Comparison
Weaviate vs Milvus
Overview
Weaviate is an open-source, AI-native vector database with built-in vectorization modules and hybrid search. It combines vector and keyword search, integrates with popular embedding and generative models, and offers a managed cloud service.
Milvus is an open-source vector database designed for billion-scale similarity search. A graduated LF AI & Data project, it supports multiple index types and GPU acceleration, with a managed offering available through Zilliz Cloud.
Which should you choose?
Both are open source with a free tier and a managed cloud option. Weaviate emphasizes built-in vectorizer modules and hybrid vector+keyword search via GraphQL. Milvus emphasizes billion-scale search with GPU acceleration and multiple ANN index types. Choose Weaviate for built-in hybrid search and easier vectorization; choose Milvus if you need to scale to billions of vectors with GPU acceleration.
TLDR
- —If built-in hybrid search and easier vectorization matter most, choose Weaviate.
- —If you need to scale to billions of vectors with GPU acceleration, choose Milvus.
Features
- —Built-in vectorizer modules
- —Hybrid (vector + keyword) search
- —GraphQL and REST APIs
- —Generative search integrations
- —Multi-tenancy
- —Managed Weaviate Cloud
- —Billion-scale vector search
- —Multiple ANN index types
- —GPU acceleration
- —Cloud-native distributed design
- —Hybrid search with scalar filtering
- —Managed Zilliz Cloud option
Pricing
Weaviate
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Free | Self-hosted. |
| Serverless Cloud | Contact sales | Pay per dimension stored. |
Milvus
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Free | Self-hosted Apache 2.0. |
| Zilliz Cloud | Contact sales | Managed, free tier plus paid. |
Company Fit
Weaviate
Milvus