Best New Relic alternatives 2026

Explore the top New Relic alternatives of 2026 to find simpler, more affordable, and flexible monitoring tools tailored to your team’s performance needs.

Looking for the best New Relic alternative? You’re not alone. Many organizations are seeking monitoring solutions that offer more predictable pricing, simpler interfaces, and greater flexibility than traditional APM platforms. Whether you’re dealing with budget constraints, complexity overload, or the need for specialized mobile or cloud-native monitoring, finding the right New Relic alternative can transform your observability strategy.

This guide reviews the top New Relic alternatives to help you find the perfect fit. We’ll cover everything from mobile-first monitoring tools to enterprise-grade platforms, comparing their features, pricing, and ideal use cases so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your team’s needs and budget.

Summary: Top New Relic alternatives

1. Embrace

Embrace is a comprehensive app performance monitoring tool designed to provide deep insights into mobile application behavior and performance. The platform focuses on delivering actionable data to help teams quickly identify and resolve issues, with an emphasis on usability and cost transparency. Embrace is particularly well-suited for organizations seeking a balance between advanced monitoring capabilities and manageable costs.

• Key features:
  • Mobile-focused performance monitoring for granular insights.
  • Real-time issue detection and alerting to minimize downtime.
  • Detailed session and user journey analysis to understand user behavior.
  • Customizable dashboards and reporting for tailored analytics.
• Pros:
  • Transparent pricing structure ensures cost predictability.
  • Intuitive user interface reduces the learning curve.
  • Specialized for mobile applications, providing deep platform-specific insights.
  • Comprehensive analytics support proactive troubleshooting.
• Cons:
  • Limited to mobile platforms; may lack advanced features for non-mobile environments.
• Pricing: Pricing details are available upon request and are designed to be transparent and scalable based on usage.
• Best for: Mobile-first organizations seeking predictable costs and a user-friendly interface for app performance monitoring.

2. Sentry

Sentry is an application monitoring platform that delivers real-time error tracking and performance insights for both web and mobile applications. Its open-source core and flexible integration options make it a strong choice for teams seeking customizable and cost-controlled solutions.

• Key features:
  • Real-time error tracking for rapid incident response.
  • Performance monitoring across web and mobile environments.
  • Open-source core with cloud-hosted options for flexibility.
  • Customizable alerting and integrations to fit diverse workflows.
• Pros:
  • Flexible open-source deployment or managed cloud options.
  • Transparent pricing for cloud-hosted plans.
  • Strong developer community for support and collaboration.
  • Supports multiple platforms for broader coverage.
• Cons:
  • Advanced features may require paid plans.
  • Initial setup can be complex, especially for self-hosted deployments.
• Pricing: Free open-source version and paid cloud-hosted plans with tiered pricing.
• Best for: Development teams seeking open-source or self-hosted solutions with flexible integration and cost control.

3. Logz.io

Logz.io is a cloud-based observability platform built on popular open-source tools such as ELK and Grafana. It offers log management, metrics, and tracing, appealing to organizations that want open-source flexibility with enterprise-level support and predictable costs.

• Key features:
  • Log management and analytics built on the ELK stack.
  • Metrics and distributed tracing for comprehensive observability.
  • Customizable dashboards using familiar Grafana interfaces.
  • Unified platform for logs, metrics, and traces.
• Pros:
  • Open-source foundation ensures flexibility and familiarity.
  • Unified observability platform streamlines operations.
  • Scalable for large, enterprise environments.
  • Transparent pricing tiers to aid budget planning.
• Cons:
  • May require expertise in ELK stack to maximize value.
  • Advanced features may incur additional costs.
• Pricing: Tiered pricing based on data volume and retention, with a free trial available.
• Best for: Organizations seeking open-source-based observability with predictable costs and enterprise support.

4. Honeycomb

Honeycomb is an observability platform built for high-cardinality data analysis and rapid troubleshooting of complex distributed systems. It is designed for teams that require deep querying, exploration, and highly flexible monitoring.

• Key features:
  • High-cardinality event analysis for granular insights into distributed systems.
  • Real-time querying and visualization for fast problem resolution.
  • Customizable dashboards for tailored data views.
  • Seamless integration with modern cloud-native environments.
• Pros:
  • Powerful querying capabilities for advanced troubleshooting.
  • Ideal for complex, distributed architectures.
  • Flexible data ingestion supports diverse environments.
  • Transparent, usage-based pricing model.
• Cons:
  • Learning curve for mastering advanced features.
  • May be excessive for simpler monitoring needs.
• Pricing: Usage-based pricing with a free tier and paid plans based on data volume and retention.
• Best for: Engineering teams managing complex, distributed, or cloud-native applications needing flexible and detailed observability.

