Memfault vs OpenTelemetry: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Memfault and OpenTelemetry 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:
Memfault
Embedded observability and OTA for IoT devices to fix defects before customers notice.
Best for you if:
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • Provides real-time observability for all types of embedded and IoT devices.
- • Automates crash data collection, debugging, and root cause analysis for in-field issues.
OpenTelemetry
Observability framework for cloud-native software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • OpenTelemetry is an open-source observability framework for traces and metrics
- • It standardizes instrumentation across languages for monitoring tools
| At a Glance |  Memfault |  OpenTelemetry |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Debugging | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Memfault | OpenTelemetry |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DebuggingMonitoring | API ToolsDebugging |
How Memfault and OpenTelemetry Compare
Memfault
Embedded observability and OTA for IoT devices to fix defects before customers notice.
Free tier available
OpenTelemetry
Observability framework for cloud-native software
Free · 90/100 score
Memfault is a debugging tool. OpenTelemetry is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenTelemetry is free. Memfault is freemium.
Go with: OpenTelemetry
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenTelemetry scores 90/100. Memfault is unrated.
Go with: OpenTelemetry
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenTelemetry
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Memfault is freemium. OpenTelemetry is free. Go with OpenTelemetry if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Memfault is a debugging tool. OpenTelemetry is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
OpenTelemetry
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Memfault
- Better fit for debugging
The Bottom Line
OpenTelemetry (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memfault or OpenTelemetry better?
OpenTelemetry scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Memfault is freemium and OpenTelemetry is free.
What are Memfault and OpenTelemetry used for?
Memfault: Embedded observability and OTA for IoT devices to fix defects before customers notice.. OpenTelemetry: Observability framework for cloud-native software.
What does Memfault cost vs OpenTelemetry?
Memfault is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OpenTelemetry is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.