SearXNG vs 
Lepton Search
SearXNG vs Lepton Search compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. The private search layer behind AI search vs A conversational search engine in 500 lines.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
SearXNG vs Lepton Search at a glance
| Spec | SearXNG | Lepton Search |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI search engines | AI search engines |
| Type | Meta-search engine | AI search engine |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Self-hosted | Yes |
| Primary language | Python | Python |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Best for | self-hosters wanting a private search backend | learning how answer engines work |
| GitHub stars | — | — |
How SearXNG and Lepton Search score
| Criterion | SearXNG | Lepton Search |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | n/a | n/a |
| Maintenance | n/a | n/a |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Privacy | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| License freedom | 3.5 | 5.0 |
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
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
Lepton Search
Lepton Search is a minimal, readable conversational search engine — a great starting point to build your own answer engine.
- Under 500 lines, very readable
- Easy to fork and customize
- Good teaching example
Key differences
SearXNG is meta-search engine, while Lepton Search is aI search engine. Their licenses differ (AGPL-3.0 vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. SearXNG leans more intermediate-friendly, whereas Lepton Search is more suited to beginner users. They also differ in how they run (Self-hosted vs Yes). In short, SearXNG fits self-hosters wanting a private search backend, and Lepton Search fits learning how answer engines work.
Which should you choose?
Choose SearXNG for self-hosters wanting a private search backend. Choose Lepton Search for learning how answer engines work.
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 SearXNG or Lepton Search easier to use?
Lepton Search is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while SearXNG rewards more setup with more control.
Are SearXNG and Lepton Search free?
SearXNG is free and open source (AGPL-3.0), and Lepton Search is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run SearXNG and Lepton Search locally?
SearXNG: self-hosted · Lepton Search: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
SearXNG vs Lepton Search — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose SearXNG for self-hosters wanting a private search backend. Choose Lepton Search for learning how answer engines work.
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