5. Groundcover

Groundcover is a modern observability platform purpose-built for Kubernetes environments, emphasizing simplicity, cost efficiency, and open-source integration.

• Key features:
  • Kubernetes-native monitoring for real-time visibility.
  • Real-time alerting and troubleshooting to address incidents quickly.
  • Open-source integrations for enhanced flexibility.
  • Simplified user interface for ease of use.
• Pros:
  • Cost-effective, particularly for Kubernetes workloads.
  • Easy deployment and minimal management overhead.
  • Support for open-source standards improves interoperability.
  • Designed specifically for cloud-native environments.
• Cons:
  • Limited to Kubernetes-based applications.
  • May lack features for non-containerized workloads.
• Pricing: Pricing based on Kubernetes node usage, focused on transparency and scalability.
• Best for: Teams running Kubernetes workloads seeking a simple, cost-effective, and open-source-friendly observability solution.

6. Firebase Performance Monitoring

Firebase Performance Monitoring provides real-time insights into mobile and web app performance, with seamless integration into the broader Firebase ecosystem.

• Key features:
  • Real-time performance metrics for immediate feedback.
  • Automatic data collection requires minimal setup.
  • Integrates with other Firebase services for a unified experience.
  • Supports custom trace and metric instrumentation.
• Pros:
  • Free tier available, making it accessible for small projects.
  • Simple integration for both mobile and web applications.
  • Part of the widely-used Firebase suite.
  • Requires no complex setup or maintenance.
• Cons:
  • Limited to Firebase-supported platforms.
  • Advanced analytics features may be limited.
• Pricing: Included in the Firebase free tier, with additional costs based on other Firebase services used.
• Best for: Developers using Firebase for mobile or web apps who need straightforward, low-cost performance monitoring.

7. Instabug

Instabug is a mobile-centric monitoring and feedback platform that delivers real-time performance insights and user feedback, making it ideal for teams focused on mobile app quality.

• Key features:
  • Real-time performance monitoring to detect and fix issues quickly.
  • User feedback and bug reporting integrated into the workflow.
  • Crash reporting for comprehensive stability management.
  • Customizable alerts to stay informed about critical events.
• Pros:
  • Specialized for mobile apps, ensuring relevance and accuracy.
  • User-friendly interface requiring minimal training.
  • Comprehensive feedback tools facilitate continuous improvement.
  • Predictable pricing supports budget planning.
• Cons:
  • Limited to mobile platforms.
  • Advanced analytics may require higher-tier plans.
• Pricing: Tiered pricing based on the number of apps and monthly active users, with a free trial available.
• Best for: Mobile app teams seeking integrated performance monitoring and user feedback with clear pricing.

8. Bugsnag

Bugsnag is an error monitoring and stability management platform supporting both web and mobile applications. It focuses on actionable diagnostics and stability scoring to aid teams in prioritizing and resolving issues.

• Key features:
  • Error monitoring and alerting for rapid incident detection.
  • Stability score tracking to prioritize fixes.
  • Comprehensive diagnostics for in-depth analysis.
  • Multi-platform support ensures broad applicability.
• Pros:
  • Actionable, clear insights streamline issue resolution.
  • Supports both web and mobile platforms.
  • Predictable pricing tiers for budget management.
  • User-friendly dashboards aid adoption.
• Cons:
  • Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.
  • Not fully open-source.
• Pricing: Tiered pricing based on errors and users, with a free trial available.
• Best for: Teams seeking reliable error monitoring and stability management with straightforward pricing.

9. Dynatrace

Dynatrace offers an all-in-one application performance monitoring platform with end-to-end observability for cloud and enterprise environments. Its advanced AI-driven analytics and automation are designed for organizations with complex environments and large-scale needs.

