Loki vs New Relic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Loki and New Relic 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.
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 8.7/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need log management 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
New Relic
Observability made simple
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Full-stack observability platform with APM, infrastructure monitoring, and logs
- • Generous free tier: 100GB/month data ingest + 1 full-access user
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Log Management | Monitoring |
Rating | 88/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Loki | New Relic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Log ManagementMonitoring | MonitoringLog Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Loki and New Relic solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Loki positions itself as "log aggregation by grafana labs" while New Relicfocuses on "observability made simple". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Loki
Loki makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose New Relic
New Relic is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Loki lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Loki
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Loki handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Loki
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Loki
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Loki is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Loki higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted New Relic more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Loki Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider New Relic If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Loki (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Loki scores higher in our analysis, but New Relic might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loki or New Relic better?
Based on our analysis, Loki scores higher with 88/100. Loki isfree while New Relic is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Loki to New Relic easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Loki and New Relic offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Loki is completely free.New Relic is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.