Kibana vs New Relic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kibana and New Relic 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:
Kibana
Visualize, explore, and manage your data stored in Elasticsearch with an open-source interface.
Best for you if:
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Open-source interface for querying, analyzing, and visualizing Elasticsearch data.
- • Features AI-powered search, machine learning for anomaly detection, and geospatial analysis.
New Relic
Observability made simple
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • Full-stack observability platform with APM, infrastructure monitoring, and logs
- • Generous free tier: 100GB/month data ingest + 1 full-access user
| At a Glance |  Kibana |  New Relic |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Data Visualization |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Kibana | New Relic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Data VisualizationMonitoring |
How Kibana and New Relic Compare
Kibana
Visualize, explore, and manage your data stored in Elasticsearch with an open-source interface.
Paid
New Relic
Observability made simple
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Kibana is a business intelligence tool. New Relic is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
New Relic has a free tier. Kibana is paid only.
Go with: New Relic
Want the highest-rated option?
New Relic scores 87/100. Kibana is unrated.
Go with: New Relic
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: New Relic
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Kibana is paid. New Relic is freemium. New Relic lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Kibana is a business intelligence tool. New Relic is in data visualization. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
New Relic
- Higher score: 87/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kibana
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
New Relic (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kibana or New Relic better?
New Relic scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Kibana is paid and New Relic is freemium.
What are Kibana and New Relic used for?
Kibana: Visualize, explore, and manage your data stored in Elasticsearch with an open-source interface.. New Relic: Observability made simple.
What does Kibana cost vs New Relic?
Kibana is a paid tool. New Relic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.