LogRhythm vs OSSEC: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for LogRhythm and OSSEC side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, OSSEC leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
LogRhythm
SIEM and security analytics platform
Best for you if:
- • You want enterprise SIEM
OSSEC
Open-source host intrusion detection
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (LogRhythm requires payment)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free 100% free |
Category | Log Management Security | Log Management Security |
Rating | 4.2/5 G2 4.2 152 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 10 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | Additional storage beyond included limits | n/a |
Choose LogRhythm or OSSEC?
Choose LogRhythm if
- You want enterprise SIEM
- You want good threat detection
Choose OSSEC if
- You want a fully free tool (LogRhythm requires payment)
- You want open source HIDS
- You want good intrusion detection
In-Depth Analysis
LogRhythm
SIEM and security analytics platform
This model typically indicates an expensive solution, likely starting in the tens of thousands annually, positioning it above many SMB budgets.
Watch out
Additional storage beyond included limits
Strengths
- Pro: Enterprise SIEM
- Pro: Good threat detection
- Pro: Compliance features
- Pro: Good support
- Pro: Industry established
Weaknesses
- Con: Very expensive
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Legacy architecture
Key features
OSSEC
Open-source host intrusion detection
OSSEC's pricing is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Open source HIDS
- Pro: Good intrusion detection
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Active community
- Pro: Free
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: UI limited
- Con: Documentation dated
- Con: Resource usage
Key features
Plans and prices: LogRhythm vs OSSEC
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LogRhythm |
| logrhythm.com read Sep 28, 2026 |
| OSSEC |
| ossec.net read Oct 14, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on LogRhythm pricing and OSSEC pricing.
Key Takeaways
LogRhythm
- Choose if you want SIEM and security analytics platform
OSSEC
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, OSSEC leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (4.2/5 from 152 reviews for LogRhythm, 4.6/5 from 10 reviews for OSSEC; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides).
- Only OSSEC has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do LogRhythm and OSSEC compare in 2026?
On the data below, OSSEC leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (4.2/5 from 152 reviews for LogRhythm, 4.6/5 from 10 reviews for OSSEC; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides). Only OSSEC has a free plan.
What are LogRhythm and OSSEC used for?
LogRhythm: SIEM and security analytics platform. OSSEC: Open-source host intrusion detection.
What does LogRhythm cost vs OSSEC?
LogRhythm has no public paid-plan price on file. OSSEC is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 14, 2026.
What's the main difference between LogRhythm and OSSEC?
LogRhythm's main strength: enterprise SIEM. OSSEC's main strength: open source HIDS.