What it does
turbovec is a code library for searching vectors, the lists of numbers AI tools use to represent the meaning of text or images. It's the kind of search behind "find similar" features and document chatbots.
It squeezes each vector into a much smaller form using a research method called TurboQuant, and searches that compressed form directly. Its makers say this uses many times less memory and searches faster than the widely used FAISS library, with similar accuracy.
It runs inside your own program, so no data leaves your machine. You can add and remove items at any time without rebuilding, and filter results.
Who it's for
Developers building AI search or memory features who need to handle many items on limited hardware.
Can I use it without coding?
Developers only. A Python and Rust library used by writing code. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- FreeNothing to pay or sign up for.
- Privacy
- Runs on your own device: your data stays with you
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe
Where people are talking about it
- Turbovec – Google's TurboQuant for vector search in RustHacker News · Aug 2026
- TurboQuant: Online Vector Quantization with Near-optimal Distortion RateResearch paper · Apr 2025
- RaBitQ: Quantizing High-Dimensional Vectors with a Theoretical Error Bound for Approximate Nearest Neighbor SearchResearch paper · May 2024