Loggly vs Datadog: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Loggly and Datadog 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.
Bottom line: Datadog wins this matchup. Site24x7 is our overall Log Management pick. Logstash is our free Log Management pick. Pick Loggly if you need log management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Loggly
Cloud-based log management service
Best for you if:
- • You want good log management
- • You want easy setup
Datadog
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want comprehensive platform
- • You want great visualizations
| At a Glance | Loggly | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $79/monthStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Log Management | Monitoring |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Loggly or Datadog?
Choose Loggly if
Cloud-based log management service
- You want good log management
- You want easy setup
- Your work is log management-shaped, not monitoring-shaped
Choose Datadog if
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want comprehensive platform
- You want great visualizations
- Budget matters (Free vs $79/month)
- Your work is monitoring-shaped, not log management-shaped
| Feature | Loggly | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 13 reviews | ★4.4/5 726 reviews |
| Categories | Log ManagementMonitoring | MonitoringLog Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Loggly
Cloud-based log management service
Loggly's pricing is fair for its target market, offering a generous free tier and clear progression.
Watch out
Overage fees if daily volume exceeded
Strengths
- +Good log management
- +Easy setup
- +Good search
- +SolarWinds backed
- +Good integrations
Weaknesses
- -Expensive at scale
- -UI dated
- -Limited retention
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Query learning curve
Key features
Datadog
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Datadog is the most comprehensive observability platform, infrastructure monitoring, APM, logs, RUM, security, and 750+ integrations in one place.
Watch out
APM requires Infrastructure Monitoring on the SAME hosts: you cannot buy APM alone. Most pricing pages only show the APM price
Strengths
- +Comprehensive platform
- +Great visualizations
- +700+ integrations
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -Can be expensive
Key features
Pricing: Loggly vs Datadog
| Plan | Loggly | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Lite | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $79 month Standard | $15 /host/month (annual) Infrastructure Pro |
| Tier 3 | $159 month Pro | $23 /host/month (annual) Infrastructure Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | custom Enterprise | $31 /host/month (annual, with Infra) APM |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $40 /host/month (annual, with Infra) APM Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Loggly pricing and Datadog pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Datadog has a free tier. Loggly is paid only.
Go with: Datadog
Want the highest-rated option?
Loggly: 4.4/5 (13 reviews). Datadog: 4.4/5 (726 reviews).
Go with: Loggly
Value user reviews?
Loggly: 13 reviews (4.4/5). Datadog: 726 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Datadog
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Loggly is paid. Datadog is freemium. Datadog lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Loggly is a log management tool. Datadog is in monitoring. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Datadog
- Larger review base (726 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Loggly
- Better fit for log management
The Bottom Line
Datadog wins this matchup. Site24x7 is our overall Log Management pick. Logstash is our free Log Management pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loggly or Datadog better?
Datadog is rated in our evaluation. Loggly is paid and Datadog is freemium.
What are Loggly and Datadog used for?
Loggly: Cloud-based log management service. Datadog: Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps.
What does Loggly cost vs Datadog?
Loggly is a paid tool. Datadog is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.