Softwr

Machine Learning · head to head

Milvus vs Semantic Kernel

Milvus logo

Milvus

Machine Learning

Open-source vector database for scalable similarity search

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Semantic Kernel logo

Semantic Kernel

Machine Learning

Model-agnostic SDK for AI orchestration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Milvus vector dimensions are capped at 32,768; Semantic Kernel steep learning curve for advanced features
  • They diverge on capability: Milvus covers Billion-scale vectors, Semantic Kernel covers Multi-model support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Milvus and Semantic Kernel actually diverge.

Attributes where Milvus and Semantic Kernel differ
AttributeMilvusSemantic Kernel
Pricing modelfreemiumOpen source, no pricing
PlatformsLinux, Mac, Windows, WebPython, .NET, Java
Founded2017Unknown

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

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 Milvus

  • Billion-scale vectors
  • Multiple index types
  • GPU acceleration
  • Hybrid search
  • Data partitioning
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • Hugging Face

Only in Semantic Kernel

  • Multi-model support
  • Agent framework
  • Multi-agent systems
  • Plugin ecosystem
  • Vector database integration
  • Multimodal support
  • Local model support
  • Enterprise observability

What people use each for

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

Milvus

  • Self hosting a vector database for semantic searchnot Semantic Kernel
  • Storing and querying embeddings for retrieval augmented generationnot Semantic Kernel
  • Similarity search over images, audio or text at scalenot Semantic Kernel

Semantic Kernel

  • Building enterprise AI applications with LLM integrationnot Milvus
  • Creating multi-agent systems for complex workflowsnot Milvus
  • Developing AI-powered chatbots and assistantsnot Milvus
  • Implementing RAG systems with vector databasesnot Milvus

Where each one falls short

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

Milvus

  • Vector dimensions are capped at 32,768
  • A collection is limited to 64 fields, 1,024 partitions and 16 shards
  • Only 1 index is allowed per field
  • Search returns at most 16,384 vectors as top-k, and nq is capped at 16,384
  • Input and output per RPC is capped at 64 MB for insert, search and query
  • VARCHAR values are limited to 65,535 characters
  • Data loaded into query nodes cannot exceed 90% of available memory
  • An instance supports at most 65,536 collections

Semantic Kernel

  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • Documentation focuses on Azure cloud services
  • Configuration complexity for multi-model scenarios
  • Requires understanding of AI/LLM concepts

Pricing, plan by plan

Milvus

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full features
    • Self-hosted
    • Community support
  • Zilliz CloudFree
    • Managed service
    • Free tier available

Semantic Kernel

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • MIT license
    • Full framework access
    • All language SDKs

Which should you pick?

Choose Milvus if

  • You need billion-scale vectors.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows, Web.
  • You also want multiple index types.
Milvus review

Choose Semantic Kernel if

  • You need multi-model support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Python, .NET, Java.
  • You also want agent framework.
Semantic Kernel review

Questions people ask

Is Milvus or Semantic Kernel better?
Neither clearly leads. Milvus starts at Free and Semantic Kernel at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Milvus or Semantic Kernel?
Milvus starts at Free and Semantic Kernel at Free.
Does Milvus or Semantic Kernel run on more platforms?
Milvus runs on Linux, Mac, Windows, Web. Semantic Kernel runs on Python, .NET, Java.
Can I use Milvus for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Milvus best used for?
Milvus is most often used for self hosting a vector database for semantic search, storing and querying embeddings for retrieval augmented generation, similarity search over images, audio or text at scale. Of those, self hosting a vector database for semantic search and storing and querying embeddings for retrieval augmented generation are not what Semantic Kernel is typically brought in for.
What can Milvus do that Semantic Kernel cannot?
Milvus covers Billion-scale vectors, Multiple index types, GPU acceleration, Hybrid search. Semantic Kernel covers Multi-model support, Agent framework, Multi-agent systems, Plugin ecosystem.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Milvus: How much does Milvus cost?

Milvus is open-source and free to use and modify. The self-hosted version has no licensing cost. Zilliz Cloud (the managed SaaS version) does not publish pricing on the website.

Source
Semantic Kernel: What LLM providers does Semantic Kernel support?

Semantic Kernel supports OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Hugging Face, Nvidia, and other providers through extensible model implementations.

Source
Milvus: Is there a free or open-source version of Milvus?

Yes, Milvus is fully open-source and available for free. Milvus Lite is a lightweight option for learning and prototyping that can be installed via pip.

Source
Semantic Kernel: Can I run Semantic Kernel locally?

Yes. Semantic Kernel supports local models through Ollama, LMStudio, and ONNX for complete data control and offline operation.

Source
Milvus: Does Milvus offer a managed cloud service?

Yes, Zilliz Cloud is a fully managed Milvus cloud offering with serverless and dedicated cluster options. Pricing must be requested from the company as it is not listed on the public website.

Source
Semantic Kernel: Is Semantic Kernel free?

Yes. Semantic Kernel is MIT-licensed open source and completely free. You only pay for external LLM APIs you use.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Milvus

More on Semantic Kernel

Keep looking

Other head to heads