Open-Source AI · LLM / RAG framework

LlamaIndex vs Haystack

LlamaIndex vs Haystack compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. The data framework for RAG vs Production pipelines for search and RAG.

Updated regularly · curated by olud.ai

Choose LlamaIndex for developers building data-heavy RAG apps. Choose Haystack for teams wanting production search pipelines.

LlamaIndex vs Haystack at a glance

SpecLlamaIndexHaystack
CategoryLLM / RAG frameworkLLM / RAG framework
TypeData / RAG frameworkNLP / RAG framework
LicenseMITApache-2.0
Runs locallyCloud-optionalCloud-optional
Primary languagePythonPython
Ease of useIntermediateIntermediate
Best fordevelopers building data-heavy RAG appsteams wanting production search pipelines
GitHub stars51k26k

Feature comparison

FeatureLlamaIndexHaystack
Python✓✓
JavaScript / TS✓✗
Agents✓✓
RAG✓✓
Streaming✓✓
Many integrations✓✓

How LlamaIndex and Haystack score

🤝 Too close to call — LlamaIndex and Haystack land within a hair (4.3 vs 4.1 / 5). Pick on fit, not on score.
CriterionLlamaIndexHaystack
Popularity4.53.5
Maintenance5.05.0
Ease of use3.53.5
Privacy3.53.5
License freedom5.05.0

Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.

What each one is

LlamaIndex

Data / RAG framework · MIT

LlamaIndex is a data framework focused on connecting LLMs to your data, with best-in-class ingestion, indexing and retrieval for RAG applications.

  • Best-in-class ingestion and indexing for RAG
  • Many data connectors and retrievers
  • Focused, RAG-first design
See the LlamaIndex page →

Haystack

NLP / RAG framework · Apache-2.0

Haystack by deepset is a production-oriented framework for building search and RAG pipelines with a clear, composable component model.

  • Production-first, composable pipeline model
  • Strong document search and retrieval
  • Apache-2.0 with enterprise backing
See the Haystack page →

Key differences

LlamaIndex is data / RAG framework, while Haystack is nLP / RAG framework. Their licenses differ (MIT vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. In short, LlamaIndex fits developers building data-heavy RAG apps, and Haystack fits teams wanting production search pipelines.

Which should you choose?

Choose LlamaIndex for developers building data-heavy RAG apps. Choose Haystack for teams wanting production search pipelines.

There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.

Frequently asked questions

Is LlamaIndex or Haystack easier to use?

Both sit at a similar level (Intermediate). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.

Are LlamaIndex and Haystack free?

LlamaIndex is free and open source (MIT), and Haystack is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.

Can I run LlamaIndex and Haystack locally?

LlamaIndex: cloud-optional · Haystack: cloud-optional. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.

LlamaIndex vs Haystack — which should I pick in 2026?

Choose LlamaIndex for developers building data-heavy RAG apps. Choose Haystack for teams wanting production search pipelines.

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