's is Free.
Do Profound and Shade offer free plans?
Profound: Yes, has a free plan. Shade: Free trial only.
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