New Relic vs Datadog: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between New Relic and Datadog 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 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
Datadog
Cloud monitoring platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Cloud monitoring and security platform
- • Unified observability across infrastructure
| At a Glance |  New Relic |  Datadog |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Data Visualization | Monitoring |
Rating | 87/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | New Relic | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data VisualizationMonitoring | MonitoringLog Management |
How New Relic and Datadog Compare
New Relic
Observability made simple
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Datadog
Cloud monitoring platform
Free tier available · 90/100 score
New Relic is a data visualization tool. Datadog is in monitoring.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: New Relic
Want the highest-rated option?
New Relic: 87/100. Datadog: 90/100.
Go with: Datadog
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Datadog
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
New Relic is a data visualization tool. Datadog is in monitoring. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Datadog scores higher: 90/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
Datadog
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 87
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
New Relic
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
Datadog (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Relic or Datadog better?
Datadog scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are New Relic and Datadog used for?
New Relic: Observability made simple. Datadog: Cloud monitoring platform.
What does New Relic cost vs Datadog?
New Relic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Datadog is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.