Trained AI vs Zest AI
AI & Automation head-to-head · axis by axis, same rubric for both
AI & Automation
AI & Automation
| Axis | Trained AI | Zest AI |
|---|---|---|
| Production impact | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Functionality & depth | 3.3 | 3.6 |
| Integrations & ecosystem | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Adoption & support | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Return on spend | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Overall | 3.6 | 3.4 |
Trained AI wins 3 of 5 axes. Same rubric, same weights, no sponsorships.
What the rubric says
Trained AI and Zest AI are both scored in AI & Automation. Trained AI carries an overall of 3.6, Zest AI an overall of 3.4. The widest gap between them is Return on spend, at 0.6 of a point. That axis measures what the spend returns, which is not the same as being cheap. Trained AI takes it, 3.8 to 3.2.
Where the five axes separate
On Return on spend the record favours Trained AI, 3.8 against 3.2. On Functionality and depth the record favours Zest AI, 3.6 against 3.3. On Production impact the record favours Trained AI, 3.8 against 3.5.
Pricing posture
Trained AI does not publish pricing. Its listed model is per closed and funded loan, rates not published. Zest AI does not publish pricing. Its listed model is quote only.
Deployment and who each one targets
Deployment for Trained AI: Cloud, API alongside the existing LOS. Deployment for Zest AI: Cloud models delivered into the lender’s decisioning flow. Segment focus for Trained AI: Independent mortgage banks and mid-size retail lenders adding capacity without adding processors. Segment focus for Zest AI: Credit unions, banks and specialty lenders automating consumer credit decisions. The two entries name different buyers.
What each record credits
Trained AI: Charges per closed and funded loan, so cost tracks production. Zest AI: Named institutions report auto-decision rates between 70 and 83 percent.
What each record holds against them
Trained AI: No LOS is named as a certified or tested integration. Zest AI: No published residential mortgage underwriting product.
Which one fits which shop
Best fit for Trained AI: Lenders with swinging volume who cannot carry fixed fulfillment cost through a downturn. Best fit for Zest AI: Credit unions chasing higher auto-decision rates on consumer paper with documented fair-lending testing.
The short answer
Trained AI finishes ahead on the published rubric, 3.6 to 3.4. The margin comes mostly from Return on spend. Same rubric, same weights, no sponsorships.
Both tools are scored on the same weighted rubric, production impact carries the most weight. Comparisons are never sponsored. Disclosure →