MiniMax vs Upstage
Which Foundation Models AI tool is better in 2026?
MiniMax
Chinese AI lab behind Hailuo video and Talkie companions.
Upstage
South Korean AI company best known for its Solar family of large language models and its
Side-by-side
MiniMax leads on both fronts — more capital raised ($2.2B) and a lower entry price than Upstage.
| Metric | MiniMax | Upstage |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Chinese AI lab behind Hailuo video and Talkie companions. | South Korean AI company best known for its Solar family of large language models and its |
| Foundedi | 2021 | 2020🏆 |
| HQi | Shanghai, CN | — |
| Employeesi | 201-500 | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 77🏆 | 51 |
| Total fundingi | $2.2B🏆 | $117M |
| Latest roundi | IPO · Jan 2026 | Series B |
| Valuationi | $13.7B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | —🏆 | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | — | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for MiniMax and Upstage.
| Capability | MiniMax | Upstage |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✓ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✓ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of MiniMax
- Has raised more capital ($2.2B vs $117M)
- Higher Neuron score (77 vs 51)
- Newer company (2021)
🔵 Strengths of Upstage
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- More mature (2020)
Which should you choose?
Choose MiniMax if price matters most — it starts at Freemium, 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 MiniMax if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.2B, 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
MiniMax API — free signup credits
MiniMax gives new developers free signup credits across Hailuo video, voice cloning, and abab chat APIs.
Terms: New accounts only.
Frequently asked questions
MiniMax vs Upstage — which is better?
It depends on your priority. MiniMax has raised more capital and is the more established option; Upstage has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is MiniMax cheaper than Upstage?
Yes — MiniMax's cheapest paid plan is Freemium, while Upstage's is Free.
Do MiniMax and Upstage offer free plans?
MiniMax: Paid only. Upstage: Yes, has a free plan.
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