FAANG vs MAANG: Meaning, Companies & Which Term to Use in 2026

You’ve probably seen the acronyms FAANG and MAANG thrown around in tech circles — but what do they actually mean, and why did they change? Here’s the short answer: they refer to the same five companies. The only difference is one letter.

FAANG: The Original

FAANG stood for Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google. The term was coined by Jim Cramer on CNBC as a stock-market acronym, but it quickly became shorthand for the most prestigious employers in tech — high salaries, strong brands, and interviews everyone prepares for.

Why MAANG?

In 2021, Facebook rebranded to Meta, so people started using MAANG instead: Meta, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google. Same elite group of companies — just with the updated name. Recruiters and job seekers use both terms interchangeably.

FAANG vs MAANG at a Glance

Letter	FAANG	MAANG
F / M	Facebook	Meta (same company)
A	Apple	Apple
A	Amazon	Amazon
N	Netflix	Netflix
G	Google	Google

Other Acronyms You’ll Hear

MAMAA (Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon) swaps Netflix for Microsoft. The “Magnificent Seven” adds Nvidia and Tesla. In practice, “FAANG-level” now just means top-tier big tech — including companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, Uber, Stripe, and OpenAI.

Why Job Seekers Care

FAANG/MAANG companies typically pay well above market — senior software engineers often earn between US$300k and $500k+ in total compensation. The trade-off: competitive interviews and thousands of applicants per opening, which is why being among the first to apply genuinely matters.

Does the Acronym Really Matter?

Not much, honestly. Whether you call it FAANG or MAANG, it’s all about the top tech firms known for big salaries, tough interviews, and major global impact. Don’t get stuck on the acronym — focus on where the exciting work is happening, and apply early.