Vector databases and RAG
LlamaIndex: review, pricing, data and alternatives
LlamaIndex lets teams processing documents extract content, structure tables, and index documents for search. It also connects model responses to source documents and supports building agents that process documents. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $50 per month. Access and transparency score: 95/100, #1 of 7 in its category.
What is LlamaIndex?
LlamaIndex lets teams processing documents extract content, structure tables, and index documents for search. It also connects model responses to source documents and supports building agents that process documents.
According to its documentation, LlamaIndex lets you:
- extract content from complex documents
- convert tables into structured data
- index documents for search
- connect a model's responses to source documents
- build agents that process documents
We file it under Vector databases and RAG, the category of tools to connect your documents to an AI (RAG), and it also overlaps with aI for documents and PDFs and aI agent builders. The category lists 7 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is LlamaIndex, Inc., based in United States. The service launched in 2022, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: developers and data analysts. The need it covers is simple to state: connect your documents to an AI (RAG).
LlamaIndex is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you want to read the code or host it yourself
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does LlamaIndex cost?
Pricing model: open source (public code). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $50 per month (LlamaParse Starter, LlamaIndex's commercial service, with 40,000 credits. The LlamaIndex framework remains free and open source), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is close to the category median ($49 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in several regions depending on the plan.
Exporting your content: yes (details on the official site). Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
LlamaIndex runs on: web browser and API.
Interface languages: English.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
The source code is public: run-llamarun-llama/llama_index.
How we scored it
Our 95/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 25/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 30/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 40/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
LlamaIndex against other tools in the vector databases and RAG category:
Verdict
LlamaIndex is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Public source code
- Established since 2022
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is LlamaIndex free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $50 per month.
Where is LlamaIndex data stored?
According to the publisher, in several regions depending on the plan.
Does LlamaIndex have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to LlamaIndex?
In the same category: Pinecone, Weaviate, Chroma, and Agentset.
LlamaIndex or Pinecone: which one to choose?
LlamaIndex starts at $50 per month, Pinecone at $20 per month and our score is 95/100 for LlamaIndex and 78/100 for Pinecone. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score