server
Open source
free (OSS) + managed cloud

Weaviate

Vector database with built-in modules for embedding, generative search, and reranking. Schema-first design appeals to teams used to traditional databases. Generative-search module pairs with local Ollama models out of the box.

By Fredoline Eruo·Last verified May 6, 2026·13,000 GitHub stars

Overview

Vector database with built-in modules for embedding, generative search, and reranking. Schema-first design appeals to teams used to traditional databases. Generative-search module pairs with local Ollama models out of the box.

Stack & relationships

How Weaviate relates to other entries in the catalog — recommended pairings, alternatives, dependencies, and edges to avoid. Each edge carries a one-line operator note from our editorial team.

Weaviate ↔ ecosystem

Works with

  • Works with
    AnythingLLM

    Supported backend — works fine. Most users pick Qdrant or LanceDB instead.

Alternatives

  • Competes with
    Qdrant

    Both are production-grade vector DBs. Qdrant has the simpler ops surface and better single-node performance; Weaviate has hybrid-search and broader query language.

  • Alternative to
    Qdrant

    Weaviate has hybrid search and a richer query language; Qdrant has cleaner ops and faster single-node performance. Pick by workload shape.

Pros

  • Schema-first feels familiar
  • Native generative search
  • Hybrid (vector + keyword) BM25 built-in

Cons

  • Heavier ops than Chroma
  • Schema rigidity vs Qdrant's flexibility

Compatibility

Operating systems
macOS
Linux
Windows
Docker
Kubernetes
GPU backends
n/a
LicenseOpen source · free (OSS) + managed cloud

Get Weaviate

Frequently asked

Is Weaviate free?

Weaviate has a paid tier (free (OSS) + managed cloud). Check the pricing page for current terms.

What operating systems does Weaviate support?

Weaviate supports macOS, Linux, Windows, Docker, Kubernetes.

Which GPUs work with Weaviate?

Weaviate supports n/a. CPU-only inference is also possible but slow.

Reviewed by RunLocalAI Editorial. See our editorial policy for how we evaluate tools.