The verdict
On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.
What the data says
- Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
- Pinecone starts lower, at $20/mo against $125/mo.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our Agents ranking, Pinecone places 4 and Zep 5 of 10.
Side by side
Plans and pricing
PI
Pinecone
- Startertesting and small prototypesFree
- Buildersolo developers and small teams$20/mo
- Standardproduction apps needing SSO and higher limits$50/mo
- Enterpriseteams requiring BYOC, private endpoints and SLAs$500/mo
ZE
Zep
- Flexstartup-scale agent workloads$125/mo
- Flex Plushigh-volume production deployments$375/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Other options worth a look
- DEToolBuilds custom AI agents and web apps from natural language prompts while providing centralized access to multiple LLM providers under one subscription.
Agents
From $15/mo yearlyFree plan - MIToolBuilds and deploys custom AI agents using a visual workflow editor, multi-model router, and API-first infrastructure.
Agents
From $16/mo yearlyFree plan - NOToolGrounded AI agent that answers exclusively from your curated library, delivering precise citations and multi-agent verification for trustworthy insights.
Agents
From $16.58/mo yearlyFree planAffiliate link - EAToolDeploy AI agents on your website to run qualification conversations, book meetings, and transfer qualified prospects to your team.
Agents
Free plan - AIToolBuilds and secures AI agents with drag-and-drop orchestration, governance guardrails, and runtime policy enforcement.
Agents
From $25/mo - VGToolOrchestrates omnichannel AI agents that answer calls, qualify leads, and manage support across voice, text, and web.
Agents