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Databases · head to head

Apache Solr vs Sourcegraph

Apache Solr logo

Apache Solr

Databases

Enterprise search platform built on Apache Lucene

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit Apache SolrFull review
Sourcegraph logo

Sourcegraph

Developer Tools

Code search and intelligence platform for large codebases with Cody AI assistant

From
$16000/year
Free plan
No
Visit SourcegraphFull review

The short version

  • Sourcegraph is an enterprise code intelligence platform.
  • Apache Solr is free; Sourcegraph starts at $16000/yr.
  • Where Apache Solr falls short: XML-heavy configuration and a developer experience that feels dated beside newer engines.
  • Where Sourcegraph falls short: enterprise pricing starting at $16k annually creates significant barrier for small teams.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apache Solr and Sourcegraph differ
AttributeApache SolrSourcegraph
Starting priceFree$16000/year
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feeSubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, Self-hostedWeb, Self-hosted
CategoryDatabasesDeveloper Tools

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 Sourcegraph

Nothing recorded that Apache Solr does not also cover.

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

Sourcegraph

  • Large-scale code migrations across hundreds of repositoriesnot Apache Solr
  • Enterprise governance and code ownership trackingnot Apache Solr
  • AI-assisted bug hunting and security pattern detectionnot Apache Solr
  • Onboarding engineers into large unfamiliar codebasesnot Apache Solr
  • Regulatory compliance and code audit trailsnot 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

Sourcegraph

  • Enterprise pricing starting at $16k annually creates significant barrier for small teams
  • No free tier or standard plan published; all options require custom sales engagement
  • Complex enterprise-only positioning limits adoption compared to GitHub Copilot's pervasiveness
  • Requires indexing entire codebase; not suitable for small or ephemeral projects

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Solr

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

Sourcegraph

$16000/year
  • Enterprise$16,000/yr
    • Scales with team size
    • Credits for AI features per user
    • Deep Search

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Solr if

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

Choose Sourcegraph if

  • You work on Web, Self-hosted.
Sourcegraph review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Solr or Sourcegraph better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Solr starts at Free and Sourcegraph at $16000/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Solr or Sourcegraph?
Apache Solr has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apache Solr and $16000/year for Sourcegraph.
Does Apache Solr or Sourcegraph run on more platforms?
Apache Solr runs on Linux, Self-hosted. Sourcegraph runs on Web, Self-hosted.
Can I use Apache Solr for free?
Yes. Apache Solr has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sourcegraph starts at $16000/year.
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 Sourcegraph is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Solr do that Sourcegraph cannot?
Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, Faceted search, SolrCloud, Schema control.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Solr: Is Apache Solr free?

Yes, open source under the Apache Software Foundation.

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.

Apache Solr: Is Solr still maintained?

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

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