New Relic vs AppDynamics: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between New Relic and AppDynamics 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:
New Relic
Observability made simple
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • Full-stack observability platform with APM, infrastructure monitoring, and logs
- • Generous free tier: 100GB/month data ingest + 1 full-access user
AppDynamics
Application performance monitoring for enterprises
Best for you if:
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • AppDynamics is an application performance monitoring platform from Cisco
- • It provides full-stack observability from code to infrastructure with AI-powered insights
| At a Glance |  New Relic |  AppDynamics |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Data Visualization | Debugging |
Rating | 87/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | New Relic | AppDynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data VisualizationMonitoring | DebuggingMonitoring |
How New Relic and AppDynamics Compare
New Relic
Observability made simple
Free tier available · 87/100 score
AppDynamics
Application performance monitoring for enterprises
Paid · 82/100 score
New Relic is a data visualization tool. AppDynamics is in debugging.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
New Relic has a free tier. AppDynamics is paid only.
Go with: New Relic
Want the highest-rated option?
New Relic: 87/100. AppDynamics: 82/100.
Go with: New Relic
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: New Relic
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
New Relic is freemium. AppDynamics is paid. New Relic lets you start free.
What's your use case?
New Relic is a data visualization tool. AppDynamics is in debugging. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
New Relic scores higher: 87/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
New Relic
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
AppDynamics
- Better fit for debugging
The Bottom Line
New Relic (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Relic or AppDynamics better?
New Relic scores 87/100 in our evaluation. New Relic is freemium and AppDynamics is paid.
What are New Relic and AppDynamics used for?
New Relic: Observability made simple. AppDynamics: Application performance monitoring for enterprises.
What does New Relic cost vs AppDynamics?
New Relic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). AppDynamics is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.