Exceptionless vs Raygun: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Exceptionless and Raygun 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:
Exceptionless
Open-source error and event logging
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
Raygun
Error and performance monitoring
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.6/10)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | DevOps | DevOps |
Rating | 76/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Exceptionless | Raygun |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DevOps | DevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Exceptionless and Raygun solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Exceptionless positions itself as "open-source error and event logging" while Raygunfocuses on "error and performance monitoring". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Exceptionless
Exceptionless makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Raygun
Raygun is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 80/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Exceptionless lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Exceptionless
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Raygun is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Raygun
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Raygun takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Raygun
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Exceptionless, 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 Raygun higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Raygun more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Raygun Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Exceptionless 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 Raygun (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Raygun scores higher in our analysis, but Exceptionless 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 Exceptionless or Raygun better?
Based on our analysis, Raygun scores higher with 80/100. Exceptionless isfreemium while Raygun is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Exceptionless to Raygun 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 Exceptionless and Raygun offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Exceptionless is freemium with a free tier.Raygun is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.