Orama Search vs Chroma: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Orama Search and Chroma comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Orama Search
Build powerful, AI-driven search experiences for your applications with ease.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • A modular runtime for building AI-powered search experiences.
- • Offers a unified API for ingestion, vector search, ranking, and answer generation.
Chroma
Open-source vector database for AI applications
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • Chroma is an open-source vector database designed for building AI applications with embeddings
- • It stores and queries vector embeddings for semantic search, RAG, and AI memory applications
| At a Glance |  Orama Search |  Chroma |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Managed Databases |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Orama Search | Chroma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsVector Databases | Managed DatabasesVector Databases |
How Orama Search and Chroma Compare
Orama Search
Build powerful, AI-driven search experiences for your applications with ease.
Free tier available
Chroma
Open-source vector database for AI applications
Paid · 84/100 score
Orama Search is a api tools tool. Chroma is in managed databases.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Orama Search has a free tier. Chroma is paid only.
Go with: Orama Search
Want the highest-rated option?
Chroma scores 84/100. Orama Search is unrated.
Go with: Chroma
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Chroma
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Orama Search is freemium. Chroma is paid. Orama Search lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Orama Search is a api tools tool. Chroma is in managed databases. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Chroma
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Orama Search
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Chroma (84/100) is our pick. Orama Search has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orama Search or Chroma better?
Chroma scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Orama Search is freemium and Chroma is paid.
What are Orama Search and Chroma used for?
Orama Search: Build powerful, AI-driven search experiences for your applications with ease.. Chroma: Open-source vector database for AI applications.
What does Orama Search cost vs Chroma?
Orama Search is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Chroma is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.