OpenCost vs PRTG: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenCost and PRTG 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:
OpenCost
Open-source cost monitoring and allocation for cloud-native Kubernetes environments.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Provides real-time, granular cost allocation for Kubernetes down to the container level.
- • Integrates with AWS, Azure, and GCP for dynamic pricing, and supports on-prem clusters.
PRTG
All-in-One Network Monitoring Software to stay ahead of IT infrastructure issues.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need real-time analytics features specifically
- • Monitors all IT infrastructure components: networks, servers, applications, databases, and cloud services.
- • Provides real-time visualization, customizable dashboards, and alerts for proactive issue resolution.
| At a Glance |  OpenCost |  PRTG |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Monitoring | Real-Time Analytics |
Rating | —/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | OpenCost | PRTG |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Monitoring | Real-Time AnalyticsMonitoring |
How OpenCost and PRTG Compare
OpenCost
Open-source cost monitoring and allocation for cloud-native Kubernetes environments.
Free
PRTG
All-in-One Network Monitoring Software to stay ahead of IT infrastructure issues.
Free tier available · 89/100 score
OpenCost is a monitoring tool. PRTG is in real-time analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenCost is free. PRTG is freemium.
Go with: OpenCost
Want the highest-rated option?
PRTG scores 89/100. OpenCost is unrated.
Go with: PRTG
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PRTG
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenCost is free. PRTG is freemium. Go with OpenCost if free matters most.
What's your use case?
OpenCost is a monitoring tool. PRTG is in real-time analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
PRTG
- Higher score: 89/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenCost
- Completely free
- Better fit for monitoring
The Bottom Line
PRTG (89/100) is our pick. That said, OpenCost is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenCost or PRTG better?
PRTG scores 89/100 in our evaluation. OpenCost is free and PRTG is freemium.
What are OpenCost and PRTG used for?
OpenCost: Open-source cost monitoring and allocation for cloud-native Kubernetes environments.. PRTG: All-in-One Network Monitoring Software to stay ahead of IT infrastructure issues..
What does OpenCost cost vs PRTG?
OpenCost is completely free. PRTG is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.