Moonshot AI vs SambaNova
Which Foundation Models AI tool is better in 2026?
Moonshot AI
Maker of Kimi — the long-context AI chatbot.
SambaNova
The fastest AI inference platform, purpose-built for agentic AI with custom dataflow technology and three-tier memory architecture.
Side-by-side
Moonshot AI leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($3B) and a lower entry price than SambaNova.
| Metric | Moonshot AI | SambaNova |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Maker of Kimi — the long-context AI chatbot. | The fastest AI inference platform, purpose-built for agentic AI with custom dataflow technology and three-tier memory architecture. |
| Foundedi | 2023🏆 | — |
| HQi | Beijing, CN | US |
| Employeesi | 201-500 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 82🏆 | 60 |
| Total fundingi | $3B🏆 | $1.4B |
| Latest roundi | Series C · May 2026 | series-f · Aug 2023 |
| Valuationi | $20B🏆 | $2.2B |
| Cheapest paid plani | —🏆 | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ Kimi Free | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | — | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 4 published plans | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Moonshot AI and SambaNova.
| Capability | Moonshot AI | SambaNova |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 2 (python, javascript) | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✓ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Moonshot AI
- Has raised more capital ($3B vs $1.4B)
- Higher Neuron score (82 vs 60)
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2023)
🔵 Strengths of SambaNova
- Strong in Foundation Models
Which should you choose?
Choose Moonshot AI if price matters most — it starts at Free, 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 Moonshot AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $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.
💸 Deals
Kimi by Moonshot — free chat with long context
Moonshot's Kimi assistant is free to use with up to 2M-token context — great for document analysis and long-form chat.
Frequently asked questions
Moonshot AI vs SambaNova — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Moonshot AI has raised more capital and is the more established option; SambaNova has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Moonshot AI cheaper than SambaNova?
Yes — Moonshot AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while SambaNova's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Moonshot AI and SambaNova offer free plans?
Moonshot AI: Yes, has a free plan. SambaNova: Paid only.
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