Perplexica vs 
SearXNG
Perplexica vs SearXNG compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Open-source Perplexity you self-host vs The private search layer behind AI search.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Perplexica vs SearXNG at a glance
| Spec | Perplexica | SearXNG |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI search engines | AI search engines |
| Type | AI answer engine | Meta-search engine |
| License | MIT | AGPL-3.0 |
| Runs locally | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Primary language | TypeScript | Python |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Best for | users who want private, sourced AI answers | self-hosters wanting a private search backend |
| GitHub stars | — | — |
How Perplexica and SearXNG score
| Criterion | Perplexica | SearXNG |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | n/a | n/a |
| Maintenance | n/a | n/a |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| License freedom | 5.0 | 3.5 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
Perplexica
Perplexica is an open-source AI answer engine that searches the web and answers with cited sources, running entirely on your infrastructure with local model support.
- Answers with cited sources like Perplexity
- Works with local models via Ollama
- Fully self-hosted and private
SearXNG
SearXNG is a privacy-respecting meta-search engine aggregating dozens of sources, widely used as the retrieval layer behind self-hosted AI answer engines.
- Aggregates dozens of engines, zero tracking
- The standard retrieval layer for local AI search
- Battle-tested, easy Docker deployment
Key differences
Perplexica is aI answer engine, while SearXNG is meta-search engine. Their licenses differ (MIT vs AGPL-3.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. In short, Perplexica fits users who want private, sourced AI answers, and SearXNG fits self-hosters wanting a private search backend.
Which should you choose?
Choose Perplexica for users who want private, sourced AI answers. Choose SearXNG for self-hosters wanting a private search backend.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is Perplexica or SearXNG easier to use?
Both sit at a similar level (Intermediate). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.
Are Perplexica and SearXNG free?
Perplexica is free and open source (MIT), and SearXNG is free and open source (AGPL-3.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Perplexica and SearXNG locally?
Perplexica: self-hosted · SearXNG: self-hosted. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Perplexica vs SearXNG — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Perplexica for users who want private, sourced AI answers. Choose SearXNG for self-hosters wanting a private search backend.
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