Exceptionless vs Appsignal: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Exceptionless and Appsignal 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Exceptionless
Open-source error and event logging
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Exceptionless is an open-source error and event logging service for applications
- • It captures exceptions, logs, and events with real-time dashboards and notifications
Appsignal
Application monitoring for Ruby, Elixir, and Node.js
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • AppSignal is an APM tool designed specifically for Ruby, Elixir, and Node.js applications
- • It tracks errors, performance, and host metrics with a simple setup
| At a Glance |  Appsignal | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Debugging | Debugging |
Rating | 76/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Exceptionless | Appsignal |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DebuggingMonitoring | DebuggingMonitoring |
How Exceptionless and Appsignal Compare
Exceptionless
Open-source error and event logging
Free tier available · 76/100 score
Appsignal
Application monitoring for Ruby, Elixir, and Node.js
Paid · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Exceptionless has a free tier. Appsignal is paid only.
Go with: Exceptionless
Want the highest-rated option?
Exceptionless: 76/100. Appsignal: 82/100.
Go with: Appsignal
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Appsignal
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Exceptionless is freemium. Appsignal is paid. Exceptionless lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are debugging tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Appsignal scores higher: 82/100 vs 76/100.
Key Takeaways
Appsignal
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 76
- Our pick for this comparison
Exceptionless
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Appsignal (82/100) is our pick. Exceptionless has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exceptionless or Appsignal better?
Appsignal scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Exceptionless is freemium and Appsignal is paid.
What are Exceptionless and Appsignal used for?
Exceptionless: Open-source error and event logging. Appsignal: Application monitoring for Ruby, Elixir, and Node.js.
What does Exceptionless cost vs Appsignal?
Exceptionless is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Appsignal is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.