Chroma
Chroma is an open-source search database for AI, offering vector, full-text and metadata search, with a serverless Chroma Cloud and bring-your-own-cloud options.
About this tool
Chroma is an open-source database built to store embeddings and retrieve relevant content for AI applications. Released under the Apache 2.0 licence, it is popular for prototyping retrieval-augmented generation because its core API is small, with only a handful of functions to learn, and it runs locally with Python or JavaScript packages.
Chroma Cloud is the hosted, serverless version, offering vector, hybrid and full-text search with metadata filtering across large datasets. It uses object storage with query-aware tiering and caching to keep costs down. For larger organisations, Chroma offers deployment in a customer’s own cloud account, multi-region replication and point-in-time recovery, with the same low-operations approach.
What you can do
Simple core API
A small set of functions covers adding documents, embedding them and querying by similarity.
Vector, hybrid and full-text search
Combine semantic search with keyword and metadata filtering in one system.
Serverless Chroma Cloud
A managed service with usage-based pricing, so there are no servers to size or maintain.
Bring your own cloud
Enterprises can run Chroma in their own VPC with replication and point-in-time recovery.
Who is it for?
- A developer prototypes a RAG chatbot over PDFs on a laptop before moving to production.
- A startup indexes terabytes of support content in Chroma Cloud without managing infrastructure.
- An enterprise deploys Chroma inside its VPC to meet data-residency requirements.
Before you choose
Usage limits pause service when reached, so set spending limits that match expected traffic on Chroma Cloud.
Included Team-plan usage does not roll over from month to month, according to Chroma’s FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chroma open source?
Yes. Chroma is open source under the Apache 2.0 licence and can run locally or on your own servers.
How much does Chroma Cloud cost?
Chroma lists a Starter plan at $0 plus usage with free credits and a Team plan at $250 per month plus usage with $100 credits included.
Can I export my data from Chroma Cloud?
Yes. Chroma states that because the product is open source, moving your data out of the cloud service is straightforward.
Check the official website for current features, pricing, and terms.
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