Firsthand vs Retail Media IQ
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Firsthand starts at See pricing page and Retail Media IQ starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI Brand Agents
- Agents inside paid media
- On-site deployment
- Conversation transcripts and insights
- Publisher tools
- Multi-network campaign management
- AI bid optimisation
- Keyword tools
- Retail media network database
- Agency solutions
| Feature | Firsthand | Retail Media IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Brand Agent platform that puts a company's own AI agents in front of buyers | AI-driven ad management across retail media networks |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | No, trial available |
| Made by | Firsthand | Retail Media IQ |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Firsthand starts at See pricing page and Retail Media IQ starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Firsthand
- Brand controls the agent's knowledge
- Works across site and ad placements
- Rich insight from conversations
- No public pricing
- Built for large marketers and publishers
- Requires a demo to get started
Retail Media IQ
- Covers several retail networks in one tool
- Free keyword tools
- Separate workflows for agencies
- Pricing not published
- Focused on retail media ads only
- Little detail on how the AI decides
Which one should you choose?
Choose Firsthand if you want:
- Brand controls the agent's knowledge
- Works across site and ad placements
- Rich insight from conversations
Watch out: no public pricing.
Choose Retail Media IQ if you want:
- Covers several retail networks in one tool
- Free keyword tools
- Separate workflows for agencies
Watch out: pricing not published.
Firsthand vs Retail Media IQ FAQ
What is the difference between Firsthand and Retail Media IQ?
Firsthand: Brand Agent platform that puts a company's own AI agents in front of buyers. Retail Media IQ: AI-driven ad management across retail media networks. Both are marketing tools.
Is Firsthand or Retail Media IQ cheaper?
Firsthand starts at See pricing page and Retail Media IQ starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Firsthand and Retail Media IQ have free plans?
Firsthand: No. Retail Media IQ: No, trial available.
Who makes Firsthand?
Firsthand is made by Firsthand, based in United States.
Who makes Retail Media IQ?
Retail Media IQ is made by Retail Media IQ.
Which should I choose, Firsthand or Retail Media IQ?
Choose Firsthand if you value brand controls the agent's knowledge and works across site and ad placements. Choose Retail Media IQ if you value covers several retail networks in one tool and free keyword tools.