Linkerd vs Jaeger: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Linkerd and Jaeger 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:
Linkerd
Enterprise power without enterprise complexity: a lightweight, fast, and secure service mesh for Kubernetes.
Best for you if:
- • You need container orchestration features specifically
- • Lightweight and fast service mesh for Kubernetes, built in Rust.
- • Provides security, observability, and reliability with minimal complexity.
Jaeger
Open-source distributed tracing system
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance |  Linkerd |  Jaeger |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Container Orchestration | API Tools |
Rating | 77/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Linkerd | Jaeger |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 77 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Container OrchestrationMonitoring | API ToolsMonitoring |
How Linkerd and Jaeger Compare
Linkerd
Enterprise power without enterprise complexity: a lightweight, fast, and secure service mesh for Kubernetes.
Free · 77/100 score
Jaeger
Open-source distributed tracing system
Free · 85/100 score
Linkerd is a container orchestration tool. Jaeger is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Linkerd
Want the highest-rated option?
Linkerd: 77/100. Jaeger: 85/100.
Go with: Jaeger
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Jaeger
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Linkerd is a container orchestration tool. Jaeger is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Jaeger scores higher: 85/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
Jaeger
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 77
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Linkerd
- Better fit for container orchestration
The Bottom Line
Jaeger (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linkerd or Jaeger better?
Jaeger scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Linkerd and Jaeger used for?
Linkerd: Enterprise power without enterprise complexity: a lightweight, fast, and secure service mesh for Kubernetes.. Jaeger: Open-source distributed tracing system.
What does Linkerd cost vs Jaeger?
Linkerd is completely free. Jaeger is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.