Loki vs Logstash: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Loki and Logstash 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:
Loki
Log aggregation by Grafana Labs
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • Loki is an open-source log aggregation system designed for Grafana
- • It indexes metadata instead of full text for cost-effective log storage
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Best for you if:
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Logstash is an open-source data processing pipeline for log ingestion
- • It collects, transforms, and sends logs to Elasticsearch and other destinations
| At a Glance |  Loki |  Logstash |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Data Visualization | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 88/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Loki | Logstash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data VisualizationMonitoring | Big Data AnalyticsReal-Time Analytics |
How Loki and Logstash Compare
Loki
Log aggregation by Grafana Labs
Free · 88/100 score
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Free · 81/100 score
Loki is a data visualization tool. Logstash is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Loki
Want the highest-rated option?
Loki: 88/100. Logstash: 81/100.
Go with: Loki
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Loki
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?
Loki is a data visualization tool. Logstash is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Loki scores higher: 88/100 vs 81/100.
Key Takeaways
Loki
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 81
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Logstash
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Loki (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loki or Logstash better?
Loki scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Loki and Logstash used for?
Loki: Log aggregation by Grafana Labs. Logstash: Data processing pipeline.
What does Loki cost vs Logstash?
Loki is completely free. Logstash is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.