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Databases · head to head

Apache Solr vs Baserow

Apache Solr logo

Apache Solr

Databases

Enterprise search platform built on Apache Lucene

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Baserow logo

Baserow

Spreadsheets

Open-source no-code database platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apache Solr xML-heavy configuration and a developer experience that feels dated beside newer engines; Baserow the free tier is capped at 3,000 rows and 2GB of storage per workspace
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, Baserow covers Database tables.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Solr and Baserow actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Solr and Baserow differ
AttributeApache SolrBaserow
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feefreemium
PlatformsLinux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hostedWeb, Api, Self-hosted
CategoryDatabasesSpreadsheets
FoundedUnknown2019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Solr

  • Lucene-based indexing
  • Faceted search
  • SolrCloud
  • Schema control

Only in Baserow

  • Database tables
  • Multiple views
  • Forms
  • API access
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Templates
  • Plugins
  • Self-hosting

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Solr

  • Library, archive and catalogue search where faceting is centralnot Baserow
  • Long-lived enterprise deployments valuing stability over noveltynot Baserow
  • Search requiring precise, explicitly configured relevance tuningnot Baserow

Baserow

  • Self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet databasenot Apache Solr
  • Structured team data with Kanban, calendar and grid viewsnot Apache Solr
  • Building internal tools on top of a database with an APInot Apache Solr
  • Sharing data with external app users without giving them full seatsnot Apache Solr

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Solr

  • XML-heavy configuration and a developer experience that feels dated beside newer engines
  • SolrCloud depends on ZooKeeper, adding a component Elasticsearch removed years ago
  • Smaller mindshare now, so newer tutorials, hiring and integrations favour Elasticsearch
  • Considerably heavier than a purpose-built application search engine

Baserow

  • The free tier is capped at 3,000 rows and 2GB of storage per workspace
  • Kanban, calendar and survey views need Premium at $10 per user per month billed yearly
  • Role-based permissions, audit logs and SSO require Premium or higher
  • Row limits are per workspace rather than per table, so splitting data across bases does not raise the ceiling
  • Automation runs are metered as credits, 2,000 a month on free

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Solr

Free
  • Apache SolrFree
    • Full functionality
    • No usage limits
    • Community support

Baserow

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3000 rows per workspace
    • 2 GB storage per workspace
    • 2000 automation credits monthly
  • Premium$10/month
    • 50000 rows per workspace
    • 20 GB storage per workspace
    • 100000 automation credits monthly
  • Advanced$18/month
    • 250000 rows per workspace
    • 100 GB storage per workspace
    • 500000 automation credits monthly
  • Enterprise$null/month
    • 1000000 rows per workspace
    • 1000 GB storage per workspace
    • 2000000 automation credits monthly

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Solr if

  • You need lucene-based indexing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted.
  • You also want faceted search.
Apache Solr review

Choose Baserow if

  • You need database tables.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api, Self-hosted.
  • You also want multiple views.
Baserow review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Solr or Baserow better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Solr starts at Free and Baserow at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Solr or Baserow?
Apache Solr starts at Free and Baserow at Free.
Does Apache Solr or Baserow run on more platforms?
Apache Solr runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted. Baserow runs on Web, Api, Self-hosted.
Can I use Apache Solr for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apache Solr best used for?
Apache Solr is most often used for library, archive and catalogue search where faceting is central, long-lived enterprise deployments valuing stability over novelty, search requiring precise, explicitly configured relevance tuning. Of those, library, archive and catalogue search where faceting is central and long-lived enterprise deployments valuing stability over novelty are not what Baserow is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Solr do that Baserow cannot?
Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, Faceted search, SolrCloud, Schema control. Baserow covers Database tables, Multiple views, Forms, API access.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Solr: Is Apache Solr free?

Yes, open source under the Apache Software Foundation.

Baserow: Does Baserow have a free plan?

Baserow's Free plan includes 3000 rows per workspace, 2 GB storage, 2000 automation credits monthly, and access to Grid, Form, and Gallery views. It supports up to 500 external app users and includes 65+ templates with no credit card required.

Source
Apache Solr: Solr or Elasticsearch?

Both are built on Lucene. Elasticsearch has the larger ecosystem and a friendlier API; Solr is very mature and strong on faceted search, and remains common in library and catalogue systems.

Baserow: What row and storage limits does Baserow provide by plan?

Free plan: 3000 rows and 2 GB storage; Premium plan: 50000 rows and 20 GB; Advanced plan: 250000 rows and 100 GB; Enterprise plan: 1000000 rows and 1 TB. All limits are per workspace.

Source
Apache Solr: Is Solr still maintained?

Yes, actively, as a top-level Apache project.

Baserow: How much does Baserow Premium cost?

Baserow Premium costs $10 per user per month when billed annually, or $12 per month when billing monthly. Yearly billing provides better rates than monthly. Advanced plan costs $18/user/month annually or $22/month monthly.

Source
Baserow: What are automation credit limits in Baserow?

Free plan provides 2000 monthly automation credits, Premium provides 100000 monthly credits, Advanced provides 500000 monthly credits, and Enterprise provides 2000000 monthly credits for workflow automation.

Source
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