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Databases · head to head

Apache Solr vs Paragon

Apache Solr logo

Apache Solr

Databases

Enterprise search platform built on Apache Lucene

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Paragon logo

Paragon

Automation Integration

Embedded integration platform for SaaS

From
$299/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apache Solr has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apache Solr xML-heavy configuration and a developer experience that feels dated beside newer engines; Paragon no published pricing rates or specific plan costs
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, Paragon covers Embedded workflows.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apache Solr and Paragon differ
AttributeApache SolrParagon
Starting priceFree$299/month
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hostedWeb, Embedded
CategoryDatabasesAutomation Integration
FoundedUnknown2021

Identical on both: 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 Paragon

  • Embedded workflows
  • Native integrations
  • Workflow builder
  • Error handling
  • Monitoring
  • Analytics
  • Webhooks
  • 500+ apps

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 Paragon
  • Long-lived enterprise deployments valuing stability over noveltynot Paragon
  • Search requiring precise, explicitly configured relevance tuningnot Paragon

Paragon

  • Embedding third party integrations into a SaaS productnot Apache Solr
  • Managing customer facing connectors without building each onenot 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

Paragon

  • No published pricing rates or specific plan costs
  • Pricing is entirely custom based on Connected Users
  • Both Pro and Enterprise plans require direct contact for pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Solr

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

Paragon

$299/month
  • Starter$299/month
    • 50 integrations
    • Basic support
  • Growth$999/month
    • 200 integrations
    • Priority support
  • Enterprise$5000/month
    • Unlimited integrations
    • Dedicated support

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 Paragon if

  • You need embedded workflows.
  • You work on Web, Embedded.
  • You also want native integrations.
Paragon review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Solr or Paragon better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Solr starts at Free and Paragon at $299/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Solr or Paragon?
Apache Solr has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apache Solr and $299/month for Paragon.
Does Apache Solr or Paragon run on more platforms?
Apache Solr runs on Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Self-hosted. Paragon runs on Web, Embedded.
Can I use Apache Solr for free?
Yes. Apache Solr has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Paragon starts at $299/month.
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 Paragon is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Solr do that Paragon cannot?
Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, Faceted search, SolrCloud, Schema control. Paragon covers Embedded workflows, Native integrations, Workflow builder, Error handling.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Solr: Is Apache Solr free?

Yes, open source under the Apache Software Foundation.

Paragon: How much does Paragon cost?

Paragon does not publish pricing rates. The company uses a custom pricing model based on Connected Users (the number of tenant organizations using integrations), requiring customers to request custom quotes.

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.

Paragon: What are Paragon's pricing plans?

Paragon offers Pro and Enterprise plans. The Pro plan includes unlimited integrations, access to all three products, and custom integrations. The Enterprise plan adds self-hosted options, priority support with SLAs, and SAML SSO.

Source
Apache Solr: Is Solr still maintained?

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

Paragon: Does Paragon offer a free trial?

Yes, a free trial is available via signup, though specific trial duration and limitations are not detailed on the pricing page.

Source
Paragon: How does Paragon determine the cost of my plan?

Pricing is customized based on business model and the number of Connected Users, meaning organizations must contact Paragon's sales team for a custom quote.

Source
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