New Relic vs Elastic APM: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between New Relic and Elastic APM 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:
New Relic
Observability made simple
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Full-stack observability platform with APM, infrastructure monitoring, and logs
- • Generous free tier: 100GB/month data ingest + 1 full-access user
Elastic APM
Application performance monitoring for Elastic Stack
Best for you if:
- • Elastic APM is application performance monitoring integrated with the Elastic Stack
- • It traces requests, identifies bottlenecks, and correlates errors with logs and metrics
| At a Glance |  Elastic APM | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Monitoring | Monitoring |
Rating | 87/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | New Relic | Elastic APM |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | MonitoringLog Management | MonitoringLog Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both New Relic and Elastic APM solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.New Relic positions itself as "observability made simple" while Elastic APMfocuses on "application performance monitoring for elastic stack". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose New Relic
New Relic makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Elastic APM
Elastic APM 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, New Relic lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: New Relic
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. New Relic handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: New Relic
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: New Relic
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with New Relic, upgrade when you're ready.
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 New Relic higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Elastic APM more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What New Relic Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Elastic APM 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 New Relic (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. New Relic scores higher in our analysis, but Elastic APM 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 New Relic or Elastic APM better?
Based on our analysis, New Relic scores higher with 87/100. New Relic isfreemium while Elastic APM 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 New Relic to Elastic APM 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 New Relic and Elastic APM offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. New Relic is freemium with a free tier.Elastic APM is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.