Logstash vs Talend: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Logstash and Talend 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:
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.1/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Logstash is an open-source data processing pipeline for log ingestion
- • It collects, transforms, and sends logs to Elasticsearch and other destinations
Talend
Data integration and management platform
Best for you if:
- • Talend is an enterprise data integration and data quality platform
- • It provides ETL, data governance, and master data management
| At a Glance |  Logstash |  Talend |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 81/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Logstash | Talend |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsReal-Time Analytics | Big Data AnalyticsETL & Data Pipelines |
How Logstash and Talend Compare
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Free · 81/100 score
Talend
Data integration and management platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Logstash is free. Talend is paid.
Go with: Logstash
Want the highest-rated option?
Logstash: 81/100. Talend: 78/100.
Go with: Logstash
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Logstash
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Logstash is free. Talend is paid. Go with Logstash if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are big data analytics tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Logstash scores higher: 81/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Logstash
- Higher score: 81/100 vs 78
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Talend
The Bottom Line
Logstash (81/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Logstash or Talend better?
Logstash scores 81/100 in our evaluation. Logstash is free and Talend is paid.
What are Logstash and Talend used for?
Logstash: Data processing pipeline. Talend: Data integration and management platform.
What does Logstash cost vs Talend?
Logstash is completely free. Talend is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.