• Key features:
  • Full-stack observability covering infrastructure, applications, and services.
  • AI-driven analytics and automation for faster root-cause analysis.
  • Real-time monitoring and alerting to maintain uptime.
  • Support for both cloud and on-premises environments.
• Pros:
  • Comprehensive monitoring capabilities for enterprise-scale operations.
  • Advanced automation reduces manual intervention.
  • Highly scalable for large, dynamic environments.
  • Broad platform support enables unified monitoring.
• Cons:
  • High or unpredictable costs, especially at scale.
  • Complex user interface with a steep learning curve.
  • May be excessive for smaller teams or simpler environments.
• Pricing: Based on monitored hosts, services, and data volume; custom quotes for enterprise deployments.
• Best for: Large enterprises needing advanced, automated monitoring across complex, multi-cloud environments.

10. Splunk

Splunk is a powerful data analytics and monitoring platform offering log management, metrics, and application performance insights. While it excels in analytics and integrations, it can be associated with high or unpredictable costs and a complex user interface.

• Key features:
  • Log management and analytics for deep operational insight.
  • Real-time monitoring and alerting to detect issues early.
  • Customizable dashboards for tailored reporting.
  • Integration with diverse data sources to unify data streams.
• Pros:
  • Robust analytics engine for advanced use cases.
  • Highly customizable for specific organizational requirements.
  • Supports large-scale data ingestion for enterprise environments.
  • Broad integration capabilities enhance flexibility.
• Cons:
  • High or unpredictable costs can be a barrier.
  • Steep learning curve and complex UI.
  • Best suited for organizations with dedicated resources for management.
• Pricing: Based on data ingestion volume and retention; enterprise licensing and cloud options available.
• Best for: Organizations with advanced analytics needs and the ability to manage complex, large-scale monitoring environments.

How to choose the best New Relic alternative for you

• Assess Your Application Environment: Determine whether your workloads are primarily mobile, web, distributed systems, or cloud-native. Tools like Embrace and Instabug excel for mobile, while Honeycomb and Groundcover are ideal for distributed or Kubernetes environments.
• Prioritize Cost Structure and Transparency: Review the pricing models—transparent tiered pricing and open-source options can help you avoid budget surprises. Consider both current usage and potential future scaling.
• Evaluate Usability and Team Expertise: Select a tool that matches your team’s technical skill set and operational bandwidth. Solutions with intuitive interfaces, such as Embrace and Instabug, are preferable for teams without deep observability experience.
• Consider Integration and Customization Needs: If your stack relies heavily on open standards or specific integrations, platforms like Sentry and Logz.io provide flexible, open-source foundations. For unified workflows, choose tools that integrate smoothly with your existing processes.
• Think About Support and Community: Enterprise support may be crucial for mission-critical environments, while strong community involvement can be advantageous for open-source solutions needing regular enhancements or troubleshooting.

How Embrace can help

Embrace addresses the challenges of high or unpredictable costs, complex user interfaces, and the need for specialized solutions by offering a transparent, scalable pricing model and a user-friendly interface focused on mobile observability.

With deep, actionable analytics and real-time issue detection, Embrace empowers teams to quickly identify and resolve mobile performance issues without getting lost in complexity or hidden fees.

Its specialization for mobile applications ensures that monitoring is both comprehensive and relevant, making it easier for organizations to maintain high-quality user experiences.
To see how Embrace can streamline your app performance monitoring and deliver predictable results, request a demo.

Conclusion and recommendations

• For mobile-first organizations: Embrace and Instabug provide specialized, intuitive monitoring with clear pricing—Embrace stands out for its depth of analytics and cost transparency.
• For open-source flexibility: Sentry and Logz.io offer customizable, open-source-based monitoring with predictable pricing, ideal for teams seeking greater control.
• For Kubernetes or cloud-native environments: Groundcover and Honeycomb deliver tailored observability solutions, balancing flexibility with cost efficiency.
• For large enterprises: Dynatrace and Splunk offer comprehensive, scalable monitoring but may involve higher costs and complexity—best suited for organizations with substantial resources.
• For developers seeking simplicity: Firebase Performance Monitoring is a strong choice for those already using the Firebase ecosystem.

When selecting a monitoring tool, carefully assess your environment, cost constraints, usability requirements, and integration needs. Embrace is an excellent starting point for mobile-focused teams prioritizing straightforward, effective observability, but the other tools reviewed provide valuable alternatives for a range of specialized requirements.

Author

Laura Bolos

Laura is the Head of Digital Marketing at Embrace. She brings over 12 years of experience working at startups building developer-focused products. She’s passionate about helping engineering teams evaluate and adopt observability tools that improve both developer and end-user experience.