Graylog vs Logstash: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Graylog and Logstash 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:
Graylog
Open-source log management platform
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Graylog is an open-source log management platform for collecting and analyzing logs
- • It centralizes log data with search, dashboards, and alerting capabilities
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.1/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Logstash is an open-source data processing pipeline for log ingestion
- • It collects, transforms, and sends logs to Elasticsearch and other destinations
| At a Glance |  Graylog |  Logstash |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Monitoring | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 80/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Graylog | Logstash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | MonitoringLog Management | Big Data AnalyticsReal-Time Analytics |
How Graylog and Logstash Compare
Graylog
Open-source log management platform
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Free · 81/100 score
Graylog is a monitoring tool. Logstash is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Logstash is free. Graylog is freemium.
Go with: Logstash
Want the highest-rated option?
Graylog: 80/100. Logstash: 81/100.
Go with: Logstash
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Logstash
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Graylog is freemium. Logstash is free. Go with Logstash if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Graylog is a monitoring tool. Logstash is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Logstash scores higher: 81/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Logstash
- Higher score: 81/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Graylog
- Better fit for monitoring
The Bottom Line
Logstash (81/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Graylog or Logstash better?
Logstash scores 81/100 in our evaluation. Graylog is freemium and Logstash is free.
What are Graylog and Logstash used for?
Graylog: Open-source log management platform. Logstash: Data processing pipeline.
What does Graylog cost vs Logstash?
Graylog is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Logstash is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.