Shade vs Twelve Labs
Which Search AI tool is better in 2026?
Shade
Intelligent cloud file system with AI search for creative teams
Twelve Labs
Video understanding AI for developers
Side-by-side
Twelve Labs leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($77M) and a lower entry price than Shade.
| Metric | Shade | Twelve Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Intelligent cloud file system with AI search for creative teams | Video understanding AI for developers |
| Foundedi | — | 2021🏆 |
| HQi | New York, United States | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | — | 50-100🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 39 | 53🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $20M | $77M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series A · Apr 2026 | Series A · Jun 2024 |
| Valuationi | — | $500M🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | From $29.75/mo | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free trial · From $29.75/mo | Freemium |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Shade and Twelve Labs.
| Capability | Shade | Twelve Labs |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 2 (Python, JavaScript) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Shade
- Offers a free trial
🔵 Strengths of Twelve Labs
- Has raised more capital ($77M vs $20M)
- Higher Neuron score (53 vs 39)
- Newer company (2021)
- Verified profile
Which should you choose?
Choose Twelve Labs if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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 Twelve Labs if you want the most established option — it has raised $77M, 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
Shade vs Twelve Labs — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Shade is the leaner option; Twelve Labs is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Shade cheaper than Twelve Labs?
No — Twelve Labs's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Shade's is Free trial · From $29.75/mo.
Do Shade and Twelve Labs offer free plans?
Shade: Free trial only. Twelve Labs: Paid only.
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