Datadog vs Honeycomb: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Datadog and Honeycomb 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:
Datadog
Cloud monitoring platform with APM, logs, and infrastructure metrics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.6/10)
Honeycomb
Observability for distributed systems
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | DevOps | DevOps |
Rating | 92/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Datadog | Honeycomb |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DevOps | DevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Datadog and Honeycomb solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Datadog positions itself as "cloud monitoring platform with apm, logs, and infrastructure metrics" while Honeycombfocuses on "observability for distributed systems". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Datadog
Datadog makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 92/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Honeycomb
Honeycomb is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Honeycomb won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Honeycomb
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Datadog handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Datadog
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Datadog is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Datadog
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Honeycomb has a free tier to get you started.
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 Datadog higher (92/100). But the community has upvoted Honeycomb more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Datadog Does Better
- Higher overall score (92/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Honeycomb 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 Datadog (92/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Datadog scores higher in our analysis, but Honeycomb 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 Datadog or Honeycomb better?
Based on our analysis, Datadog scores higher with 92/100. Datadog ispaid while Honeycomb 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 Datadog to Honeycomb 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 Datadog and Honeycomb offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Datadog is paid with potential trial.Honeycomb is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.