List of the Top 4 Vector Databases for Kong AI Gateway in 2025

Weaviate is an open-source vector database designed to help users efficiently manage data objects and vector embeddings generated from their preferred machine learning models, with the capability to scale seamlessly to handle billions of items. Users have the option to import their own vectors or make use of the provided vectorization modules, allowing for the indexing of extensive data sets that facilitate effective searching. By incorporating a variety of search techniques, including both keyword-focused and vector-based methods, Weaviate delivers an advanced search experience. Integrating large language models like GPT-3 can significantly improve search results, paving the way for next-generation search functionalities. In addition to its impressive search features, Weaviate's sophisticated vector database enables a wide range of innovative applications. Users can perform swift pure vector similarity searches across both raw vectors and data objects, even with filters in place to refine results. The ability to combine keyword searches with vector methods ensures optimal outcomes, while the integration of generative models with their data empowers users to undertake complex tasks such as engaging in Q&A sessions over their datasets. This capability not only enhances the user's search experience but also opens up new avenues for creativity in application development, making Weaviate a versatile tool in the realm of data management and search technology. Ultimately, Weaviate stands out as a platform that not only improves search functionalities but also fosters innovation in how applications are built and utilized.

Vespa is designed for Big Data and AI, operating seamlessly online with unmatched efficiency, regardless of scale. It serves as a comprehensive search engine and vector database, enabling vector search (ANN), lexical search, and structured data queries all within a single request. The platform incorporates integrated machine-learning model inference, allowing users to leverage AI for real-time data interpretation. Developers often utilize Vespa to create recommendation systems that combine swift vector search capabilities with filtering and machine-learning model assessments for the items. To effectively build robust online applications that merge data with AI, it's essential to have more than just isolated solutions; you require a cohesive platform that unifies data processing and computing to ensure genuine scalability and reliability, while also preserving your innovative freedom—something that only Vespa accomplishes. With Vespa's established ability to scale and maintain high availability, it empowers users to develop search applications that are not just production-ready but also customizable to fit a wide array of features and requirements. This flexibility and power make Vespa an invaluable tool in the ever-evolving landscape of data-driven applications.

The AI Knowledge Platform offers a streamlined approach to developing high-performance vector search applications through its Pinecone Database, Inference, and Assistant. This fully managed and user-friendly database provides effortless scalability while eliminating infrastructure challenges. After creating vector embeddings, users can efficiently search and manage them within Pinecone, enabling semantic searches, recommendation systems, and other applications that depend on precise information retrieval. Even when dealing with billions of items, the platform ensures ultra-low query latency, delivering an exceptional user experience. Users can easily add, modify, or remove data with live index updates, ensuring immediate availability of their data. For enhanced relevance and speed, users can integrate vector search with metadata filters. Moreover, the API simplifies the process of launching, utilizing, and scaling vector search services while ensuring smooth and secure operation. This makes it an ideal choice for developers seeking to harness the power of advanced search capabilities.

Qdrant operates as an advanced vector similarity engine and database, providing an API service that allows users to locate the nearest high-dimensional vectors efficiently. By leveraging Qdrant, individuals can convert embeddings or neural network encoders into robust applications aimed at matching, searching, recommending, and much more. It also includes an OpenAPI v3 specification, which streamlines the creation of client libraries across nearly all programming languages, and it features pre-built clients for Python and other languages, equipped with additional functionalities. A key highlight of Qdrant is its unique custom version of the HNSW algorithm for Approximate Nearest Neighbor Search, which ensures rapid search capabilities while permitting the use of search filters without compromising result quality. Additionally, Qdrant enables the attachment of extra payload data to vectors, allowing not just storage but also filtration of search results based on the contained payload values. This functionality significantly boosts the flexibility of search operations, proving essential for developers and data scientists. Its capacity to handle complex data queries further cements Qdrant's status as a powerful resource in the realm of data management.