EXFO Network Testing vs Checkly: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between EXFO Network Testing and Checkly 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.
Bottom line: Checkly is our overall pick for developer tools workflows. Pick EXFO Network Testing if you need testing & QA.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
EXFO Network Testing
Pioneering network test, monitoring, and analytics solutions for the communications industry.
Best for you if:
- • You need testing & QA features specifically
- • Provides comprehensive network testing, monitoring, and analytics solutions.
- • Supports a wide range of network technologies including fiber, 5G, and Ethernet.
Checkly
API and synthetic monitoring for developers
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Checkly is a synthetic monitoring platform for testing APIs and web applications from global locations
- • It runs automated checks, validates uptime, and alerts teams before users experience issues
| At a Glance |  EXFO Network Testing |  Checkly |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Testing & QA | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose EXFO Network Testing or Checkly?
Choose EXFO Network Testing if
Pioneering network test, monitoring, and analytics solutions for the communications industry.
- Supports a wide range of network technologies from legacy DSn/PDH to 800G Ethernet and 5G.
- Offers highly portable and rugged solutions for field technicians.
- Features AI-driven tools for enhanced accuracy and automation in fiber inspection.
- Your work is testing & QA-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose Checkly if
API and synthetic monitoring for developers
- Good synthetic monitoring
- Playwright based
- API monitoring
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not testing & QA-shaped
| Feature | EXFO Network Testing | Checkly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 34 reviews |
| Categories | Testing & QAAnalytics | Developer ToolsTesting & QA |
In-Depth Analysis
EXFO Network Testing
Pioneering network test, monitoring, and analytics solutions for the communications industry.
Strengths
- +Supports a wide range of network technologies from legacy DSn/PDH to 800G Ethernet and 5G.
- +Offers highly portable and rugged solutions for field technicians.
- +Features AI-driven tools for enhanced accuracy and automation in fiber inspection.
- +Provides remote testing and monitoring capabilities for FTTx networks.
- +Trusted by over 95% of top CSPs worldwide and major hyperscalers.
Weaknesses
- -Requires specialized knowledge for optimal utilization of advanced testing features.
- -Initial investment for comprehensive solutions can be significant.
- -Specific pricing details are not publicly available, requiring direct inquiry.
Key features
Checkly
API and synthetic monitoring for developers
Strengths
- +Good synthetic monitoring
- +Playwright based
- +API monitoring
- +Good DX
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Per-check pricing
- -Learning curve
- -Limited regions free
- -Some features complex
- -Smaller than Datadog
Key features
Pricing: EXFO Network Testing vs Checkly
| Plan | EXFO Network Testing | Checkly |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $40 month Team |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on EXFO Network Testing pricing and Checkly pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Checkly has a free tier. EXFO Network Testing is paid only.
Go with: Checkly
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkly is rated 4.5/5. EXFO Network Testing has no ratings yet.
Go with: Checkly
Value user reviews?
EXFO Network Testing: no ratings yet. Checkly: 34 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Checkly
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
EXFO Network Testing is paid. Checkly is freemium. Checkly lets you start free.
What's your use case?
EXFO Network Testing is a testing & QA tool. Checkly is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Checkly is rated 4.5/5; EXFO Network Testing has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Checkly
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
EXFO Network Testing
- Better fit for testing & QA
The Bottom Line
Checkly is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EXFO Network Testing or Checkly better?
Checkly is rated in our evaluation. EXFO Network Testing is paid and Checkly is freemium.
What are EXFO Network Testing and Checkly used for?
EXFO Network Testing: Pioneering network test, monitoring, and analytics solutions for the communications industry.. Checkly: API and synthetic monitoring for developers.
What does EXFO Network Testing cost vs Checkly?
EXFO Network Testing is a paid tool. Checkly is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.