VAST Data vs Zhipu AI
Which Developer Tools AI tool is better in 2026?
VAST Data
Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure
Zhipu AI
Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4.
Side-by-side
VAST Data is the more established option (raised $2.4B), but Zhipu AI is cheaper to start.
| Metric | VAST Data | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Unifying software layer for AI infrastructure | Chinese foundation model lab behind ChatGLM and GLM-4. |
| Foundedi | 2016🏆 | 2019 |
| HQi | US | Beijing, CN |
| Employeesi | 201-500 | 201-500 |
| Neuron scorei | 90🏆 | 63 |
| Total fundingi | $2.4B🏆 | $2.0B |
| Latest roundi | Series F · Apr 2026 | IPO · Jan 2026 |
| Valuationi | $30B🏆 | $6.6B |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | —🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ Free Tier |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | — |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | 1 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for VAST Data and Zhipu AI.
| Capability | VAST Data | Zhipu AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | 2 (Python, Go) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of VAST Data
- Has raised more capital ($2.4B vs $2.0B)
- Higher Neuron score (90 vs 63)
- More mature (2016)
🔵 Strengths of Zhipu AI
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2019)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zhipu AI if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Developer Tools tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose VAST Data if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.4B, 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
Zhipu GLM API — free signup credits
New Zhipu BigModel API accounts get free starter credits to evaluate GLM-4 and CogView image models.
Terms: New accounts only.
Frequently asked questions
VAST Data vs Zhipu AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. VAST Data has raised more capital and is the more established option; Zhipu AI is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is VAST Data cheaper than Zhipu AI?
No — Zhipu AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while VAST Data's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do VAST Data and Zhipu AI offer free plans?
VAST Data: Paid only. Zhipu AI: Yes, has a free plan.
Explore more AI Developer Tools tools
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.