Alcor vs Tomorrow Biostasis
Alcor has been the leading American cryonics provider for over fifty years. Tomorrow Biostasis, founded in 2019, is Europe's fastest-growing cryonics organization and began serving American customers in July 2024. This article compares the two for those deciding between an established American provider and a newer European alternative.
I personally chose Tomorrow Biostasis because of their modern approach and European storage, but both organizations have significant merits. The right choice depends on your location, priorities, and budget.
In This Article
Overview
Alcor was founded in 1972 and operates from Scottsdale, Arizona. They have preserved over 250 patients and have approximately 1,500 members. They are a nonprofit organization with an established Patient Care Trust.
Tomorrow Biostasis was founded in 2019 by Dr. Emil Kendziorra and Fernando Azevedo Pinheiro. Their operations are based in Berlin, Germany, with long-term storage at the European Biostasis Foundation in Rafz, Switzerland. As of January 2026, they have preserved 20 patients and have over 800 members across 45 countries.
In May 2025, Tomorrow raised €5 million for US expansion. They now operate in New York, California, and Florida, with contracts valued at over €160 million total. Tomorrow operates custom cryo-ambulances for rapid response.
Costs
| Alcor | Tomorrow Biostasis | |
|---|---|---|
| Whole body | $220,000 | €200,000 (~$220,000) |
| Neuro only | $80,000 | €75,000 (~$82,000) |
| Standby | Included | Included |
| Monthly dues | Age × $15/year | €50/month (~$55) |
For whole-body preservation, the prices are essentially equivalent. Tomorrow's neuro option is slightly more affordable at €75,000 compared to Alcor's $80,000.
The membership fee structures differ. Alcor's annual dues are calculated as your age times $15, locked when you sign up. Tomorrow charges a flat €50 per month regardless of age. For younger members, Tomorrow's flat rate may cost more over a lifetime. For older members, it may cost less.
Both organizations include standby services in their pricing, unlike the Cryonics Institute which requires third-party arrangements.
Geographic Coverage
This is the most important practical difference between the two organizations.
Alcor has the strongest coverage in the western United States, particularly around their Arizona headquarters. Their DART team can deploy anywhere in North America, but response times are best near major cities and worst in remote areas or internationally.
Tomorrow has the strongest coverage in Europe, particularly Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Since July 2024, they have expanded to the United States with operations in New York, California, and Florida. If you live in Europe or split time between Europe and the US, Tomorrow offers more consistent coverage across both continents.
Response time after legal death is critical for preservation quality. If you live near one organization's standby teams, that is a significant factor in your decision.
Technology
Both organizations use modern vitrification techniques rather than older straight-freezing methods.
Alcor uses M-22, a cryoprotectant developed by 21st Century Medicine with extensive published research. Tomorrow uses a proprietary vitrification solution. Both store patients at -196°C in liquid nitrogen.
Alcor publishes detailed case reports and technical protocols. Their fifty years of operation have produced substantial documentation. Tomorrow publishes case reports as well, though their shorter history means less accumulated data.
Alcor recently installed a CT scanner for preservation quality verification and has reduced average ischemic times. Tomorrow emphasizes their custom cryo-ambulances and field cryoprotection capabilities.
Stability
The fundamental question is whether a fifty-year track record matters more than a modern approach and fresh investment.
Alcor has operated continuously since 1972. They maintain a Patient Care Trust with approximately $18 million held by Morgan Stanley, legally separate from operating funds. Their demonstrated longevity is the best evidence of organizational resilience.
Tomorrow was founded in 2019. They operate as a for-profit company with a nonprofit foundation (European Biostasis Foundation) for long-term storage. Their recent €5 million funding round demonstrates investor confidence, but they have not yet been tested by the decades of operation that cryonics requires.
Tomorrow's Swiss storage location offers political stability and privacy protections. Alcor's Arizona location is in a low-disaster-risk area with a dry climate.
Conclusion
If you live in the United States and value an established track record, Alcor is the safer choice. Their fifty years of continuous operation and substantial patient care fund provide confidence for indefinite storage.
If you live in Europe, travel frequently between continents, or prefer a more modern organization with fresh investment, Tomorrow is worth considering. Their expansion into the US market means American customers now have a viable alternative.
The prices are similar enough that cost should not be the deciding factor. Focus on geographic coverage and your comfort level with organizational maturity.
Both organizations accept life insurance as the primary funding method. See our insurance guide for details on making cryonics affordable.