Groq vs SambaNova
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Groq
Fastest AI inference on the planet
SambaNova
The fastest AI inference platform, purpose-built for agentic AI with custom dataflow technology and three-tier memory architecture.
Side-by-side
Groq is the more established option (raised $2.3B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Groq | SambaNova |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Fastest AI inference on the planet | The fastest AI inference platform, purpose-built for agentic AI with custom dataflow technology and three-tier memory architecture. |
| Foundedi | 2016🏆 | — |
| HQi | Mountain View, US | US |
| Employeesi | 200-500 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 84🏆 | 82 |
| Total fundingi | $2.3B🏆 | $1.5B |
| Latest roundi | Series E · Sep 2025 | Series E · Feb 2026 |
| Valuationi | $6.9B🏆 | $2.2B |
| 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 | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Groq and SambaNova.
| Capability | Groq | SambaNova |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (Python, JavaScript) | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Groq
- Has raised more capital ($2.3B vs $1.5B)
- Higher Neuron score (84 vs 82)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
🔵 Strengths of SambaNova
- Strong in AI Infrastructure
Which should you choose?
Choose SambaNova if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, 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 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 SambaNova — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Groq has raised more capital and is the more established option; SambaNova has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Groq cheaper than SambaNova?
No — SambaNova's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Groq's is Free.
Do Groq and SambaNova offer free plans?
Groq: Yes, has a free plan. SambaNova: Paid only.
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