Coactive AI vs Shade
Which Search AI tool is better in 2026?
Coactive AI
Multimodal AI that makes video and images searchable
Shade
Intelligent cloud file system with AI search for creative teams
Side-by-side
Coactive AI is the more established option (raised $44M), but Shade is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Coactive AI | Shade |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Multimodal AI that makes video and images searchable | Intelligent cloud file system with AI search for creative teams |
| Foundedi | 2021🏆 | — |
| HQi | San Jose, US | New York, United States |
| Employeesi | 51-200🏆 | — |
| Neuron scorei | 58 | 67🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $44M🏆 | $20M |
| Latest roundi | Series A | 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 Coactive AI and Shade.
| Capability | Coactive AI | Shade |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Coactive AI
- Has raised more capital ($44M vs $20M)
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2021)
🔵 Strengths of Shade
- Higher Neuron score (67 vs 58)
- 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 Coactive AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $44M, 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
Coactive AI vs Shade — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Coactive AI has raised more capital and is the more established option; Shade is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Coactive AI cheaper than Shade?
No — Shade's cheapest paid plan is Free trial · From $29.75/mo, while Coactive AI's is Free.
Do Coactive AI and Shade offer free plans?
Coactive AI: Yes, has a free plan. Shade: Free trial only.
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