# Haystack

Apache-2.0 framework for context-engineered, production RAG and agent pipelines. Haystack is free, with no paid plan attached, at haystack.deepset.ai.

## Facts

- **Pricing tier:** Free
- **Works on:** API, Self-hosted
- **Works in browser:** No

## Capabilities

- Apache-2.0 framework for context-engineered, production RAG and agent pipelines
- Modular components with retrievers, generators and tool calling
- Integrates most vector stores and model providers

## FAQ

### What is Haystack?

Haystack is listed under Agent Frameworks (Developers), in the AI Agents & Automation category on Flocci AI Tools. Apache-2.0 framework for context-engineered, production RAG and agent pipelines. It is free, with no paid plan attached, and it lives at haystack.deepset.ai.

### Is Haystack free?

Haystack is listed as fully free — there is no paid tier attached to it in the catalog. That makes it one of the 397 entries on Flocci AI Tools with no upgrade path built in.

### Can I use Haystack in a browser, or is there an app?

Haystack needs to be installed or self-hosted — it doesn't run in a browser tab. It is available on an API and self-hosting.

### What can Haystack do?

Haystack does 3 things the catalog singles out: Apache-2.0 framework for context-engineered, production rag and agent pipelines; modular components with retrievers, generators and tool calling; integrates most vector stores and model providers.

### What is the best free alternative to Haystack?

Agno is the closest free alternative: it sits in the same Agent Frameworks (Developers) sub-category and is free. AWS Strands Agents, CAMEL and Claude Agent SDK also start free. The full list is on the alternatives page.

## Related

- [Haystack alternatives](https://aitools.flocci.in/alternatives/haystack)
- [Agent Frameworks (Developers)](https://aitools.flocci.in/category/ai-agents-automation/agent-frameworks-developers)
- [Best free AI agent frameworks for developers](https://aitools.flocci.in/best/best-agent-frameworks-developers)
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Source: Flocci AI Tools — https://aitools.flocci.in/tool/haystack

Facts last verified: October 2026