ExaFreemium
A search API built for AI agents rather than humans — structured outputs, token-efficient highlights, and sub-200ms responses.
AI Infrastructure comparison
Exa vs Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI)
Pricing, pros, cons, and ideal use cases — side by side.
Google Cloud's unified AI platform — access to Gemini and partner models, plus tools to build, deploy, and govern AI and agents.
At a glance
| Exa | Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | FreemiumFree trial via the dashboard; usage-based pricing published on the pricing page rather than the homepage. | PaidUsage-based pricing across model and platform services, billed through Google Cloud. |
| Category | AI Infrastructure | AI Infrastructure |
| Ideal for | Teams building research and enrichment agentsDevelopers replacing scrape-and-parse pipelinesCoding agents needing current documentationAnyone paying too many tokens for web content | Enterprises already on Google CloudTeams wanting Gemini under enterprise governanceOrganizations consolidating the AI lifecycle on one platform |
Pros & cons
Exa
Pros
- Roughly 90% token reduction versus fetching full pages
- Structured JSON output against your own schema
- Sub-180ms latency
- Zero data retention plus SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA coverage
- Used in production by Cursor, Cognition, and HubSpot
Cons
- Usage pricing is not on the homepage — model your volume first
- Another metered dependency in the agent loop
- Index coverage differs from Google; verify recall on your domain
- Overkill if you only need occasional lookups
Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI)
Pros
- Gemini plus a broad Model Garden
- End-to-end build, deploy, evaluate, and govern
- Inside Google Cloud IAM and compliance
- Strong data and analytics integration
Cons
- Large, complex platform surface area
- Most valuable only if you are already on GCP
- Getting value requires real platform investment
Which should you choose?
Exa is the lighter-weight option (Freemium), while Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI) sits higher on the pricing ladder (Paid). Exa is built around teams building research and enrichment agents; Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI) leans more toward enterprises already on google cloud. Shortlist the one whose strengths line up with your biggest constraint.
Still deciding between Exa and Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (formerly Vertex AI)?
Get one AI workflow a week showing AI Infrastructure in a real stack — what they cost, and where each one breaks.