# Vector Search vs Keyword Search: When to Use Which
Vector Search vs Keyword Search: When to Use Which
Know when to choose vector search, keyword search, or a hybrid to get relevant results.
Quick Picks
- Elasticsearch (BM25 + vectors): Best hybrid search for apps
- Pinecone: Best managed vector search
- Weaviate: Best OSS/hosted vector DB with modules
Pricing Snapshot
| Tool | Entry | Mid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticsearch | Self/Elastic Cloud | Hybrid search with BM25 + ANN | |
| Pinecone | $0-$0.096/GB/mo | Serverless or pod-based | |
| Weaviate | OSS/Cloud | Modules and hybrid queries |
What to Look For
- Hybrid scoring (BM25 + ANN + rerank)
- Latency, recall, and cost trade-offs
- Filters, security, and multi-tenant isolation
- Indexing pipelines and embeddings choice
Tool Notes
Elasticsearch
- Mature keyword search with vectors
- Great for hybrid relevance
- Strong ecosystem and ops tooling
Pinecone
- Managed vector service
- Good for production with low ops
- Serverless keeps costs predictable
Weaviate
- OSS or hosted with modules
- Built-in hybrid and filters
- Good for fast experimentation
Final Recommendation
Pick the option that fits your stack, compliance needs, and budget. Start lean, measure, and scale when you see ROI.
Try the leaders: Elasticsearch (BM25 + vectors) | Pinecone | Weaviate
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