Zilliz vs Pinecone: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zilliz and Pinecone 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:
Zilliz
Cloud vector database for AI
Best for you if:
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • Zilliz is the company behind Milvus vector database with managed cloud
- • It provides enterprise vector search for AI applications
Pinecone
Vector database
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need data warehouses features specifically
- • Vector database for AI applications
- • Semantic search at scale
| At a Glance |  Zilliz |  Pinecone |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Managed Databases | Data Warehouses |
Rating | 84/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Zilliz | Pinecone |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesVector Databases | Data WarehousesVector Databases |
How Zilliz and Pinecone Compare
Zilliz
Cloud vector database for AI
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Pinecone
Vector database
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Zilliz is a managed databases tool. Pinecone is in data warehouses.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Zilliz
Want the highest-rated option?
Zilliz: 84/100. Pinecone: 86/100.
Go with: Pinecone
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Pinecone
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Zilliz is a managed databases tool. Pinecone is in data warehouses. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Pinecone scores higher: 86/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Pinecone
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zilliz
- Better fit for managed databases
The Bottom Line
Pinecone (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zilliz or Pinecone better?
Pinecone scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Zilliz and Pinecone used for?
Zilliz: Cloud vector database for AI. Pinecone: Vector database.
What does Zilliz cost vs Pinecone?
Zilliz is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Pinecone is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.