Databricks vs Twelve Labs
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Databricks
The data + AI company
Twelve Labs
Video understanding AI for developers
Side-by-side
Databricks is the more established option (raised $5.6B), but Twelve Labs is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Databricks | Twelve Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | The data + AI company | Video understanding AI for developers |
| Foundedi | 2013🏆 | 2021 |
| HQi | San Francisco, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 8000+🏆 | 50-100 |
| Neuron scorei | 95🏆 | 48 |
| Total fundingi | $5.6B🏆 | $77M |
| Latest roundi | Series L · Dec 2025 | Series A · Jun 2024 |
| Valuationi | $134B🏆 | $500M |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Committed Use Plan · Contact sales | Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 3 published plans | 3 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Databricks and Twelve Labs.
| Capability | Databricks | Twelve Labs |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 6 (Python, Java, R, Scala…) | 2 (Python, JavaScript) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Databricks
- Has raised more capital ($5.6B vs $77M)
- Higher Neuron score (95 vs 48)
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2013)
🔵 Strengths of Twelve Labs
- Offers a free plan
- Newer company (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose Twelve Labs if price matters most — it starts at Free, 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 Databricks if you want the most established option — it has raised $5.6B, 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
Databricks vs Twelve Labs — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Databricks has raised more capital and is the more established option; Twelve Labs is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Databricks cheaper than Twelve Labs?
No — Twelve Labs's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Databricks's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Databricks and Twelve Labs offer free plans?
Databricks: Free trial only. Twelve Labs: Yes, has a free plan.
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