Kibana vs SigNoz: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kibana 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:
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.
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |  Kibana |  SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Data Visualization |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Kibana | SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| 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 SigNoz Compare
Kibana
Visualize, explore, and manage your data stored in Elasticsearch with an open-source interface.
Paid
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Kibana is a business intelligence tool. SigNoz is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SigNoz has a free tier. Kibana is paid only.
Go with: SigNoz
Want the highest-rated option?
SigNoz scores 84/100. Kibana is unrated.
Go with: SigNoz
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SigNoz
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Kibana is paid. SigNoz is freemium. SigNoz lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Kibana is a business intelligence tool. SigNoz is in data visualization. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
SigNoz
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kibana
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
SigNoz (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kibana or SigNoz better?
SigNoz scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Kibana is paid and SigNoz is freemium.
What are Kibana and SigNoz used for?
Kibana: Visualize, explore, and manage your data stored in Elasticsearch with an open-source interface.. SigNoz: Open-source APM and observability.
What does Kibana cost vs SigNoz?
Kibana is a paid tool. SigNoz is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.