Is Databricks Vector Search better than Elasticsearch in 2026?

It depends on your needs. Databricks Vector Search is rated higher at 4.5/5 vs Elasticsearch's 4.3/5. Databricks Vector Search excels at managed vector database integrated into databricks, storing embeddings alongside delta lake tables., while Elasticsearch focuses on elasticsearch vector search with hnsw dense vector fields and k-nn search, available from v8.0+.. Databricks Vector Search starts at custom pricing; Elasticsearch starts at $95/mo.

Which is cheaper, Databricks Vector Search or Elasticsearch?

Databricks Vector Search starts at custom pricing; Elasticsearch starts at $95/mo. Databricks Vector Search starts at Custom, and Elasticsearch also offers a free tier.

Can I migrate from Databricks Vector Search to Elasticsearch?

Most users can switch between these tools. Elasticsearch supports data import from Databricks Vector Search. Plan 1-3 days for migration depending on data volume and team size.

What are the key differences between Databricks Vector Search and Elasticsearch?

Databricks Vector Search uniquely offers Managed Vector Index, Delta Lake Integration, Unity Catalog Governance. Elasticsearch uniquely offers Dense Vector Search (kNN), Sparse Vector Search (ELSER), Hybrid Search (RRF). Both share 2 features including LangChain Integration, REST API. Databricks Vector Search starts at custom pricing; Elasticsearch starts at $95/mo. Founded in 2013 and 2012 respectively.

When was this Databricks Vector Search vs Elasticsearch comparison last updated?

This comparison was last updated on May 21, 2026. We review and refresh our comparisons regularly to reflect the latest pricing, features, and ratings from Databricks Vector Search and Elasticsearch.

Home›Vector Databases›Databricks Vector Search vs Elasticsearch

Updated May 21, 2026 · Independent Analysis

Databricks Vector Search vs Elasticsearch

Capability Overview

Databricks Vector Searchvs Elasticsearch

4.5G2+0.2 vs Elasticsearch

Only in Databricks Vector Search

✦ Managed Vector Index
✦ Delta Lake Integration
✦ Unity Catalog Governance

10k+ users · est. 2013

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Elasticsearchvs Databricks Vector Search

4.3G2-0.2 vs Databricks Vector Search

Only in Elasticsearch

✦ Dense Vector Search (kNN)
✦ Sparse Vector Search (ELSER)
✦ Hybrid Search (RRF)

✓ Free planFrom $95/mo1B+ users · est. 2012

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Pricing Features Pros & Cons At a Glance FAQ Related

Pricing IntelligenceHigh confidence

Databricks Vector Search Plans

Paid plans only

Serverless Vector Search

Custom

Provides serverless compute billed per DBU with auto-updating indexes. It requires custom pricing, contact sales for exact quotes; costs for teams of 5 or 10 depend on query volume rather than seats. Best for enterprise teams already using Databricks.

Full Databricks Vector Search Pricing Breakdown →