Grafana vs PagerDuty: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Grafana and PagerDuty 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:
Grafana
Open-source analytics and monitoring platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
PagerDuty
Incident management and response platform
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | DevOps | DevOps |
Rating | 90/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Grafana | PagerDuty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DevOps | DevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Grafana and PagerDuty solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Grafana positions itself as "open-source analytics and monitoring platform" while PagerDutyfocuses on "incident management and response platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Grafana
Grafana makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose PagerDuty
PagerDuty is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Grafana lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Grafana
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. PagerDuty is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: PagerDuty
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. PagerDuty takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: PagerDuty
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Grafana, 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 Grafana higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted PagerDuty more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Grafana Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider PagerDuty If
- 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 Grafana (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Grafana scores higher in our analysis, but PagerDuty 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 Grafana or PagerDuty better?
Based on our analysis, Grafana scores higher with 90/100. Grafana isfreemium while PagerDuty 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 Grafana to PagerDuty 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 Grafana and PagerDuty offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Grafana is freemium with a free tier.PagerDuty is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.