Exa vs Kagi: Which AI Search Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Exa vs Kagi, in 15 seconds
Choose Exa if…
- You want the lower entry price
- You need a genuinely free plan
Choose Kagi if…
- You want to trial before paying
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
- You want deeper AI and automation features
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Exa and Kagi score
It's evenly matched, each leads on 2 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
ExaNo reviewsKagiNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
Exa0Kagi0 - Exa
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
Exa$4/moKagi$5/mo - Even
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
ExaFree planKagiFree trial - Kagi
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Exa1Kagi6 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Exa8Kagi8 - Kagi
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Exa,Kagi1 - Even
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Exa1Kagi1 - Exa
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Exa3Kagi2
Feature Comparison
Exa vs Kagi feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Exa
KagiPricing Comparison
Exa vs Kagi pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Exa
$4/mo to start- $10 in credits monthly
- Up to 2,500 instant searches
- Resets on the 1st of each month
- No payment method required
- Instant search $4 per 1k requests
- Fast or auto search $7 per 1k
- Deep Search $12 to $15 per 1k
- Contents $1 per 1k pages
- Volume discounts
- Postpaid invoice billing
- Custom indexes
Kagi
$5/mo to start- 100 searches
- 100 Assistant interactions
- 300 searches
- Kagi Assistant in Quick mode
- Unlimited searches
- Expanded Assistant access
- Unlimited searches
- Flagship models including Claude, GPT and Gemini
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Exa vs Kagi: strengths and trade-offs
Exa
Pros
- Free plan available
- Lower starting price ($4/mo)
- Compliance: GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Kagi
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Broad integration ecosystem (6)
- Compliance: GDPR
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Higher starting price ($5/mo)
Buyer Fit
Who should use Exa vs Kagi?
Startups
Exa
Exa keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Exa
Exa offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Kagi
Kagi connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Either
Either leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Kagi
Kagi integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Kagi
Kagi is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Only in Exa (1)
Only in Kagi (6)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar ai search products buyers compare alongside Exa and Kagi.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Exa and Kagi against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationExa vs Kagi, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Exa and Kagi?
Exa and Kagi are both AI Search solutions. Exa is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Kagi is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Exa or Kagi?
Based on user ratings, Exa scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Exa or Kagi?
Exa is the more affordable option, starting at $4/month.
Does Exa or Kagi have a free plan?
Exa offers a free plan. Kagi does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Exa to Kagi?
Switching between Exa and Kagi is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Exa vs Kagi?
Exa is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Kagi works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Exa vs Kagi
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Exa
Exa has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Either
It's a tie leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Exa
Exa delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Kagi
Kagi ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.