OpenSearch and Elasticsearch are powerful, open-source search and analytics engines used for a variety of applications, including log analytics, full-text search, and real-time analytics. This article provides a detailed comparison between OpenSearch and Elasticsearch, helping you decide which one suits your needs best.
Elasticsearch
Elasticsearch is a distributed, RESTful search and analytics engine capable of addressing a growing number of use cases. Developed by Elastic NV, it is built on top of Apache Lucene and is part of the Elastic Stack, which includes Kibana, Logstash, and Beats.
OpenSearch
OpenSearch is a community-driven, open-source search and analytics suite derived from Elasticsearch and Kibana. It was initiated by Amazon Web Services (AWS) after Elastic changed the license of Elasticsearch and Kibana from the open-source Apache License 2.0 to the Server Side Public License (SSPL) and Elastic License.
Licensing
Elasticsearch
As of version 7.11, Elasticsearch is available under the Elastic License or SSPL, both of which are not considered open-source licenses by the Open Source Initiative (OSI). This change has implications for how Elasticsearch can be used, modified, and distributed.
OpenSearch
OpenSearch is released under the Apache License 2.0, which is an OSI-approved open-source license. This ensures that OpenSearch remains free and open for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
Features Comparison
Core Functionality
Both OpenSearch and Elasticsearch offer similar core functionalities, including:
- Full-text search
- Distributed architecture
- RESTful API
- Real-time analytics
- Aggregation and querying capabilities
Plugins and Extensions
Elasticsearch: Offers a range of plugins, some of which are proprietary and require a commercial license. X-Pack, for example, provides security, alerting, monitoring, and machine learning features.
OpenSearch: Includes similar features through OpenSearch plugins that are open-source, such as:
- Security plugin for authentication and authorization
- Alerting for threshold and anomaly detection
- Performance Analyzer
- Machine Learning features
Compatibility
Elasticsearch: Has evolved significantly, and newer versions may not be backward compatible with previous ones. Elastic has also ceased providing open-source builds for versions beyond 7.10.
OpenSearch: Forked from Elasticsearch 7.10.2 and aims to maintain compatibility with Elasticsearch 7.10 APIs. However, diverging development paths may lead to incompatibilities over time.
Community and Support
Elasticsearch: Backed by Elastic NV, offers official support, training, and consulting services. A large community of users contributes to discussions, though contributions to the codebase are more controlled.
OpenSearch: Community-driven with contributions from AWS and other organizations. Open to external contributions, fostering a collaborative development environment.
Performance and Scalability
Both engines are designed for high performance and scalability. Performance differences are minimal, especially since OpenSearch was initially forked from Elasticsearch 7.10.2. Over time, optimizations in either project may lead to performance variations.
Security
Elasticsearch: Advanced security features are available through the proprietary X-Pack extension, which requires a commercial license.
OpenSearch: Provides security features out of the box through its open-source security plugin, including encryption, authentication, and role-based access control.
Visualization Tools
Kibana (Elasticsearch)
Kibana is the visualization tool for Elasticsearch, offering dashboards, visualizations, and management interfaces. As of version 7.11, it's also subject to the Elastic License or SSPL.
OpenSearch Dashboards
OpenSearch Dashboards is the counterpart to Kibana, forked from Kibana 7.10.2. It provides similar functionalities and remains under the Apache License 2.0.
Use Cases
Both OpenSearch and Elasticsearch are suitable for:
- Log analytics
- Full-text search
- Monitoring and observability
- Real-time data analysis
- E-commerce search functionalities
Installation and Setup
The installation process for both engines is straightforward, but licensing changes affect their accessibility.
Elasticsearch Installation
Elasticsearch can be downloaded from Elastic's official website. Usage of versions beyond 7.10.2 requires adherence to the Elastic License or SSPL.
OpenSearch Installation
OpenSearch packages are available for various platforms and can be downloaded from the official OpenSearch website or repositories. The Apache License 2.0 allows for free use and distribution.
Community and Ecosystem
Elasticsearch: Has a mature ecosystem with many plugins, clients, and integrations. However, recent licensing changes may affect community contributions and third-party integrations.
OpenSearch: Growing community with increasing support from organizations and developers. Efforts are being made to expand the ecosystem and ensure compatibility with existing tools.
Pros and Cons
Elasticsearch Pros:
- Established ecosystem and community
- Official support from Elastic NV
- Comprehensive features with X-Pack (commercial)
Elasticsearch Cons:
- Licensing restrictions with Elastic License and SSPL
- Some advanced features require a commercial license
- Potential legal complexities for service providers
OpenSearch Pros:
- Truly open-source under Apache License 2.0
- Open community contributions
- Includes advanced features without commercial licenses
OpenSearch Cons:
- Smaller ecosystem compared to Elasticsearch
- Potential compatibility issues as projects diverge
- Less mature community support
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between OpenSearch and Elasticsearch depends on your specific needs:
- If you require a fully open-source solution with an Apache 2.0 license, OpenSearch is the better choice.
- If you rely on features or plugins exclusive to Elasticsearch and are willing to comply with the Elastic License or SSPL, Elasticsearch may be suitable.
- Consider the future roadmap and community support for each project, especially if long-term stability and support are critical.
Conclusion
Both OpenSearch and Elasticsearch are powerful tools for search and analytics. OpenSearch offers an open-source alternative to Elasticsearch, ensuring freedom and flexibility under the Apache 2.0 license. Elasticsearch continues to be a strong contender but comes with licensing considerations that may affect its use in certain scenarios. Carefully assess your project's requirements, licensing preferences, and desired features to make an informed decision.
References
- Elasticsearch Official Website
- OpenSearch Official Website
- Elastic License FAQ
- AWS Blog: Introducing OpenSearch
By understanding the differences between OpenSearch and Elasticsearch, you can choose the search engine that best aligns with your project's goals and licensing requirements.
