Airbrake vs Papertrail: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Airbrake and Papertrail comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Airbrake
Error monitoring and performance tracking for applications
Best for you if:
Papertrail
Cloud-hosted log management
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | DevOps | DevOps |
Rating | 80/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Airbrake | Papertrail |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DevOps | DevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Airbrake and Papertrail solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Airbrake positions itself as "error monitoring and performance tracking for applications" while Papertrailfocuses on "cloud-hosted log management". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Airbrake
Airbrake makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Papertrail
Papertrail is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Airbrake lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Airbrake
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Papertrail is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Papertrail
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Airbrake
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Airbrake, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Airbrake higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Papertrail more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Airbrake Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Papertrail If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Airbrake (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Airbrake scores higher in our analysis, but Papertrail might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airbrake or Papertrail better?
Based on our analysis, Airbrake scores higher with 80/100. Airbrake isfreemium while Papertrail is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Airbrake to Papertrail easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Airbrake and Papertrail offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Airbrake is freemium with a free tier.Papertrail is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.