Manticore Search
manticoresearch.com
What it is
Manticore Search is an open-source database for full-text, vector, hybrid, real-time indexing, and analytical queries. Applications can use SQL, the MySQL protocol, or JSON APIs. Full-text tools include fuzzy matching, query suggestions, filtering, faceting, stemming, lemmatization, synonyms, and highlighting. Vector search uses KNN with HNSW and supports cosine similarity, inner product, and squared L2 distance. Manticore can read from MySQL, Postgres, MSSQL, ODBC, XML, CSV, and TSV, and lists integrations such as Logstash, Apache Superset, Grafana, Fluentbit, Kibana, Vector.dev, and Elasticsearch dump. Installation options cover Linux, macOS, Windows, and Docker. The site recommends WSL2 for compatibility; native Windows binaries require Docker for Manticore Buddy and do not support replication. Authentication and authorization are opt-in. Binary API connections are not secured by SSL, and the manual advises keeping API-capable listeners off the public Internet. The free Community plan includes public support channels and a configuration review. Standard and Enterprise support plans have prices available by inquiry.
Spec sheet
- Product
- Manticore Search is an open-source search database for full-text, vector, hybrid, real-time indexing, and analytical queries.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Deployment
- The installation guide provides Linux and macOS installation, Windows installation options, and Docker deployment.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Integrations
- The site lists integrations including Logstash, Apache Superset, Grafana, Fluentbit, Kibana, Vector.dev, and Elasticsearch dump.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Security
- Authentication and authorization are opt-in and support SQL/MySQL, HTTP/HTTPS, and replication-related access.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Support
- The Community subscription includes public support channels and a free configuration review by the Manticore core team.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Headquarters
- Chatham, Kent, United KingdomRead 23 Sep 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Founded
- 2017Read 23 Sep 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Data sources
- It can read from MySQL, Postgres, MSSQL, ODBC, XML, CSV, and TSV out of the box.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Professional services
- The Standard plan describes SLA response times, a technical account manager, consulting, and expedited bug fixing; Enterprise adds feature engineering and a private chat.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Query interfaces
- It supports SQL, the MySQL protocol, and JSON APIs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Search features
- Its full-text capabilities include fuzzy matching, query suggestions, filtering, faceting, stemming, lemmatization, synonyms, and highlighting.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Security caveat
- The manual says binary API connections are not secured by SSL and advises keeping API-capable listeners off the public Internet.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manual.manticoresearch.com
- Vector search
- Vector search uses KNN with HNSW and supports cosine similarity, inner product, and squared L2 distance.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manticoresearch.com
- Windows limitation
- Native Windows binaries require Docker for Manticore Buddy and do not support replication; the site recommends WSL2 for compatibility.Read 7 Oct 2026 · manual.manticoresearch.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Supports SQL, the MySQL protocol, and JSON APIs.
- Offers full-text, vector, hybrid, and analytical queries.
- Reads from common database and file data sources.
- Community plan includes a free configuration review.
Limits
- Authentication and authorization are opt-in.
- Binary API connections are not secured by SSL.
- Native Windows binaries do not support replication.
- Standard and Enterprise prices require inquiry.
Who it suits
Manticore Search suits developers and teams building search or analytical query systems who can deploy and operate a database. Windows users should account for the listed native-binary limitations, and operators should review the API security caveat.
Verdict
Manticore Search offers multiple query interfaces and a broad set of full-text and vector capabilities. Deployment and security details matter: Windows has stated constraints, while binary API listeners need to be kept off the public Internet.
Where Specifiction places it
- Search Databases#13 of 308.0
- Site Search Software#15 of 257.9