Weaviate vs Zilliz
Which Infrastructure AI tool is better in 2026?
Weaviate
Open-source AI-native vector database
Zilliz
Fully managed vector database for AI, built by the creators of Milvus
Side-by-side
Zilliz is the more established option (raised $113M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Weaviate | Zilliz |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Open-source AI-native vector database | Fully managed vector database for AI, built by the creators of Milvus |
| Foundedi | 2019 | 2017🏆 |
| HQi | Amsterdam, NL | Redwood City, United States |
| Employeesi | 200-500🏆 | 200 |
| Neuron scorei | 50 | 75🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $50M | $113M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Oct 2025 | series_b · Aug 2022 |
| Valuationi | $200M🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ Open Source | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Weaviate Cloud · Contact sales | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | 2 published plans | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Weaviate and Zilliz.
| Capability | Weaviate | Zilliz |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | 5 (Python, Go, TypeScript, JavaScript…) | 5 (Python, Node.js, Go, Java…) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Weaviate
- Newer company (2019)
- Verified profile
🔵 Strengths of Zilliz
- Has raised more capital ($113M vs $50M)
- Higher Neuron score (75 vs 50)
- More mature (2017)
Which should you choose?
Choose Zilliz if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Infrastructure tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Zilliz if you want the most established option — it has raised $113M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Weaviate vs Zilliz — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Weaviate is the leaner option; Zilliz has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Weaviate cheaper than Zilliz?
No — Zilliz's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Weaviate's is Free.
Do Weaviate and Zilliz offer free plans?
Weaviate: Yes, has a free plan. Zilliz: Yes, has a free plan.
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