Weaviate

What It Does

Weaviate is an open-source vector database that combines vector search with traditional filtering. Unique among vector databases, it includes built-in vectorization modules that can automatically generate embeddings using integrated ML models.

Key Features

Weaviate offers built-in vectorization (text2vec, img2vec, multi2vec), GraphQL and REST APIs, hybrid search combining BM25 and vector, multi-tenancy, generative search modules, schema-based data modeling, and both self-hosted and cloud deployment options.

When To Use It

Choose Weaviate when you need integrated vectorization without managing separate embedding services, want a GraphQL API, need multi-modal search (text, images, audio), or prefer an open-source solution with cloud options.

Alternatives

Pinecone offers simpler managed deployment. Qdrant provides higher raw performance. Milvus handles extreme scale. Chroma is lighter-weight for prototyping.