benchmark comparison
altor-vec vs Milvus Lite
Embedded/server vector database tradeoffs versus fully in-browser retrieval.
Milvus Lite narrows the gap between heavyweight database infrastructure and lightweight local experimentation, but it still occupies a different place in the stack than a browser bundle you ship to every user.
Comparison table
| Category | altor-vec | Milvus Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime model | Client-side WebAssembly ANN in the user's browser. | Embedded or lightweight database-style vector runtime outside the normal browser-delivery model. |
| Bundle size / delivery | ~54KB gzipped plus vector asset. | Not typically framed as a tiny client bundle; deployment model is closer to an embedded or server-side service. |
| Query latency | Immediate local lookup for the current session. | Fast in its own environment, but not aimed at the exact same in-browser interaction pattern. |
| Memory usage | Client memory bound by the shipped corpus. | Memory managed by the embedded or server runtime instead of the browser tab. |
| Features | ANN retrieval and serialization only. | Database-style vector storage and operational patterns beyond a small browser primitive. |
| Dataset sweet spot | Safe-to-ship, moderate-size corpora. | Larger or more mutable datasets where database semantics matter. |
Where altor-vec wins
- True browser-native delivery.
- Offline-capable local UX.
- No service boundary between the UI and search.
Where Milvus Lite wins
- Better fit for mutable and backend-managed data.
- More database-like operational model.
- Stronger when the dataset should not be bundled into the client.
Honest decision guide
Milvus Lite is closer to embedded database infrastructure. altor-vec is closer to a frontend dependency. The right choice depends on which role you actually need.
The honest pattern across all of these benchmark pages is simple: if the search corpus should stay on the server, choose server-oriented infrastructure. If the search corpus is intentionally shipped with the product and the UX benefit of local retrieval matters more than backend scale, altor-vec is usually the more natural fit.
FAQ
Why compare Milvus Lite and altor-vec?
Because both may appear 'lightweight' compared with large hosted systems, but they still target different runtime models.
When is Milvus Lite the better fit?
When you need database semantics or local/server-side storage that should not be bundled into the browser.
When is altor-vec the better fit?
When the end product is a browser app that should search locally without another runtime boundary.
Get started: npm install altor-vec · GitHub