Loki vs Prometheus: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Loki and Prometheus 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 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
Prometheus
Monitoring and alerting toolkit
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Prometheus is an open-source monitoring system with a time-series database
- • It collects metrics, provides alerting, and powers Grafana dashboards
| At a Glance |  Prometheus | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Log Management | Monitoring |
Rating | 88/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Loki | Prometheus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 88 |
| 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 Prometheus solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Loki positions itself as "log aggregation by grafana labs" while Prometheusfocuses on "monitoring and alerting toolkit". 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.
When to Choose Prometheus
Prometheus is worth considering if you need a free 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. Prometheus is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Prometheus
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 Prometheus more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Loki Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Prometheus If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus better?
Based on our analysis, Loki scores higher with 88/100. Loki isfree while Prometheus is free. 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 Prometheus 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 Prometheus offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Loki is completely free.Prometheus is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.