ZincSearch

Self-Hosted

Lightweight open-source search engine alternative to Elasticsearch

Overview

ZincSearch is a high-performance, lightweight open-source search engine built for full-text search, log management, and analytics. It features an Elasticsearch-compatible REST API for easy migration, a built-in web UI for index management and querying, and low resource usage—ideal for small to medium workloads. Deployment is simple via Docker, Kubernetes, binary distribution, or cloud instances. It supports structured/unstructured data, real-time indexing, and filtering, making it suitable for app search, log aggregation, and content discovery.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  zincsearch:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: zincsearch
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Elasticsearch-compatible REST API for seamless migration
Lightweight design with minimal CPU/memory footprint
Built-in web UI for managing indices and queries
Supports full-text search and log analytics

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is ZincSearch hard to install?

No—ZincSearch can be installed in minutes using a Docker one-liner, binary distribution, or Kubernetes. It requires minimal configuration, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced system admins.

? Is it a good alternative to Elasticsearch?

Yes—ZincSearch is an excellent alternative for small to medium workloads like log management or app search. Its Elasticsearch-compatible API allows easy migration, though it lacks some advanced features like machine learning integration.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—ZincSearch is open source under the Apache 2.0 license. It is completely free to self-host, modify, and use without any subscription plans or hidden fees.

Top Alternatives

Algolia Search Google

Elasticsearch Service Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Search Engines

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosted solution
⊕ No subscription fees or hidden costs
⊕ Easy deployment with Docker/Kubernetes support
⊕ Elasticsearch API compatibility reduces migration effort

Cons

⊖ Less mature than Elasticsearch (fewer advanced features)
⊖ Smaller community compared to established search engines
⊖ Limited plugin ecosystem for extended functionality