Nebius vs Zilliz
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Nebius
Full-stack AI cloud with large-scale GPU clusters for training and inference
Zilliz
Fully managed vector database for AI, built by the creators of Milvus
Side-by-side
Nebius is the more established option (raised $700M), but Zilliz is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Nebius | Zilliz |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Full-stack AI cloud with large-scale GPU clusters for training and inference | Fully managed vector database for AI, built by the creators of Milvus |
| Foundedi | 2024 | 2017🏆 |
| HQi | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Redwood City, United States |
| Employeesi | 1000 | 200🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 77🏆 | 75 |
| Total fundingi | $700M🏆 | $113M |
| Latest roundi | private_placement · Dec 2024 | series_b · Aug 2022 |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free trial | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Nebius and Zilliz.
| Capability | Nebius | Zilliz |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 4 (Python, REST API, CLI, Terraform) | 5 (Python, Node.js, Go, Java…) |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Nebius
- Has raised more capital ($700M vs $113M)
- Higher Neuron score (77 vs 75)
- Newer company (2024)
🔵 Strengths of Zilliz
- Offers a free plan
- More mature (2017)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zilliz 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 Nebius if you want the most established option — it has raised $700M, 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
Nebius vs Zilliz — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Nebius has raised more capital and is the more established option; Zilliz is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Nebius cheaper than Zilliz?
No — Zilliz's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Nebius's is Free trial.
Do Nebius and Zilliz offer free plans?
Nebius: Free trial only. Zilliz: Yes, has a free plan.
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