Jaeger vs SigNoz: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jaeger and SigNoz 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:
Jaeger
Open-source distributed tracing system
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Jaeger is an open-source distributed tracing system for monitoring microservices
- • It tracks request flows across services to troubleshoot latency and failures
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Best for you if:
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • SigNoz is an open-source observability platform for metrics and traces
- • It provides APM, logs, and distributed tracing in one tool
| At a Glance |  Jaeger |  SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Data Visualization |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Jaeger | SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsMonitoring | Data VisualizationMonitoring |
How Jaeger and SigNoz Compare
Jaeger
Open-source distributed tracing system
Free · 85/100 score
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Jaeger is a api tools tool. SigNoz is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Jaeger is free. SigNoz is freemium.
Go with: Jaeger
Want the highest-rated option?
Jaeger: 85/100. SigNoz: 84/100.
Go with: Jaeger
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Jaeger
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Jaeger is free. SigNoz is freemium. Go with Jaeger if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Jaeger is a api tools tool. SigNoz is in data visualization. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Jaeger scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Jaeger
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SigNoz
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
Jaeger (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaeger or SigNoz better?
Jaeger scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Jaeger is free and SigNoz is freemium.
What are Jaeger and SigNoz used for?
Jaeger: Open-source distributed tracing system. SigNoz: Open-source APM and observability.
What does Jaeger cost vs SigNoz?
Jaeger is completely free. SigNoz is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.