Datadog vs Prometheus: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Datadog and Prometheus 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:
Prometheus
Open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | DevOps | DevOps |
Rating | 92/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | Datadog | Prometheus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 92 |
| 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 Prometheus solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Datadog positions itself as "cloud monitoring platform with apm, logs, and infrastructure metrics" while Prometheusfocuses on "open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit". 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.
When to Choose Prometheus
Prometheus is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Prometheus won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Prometheus
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Prometheus is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Prometheus
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?
Zero budget? Prometheus won't cost you anything.
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 Prometheus more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Datadog Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Prometheus If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus better?
Based on our analysis, Datadog scores higher with 92/100. Datadog ispaid while Prometheus is free. 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Datadog is paid with potential trial.Prometheus is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.