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Databases · head to head

Apache Solr vs ToolJet

Apache Solr logo

Apache Solr

Databases

Enterprise search platform built on Apache Lucene

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit Apache SolrFull review
ToolJet logo

ToolJet

No-Code

Open-source low-code platform for building internal tools and business apps

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit ToolJetFull review

The short version

  • Apache Solr is free; ToolJet starts at $79/mo.
  • Only Apache Solr lists lucene-based indexing; only ToolJet lists drag-and-drop app builder.
  • Where Apache Solr falls short: XML-heavy configuration and a developer experience that feels dated beside newer engines.
  • Where ToolJet falls short: free and Pro tiers cap end users at 50, which may be too low for apps needing broad internal distribution.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apache Solr and ToolJet differ
AttributeApache SolrToolJet
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feeFreemium
PlatformsLinux, Self-hostedWeb, API, Linux, Windows, macOS
CategoryDatabasesNo-Code

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes).

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 ToolJet

  • Drag-and-drop app builder
  • AI-assisted generation
  • Database and API connectors
  • Self-hosted and air-gapped deployment
  • Multi-instance deployments
  • Dedicated support manager

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

ToolJet

  • Building internal admin dashboards and appsnot Apache Solr
  • Self-hosted or air-gapped internal tool deploymentnot Apache Solr
  • AI-assisted rapid app prototypingnot Apache Solr
  • Connecting multiple data sources into one appnot 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

ToolJet

  • Free and Pro tiers cap end users at 50, which may be too low for apps needing broad internal distribution
  • Enterprise pricing starts at a steep $3,000/month, a large jump from the $199/month Team plan
  • AI credits reset monthly and do not roll over, penalizing uneven month-to-month usage
  • Smaller integration and community ecosystem than more established players like Retool

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Solr

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

ToolJet

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 builders
    • 50 end users
    • 2 apps
  • Pro$79/mo
    • Unlimited builders (per-builder pricing)
    • 50 end users
    • 5 apps
  • Team$199/mo
    • Unlimited builders (per-builder pricing)
    • 100 end users
    • Unlimited apps
  • Enterprise$3,000/mo
    • Unlimited end users
    • Custom AI credits
    • Dedicated support manager

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 ToolJet if

  • You need drag-and-drop app builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, API, Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want ai-assisted generation.
ToolJet review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Solr or ToolJet better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Solr starts at Free and ToolJet at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Solr or ToolJet?
Apache Solr starts at Free and ToolJet at Free.
Does Apache Solr or ToolJet run on more platforms?
Apache Solr runs on Linux, Self-hosted. ToolJet runs on Web, API, Linux, Windows, macOS.
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 ToolJet is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Solr do that ToolJet cannot?
Apache Solr covers Lucene-based indexing, Faceted search, SolrCloud, Schema control. ToolJet covers Drag-and-drop app builder, AI-assisted generation, Database and API connectors, Self-hosted and air-gapped deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Solr: Is Apache Solr free?

Yes, open source under the Apache Software Foundation.

ToolJet: What happens if I run out of AI credits?

Users can continue using all other ToolJet features as normal and can contact support to purchase additional AI credits when the monthly allotment runs out.

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.

ToolJet: Do unused AI credits roll over?

No, AI credits reset every month and unused credits do not carry over, which ToolJet says helps maintain consistent service quality.

Source
Apache Solr: Is Solr still maintained?

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

ToolJet: Can ToolJet be deployed on-premise?

Yes, both the community and enterprise editions support on-premise and air-gapped deployments, typically completed in under 30 minutes.

Source
ToolJet: Is there a free trial for paid plans?

ToolJet offers a 14-day free trial for both its business and enterprise editions.

Source
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