Kubecost vs New Relic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kubecost 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:
Kubecost
Monitor and reduce Kubernetes spend with real-time visibility and optimization insights.
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Provides real-time cost visibility for Kubernetes environments.
- • Offers optimization insights and recommendations to reduce spend.
New Relic
Observability made simple
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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 |  Kubecost |  New Relic |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Monitoring | Data Visualization |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Kubecost | New Relic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Monitoring | Data VisualizationMonitoring |
How Kubecost and New Relic Compare
Kubecost
Monitor and reduce Kubernetes spend with real-time visibility and optimization insights.
Free tier available
New Relic
Observability made simple
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Kubecost is a monitoring tool. New Relic is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Kubecost
Want the highest-rated option?
New Relic scores 87/100. Kubecost 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Kubecost is a monitoring 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
Kubecost
- Better fit for monitoring
The Bottom Line
New Relic (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kubecost or New Relic better?
New Relic scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Kubecost and New Relic used for?
Kubecost: Monitor and reduce Kubernetes spend with real-time visibility and optimization insights.. New Relic: Observability made simple.
What does Kubecost cost vs New Relic?
Kubecost is freemium (free tier + paid plans). New Relic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.