LlamaIndex vs Haystack
Compare two retrieval-focused frameworks for RAG, data-connected agents, and production pipeline workflows.
LlamaIndex
Data-oriented agent and workflow framework for building LLM agents over private data, tools, retrieval, and workflows.
Haystack
Open-source AI orchestration framework for pipelines, agents, retrieval, tools, and production RAG applications.
Recommendation
Use LlamaIndex when private data, document context, and agent workflows are the main shape. Use Haystack when pipeline composition and production RAG components are central.
Comparison criteria
Decision matrix
| Criterion | LlamaIndex | Haystack | Winner | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retrieval context | Data-connected agents and retrieval workflows are central. | Retrieval and pipeline components are central. | tie | Both are strong retrieval-oriented choices. |
| Pipeline model | Workflow support is present but data-agent orientation dominates. | Pipeline composition is a core framework shape. | right | Haystack is the clearer fit for pipeline-first RAG systems. |
| Agent workflow | Agent and workflow patterns are directly represented in the graph. | Agents and tools are represented through production AI components. | depends | Choose based on whether the workflow is agent-first or pipeline-first. |
| Deployment fit | Tracked as compatible with serverless/container runtime patterns. | Tracked as compatible with serverless/container runtime patterns. | tie | Both require runtime-specific verification for production deployment. |
Related compatibility facts
| Source | Target | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| haystack | serverless-container-runtime | supported | Haystack pipelines and agent workflows are suitable for server and container deployment patterns. |
| llamaindex | serverless-container-runtime | supported | LlamaIndex agent and workflow applications can run as service or container deployments for data-connected agent workflows. |
What is the practical difference between LlamaIndex and Haystack?
LlamaIndex is a strong fit when data-connected agent workflows and document context are central. Haystack is a strong fit when production RAG pipelines and component composition are the dominant shape.