Mem0 vs Zep: Which AI Agent Is Better in 2026?
Two closely related memory & RAG tools, side by side. Everything here comes from our directory listing; pricing is as each maker states it. Both are listed for: give agents memory.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | Mem0 is an open-source memory layer for AI agents that extracts facts from conversations in a single add-only pass, links entities across memories and retrieves them in later sessions, with an Apache-2.0 SDK and a managed platform. | Context layer that unifies business data, documents and conversations into memory so agents complete tasks correctly. |
| Pricing model | Open source + cloud | Freemium |
| Open source | Yes | Public GitHub repo listed |
| Key features | Add-only memory extraction; Agent-generated facts stored; Entity linking | Context layer that unifies business data, documents and conversations into memory so agents complete tasks correctly. |
| Best for | Developers who want an open-source memory layer they can run themselves, with a managed platform that has a free plan | Teams that want a managed context layer joining business data, documents and conversations, with cloud or VPC deployment |
| Category | memory & RAG | memory & RAG |
| Audience | For builders | For builders |
| Pricing (as stated) | Open source SDK (Apache-2.0); managed platform: Hobby free, Starter $19/mo, Pro $249/mo, Enterprise custom | Free plan (10,000 credits/month); Flex $125/mo, Flex Plus $375/mo (billed monthly); Enterprise custom |
| Maturity | Mature | Active |
| GitHub stars | 67,147 | 4,966 |
| Use cases | give agents memory, build an agent | give agents memory |
| Link checked | 2026-10-20 | 2026-10-20 |
| Official site | Visit ↗ | Visit ↗ |
We don't run benchmarks. The recommendation below is based on the listing facts in this table, not on testing. Check each official site for current pricing and features before you choose.
Our recommendation
Choose Mem0 if you want an Apache-2.0 SDK you can self-host, or a managed platform with a free Hobby plan and paid plans from $19/mo.
Choose Zep if you want a managed, credit-based context layer that unifies business data, documents and chat history, with a free plan, Flex plans from $125/mo and enterprise VPC deployment.
FAQ
What is the difference between Mem0 and Zep?
Mem0: Mem0 is an open-source memory layer for AI agents that extracts facts from conversations in a single add-only pass, links entities across memories and retrieves them in later sessions, with an Apache-2.0 SDK and a managed platform. Zep: Context layer that unifies business data, documents and conversations into memory so agents complete tasks correctly.
Is Mem0 or Zep open source?
Mem0: Yes. Zep: Public GitHub repo listed. Pricing as each maker states it: Mem0, Open source SDK (Apache-2.0); managed platform: Hobby free, Starter $19/mo, Pro $249/mo, Enterprise custom; Zep, Free plan (10,000 credits/month); Flex $125/mo, Flex Plus $375/mo (billed monthly); Enterprise custom.
Should I choose Mem0 or Zep?
Choose Mem0 if you want an Apache-2.0 SDK you can self-host, or a managed platform with a free Hobby plan and paid plans from $19/mo. Choose Zep if you want a managed, credit-based context layer that unifies business data, documents and chat history, with a free plan, Flex plans from $125/mo and enterprise VPC deployment.
Related:
Mem0 ·
Zep · More memory & RAG tools · MCP servers & infra
Related search: Free AI document and RAG tools