Typesense
Fast, open source search for modern applications and smaller teams.
Latest release: v30.2 · released Apr 19, 2026
In short
An open-source search engine you run on your own server, or rent as Typesense Cloud. It keeps the index in memory for instant results, typo tolerance and filters. Like Algolia, you connect it to your site with code.
Made by: Typesense, Inc. · Where your data lives: On your own server, or in a Typesense Cloud region you choose.
Logo from: typesense.org
The editor’s take
A practical Algolia replacement if someone on your team can run a server, or if a predictable hourly Cloud price suits you better than per-search billing.
Best for
Product teams with a developer
Sites and apps that need instant, typo-tolerant search and want to own the index.
Check first
Memory and maintenance
The whole index lives in RAM, and self-hosting means you handle upgrades and backups.
Download & install
Every link goes to the official site, an official app store, or the project’s own GitHub releases.
There is no native Windows version.
Latest release: v30.2 · released Apr 19, 2026 · fetched from GitHub on Oct 3, 2026 · Releases on GitHub
Getting started without coding
Plain-language steps based on the official install guide.
You need to run a server (Docker or command line), or ask someone who can.
Using it for free means running a server from the command line. Typesense Cloud avoids servers but is paid after a one-time free allowance, and your site still needs code to use it.
Is there an installer?
- Windows Not available
- Mac Package
- Linux Package
- iPhone & iPad Not available
- Android Not available
Typesense Cloud — Pay by the hour; the first 720 hours and 10 GB of bandwidth are free once per account, not every month.
Steps for Windows
- There is no native Windows version: set up WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) or Docker Desktop.
- Inside WSL, install the Linux .deb package and start the server as the install guide shows.
- Connect from Windows on port 8108.
Steps for Mac
- Check that your Mac runs macOS 13 Ventura or later.
- With Homebrew installed, install and start “typesense-server” as the downloads page shows.
- Open http://localhost:8108/health in a browser; it should say {"ok":true}.
Steps for Linux
- Download the .deb (Ubuntu/Debian) or .rpm (RHEL/CentOS) for your CPU from the downloads page.
- Install it and start the typesense-server service.
- Find the generated admin API key in /etc/typesense/typesense-server.ini.
Steps for Web browser
- Go to cloud.typesense.org and sign in with GitHub or an email address.
- Pick a cluster size and click Launch; it is ready in a few minutes.
- Click “Generate API Key” and give the keys to whoever connects your site.
- Add a payment method before the one-time free allowance runs out.
Steps for Your own server
- You need an always-on server with enough memory: the whole index lives in RAM.
- Run the official Docker image with a data folder and an API key you choose.
- For production, read the high-availability (clustering) guide.
What we could verify
We checked key factual claims and linked to primary sources so you can confirm the details. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026
Try before you move
A simple way to see if it fits your needs.
- Index a copy of your real dataLoad a realistic sample, including messy records and other languages.
- Run your top queries side by sideCompare the top results for the 20 searches your users make most.
- Count the real costInclude hosting, backups, upgrades and who will look after it.