OpenSearch vs Splunk
OpenSearch: Apache-licensed, foundation-governed fork of Elasticsearch for search, vectors and observability. Splunk: Machine-data indexing and search platform with schema-on-read SPL queries, now owned by Cisco.
key differences
- Licensing: OpenSearch is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0); Splunk is proprietary (Proprietary commercial license).
- OpenSearch is built for larger datasets (Multi-PB) than Splunk (≤ 1 PB).
- Transactions: OpenSearch offers limited ACID; Splunk offers none.
- Only OpenSearch has secondary indexes, vector search, geospatial, json, encryption at rest.
- Only Splunk has ttl / expiry.
choose opensearch for
- +Log analytics and observability
- +Application and e-commerce search
- +Vector and hybrid search for RAG on AWS
- +Security event analytics
best at · Search, Vector search, RAG
choose splunk for
- +Security information and event management (SIEM)
- +Centralised log search and alerting
- +IT operations monitoring and incident investigation
- +Compliance reporting over machine data
best at · Observability, Search, Time-series
OpenSearch vs Splunk: FAQ
What is the difference between OpenSearch and Splunk?
OpenSearch: Apache-licensed, foundation-governed fork of Elasticsearch for search, vectors and observability. Splunk: Machine-data indexing and search platform with schema-on-read SPL queries, now owned by Cisco. Licensing: OpenSearch is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0); Splunk is proprietary (Proprietary commercial license). OpenSearch is built for larger datasets (Multi-PB) than Splunk (≤ 1 PB). Transactions: OpenSearch offers limited ACID; Splunk offers none.
When should I choose OpenSearch over Splunk?
Choose OpenSearch for log analytics and observability; application and e-commerce search; and vector and hybrid search for RAG on AWS. Choose Splunk for security information and event management (SIEM); centralised log search and alerting; and IT operations monitoring and incident investigation.
Is OpenSearch or Splunk more popular?
OpenSearch ranks #18 on the WhichDB Score (56.6/100) and Splunk ranks #31 (48.1/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are OpenSearch and Splunk open source?
Yes. OpenSearch is open source. License: Apache License 2.0. No. Splunk is proprietary, closed-source software.