Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to AWS Kendra · 🛠️ dev tools
AWS Kendra vs Onyx
An open-source platform that connects to 40+ apps to provide intelligent search and AI assistance across all company information Here is how Onyx ($0/mo open source) stacks up against AWS Kendra ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Onyx is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for AWS Kendra. Switching from AWS Kendra ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AWS Kendra.
AWS Kendra vs Onyx Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | AWS Kendra (Paid) | Onyx (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 33.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from AWS Kendra to Onyx
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AWS Kendra.
How to deploy Onyx
Clone https://github.com/onyx-dot-app/onyx or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Onyx instead of vibe-coding a AWS Kendra clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for AWS Kendra or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 8 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Elasticsearch.
AWS Kendra vs Onyx FAQ
Is Onyx a good free alternative to AWS Kendra?+
Yes. Onyx is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for AWS Kendra. An open-source platform that connects to 40+ apps to provide intelligent search and AI assistance across all company information
What is the catch when switching from AWS Kendra to Onyx?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AWS Kendra.
How much do you save switching from AWS Kendra to Onyx?+
AWS Kendra costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Onyx is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Onyx instead of AWS Kendra?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/onyx-dot-app/onyx or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
