OpenTelemetry vs SigNoz: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenTelemetry and SigNoz 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:
OpenTelemetry
Observability framework for cloud-native software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • 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
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Best for you if:
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • SigNoz is an open-source observability platform for metrics and traces
- • It provides APM, logs, and distributed tracing in one tool
| At a Glance |  OpenTelemetry |  SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Data Visualization |
Rating | 90/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | OpenTelemetry | SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | Data VisualizationMonitoring |
How OpenTelemetry and SigNoz Compare
OpenTelemetry
Observability framework for cloud-native software
Free · 90/100 score
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Free tier available · 84/100 score
OpenTelemetry is a api tools tool. SigNoz is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenTelemetry is free. SigNoz is freemium.
Go with: OpenTelemetry
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenTelemetry: 90/100. SigNoz: 84/100.
Go with: OpenTelemetry
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenTelemetry
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenTelemetry is free. SigNoz is freemium. Go with OpenTelemetry if free matters most.
What's your use case?
OpenTelemetry is a api tools tool. SigNoz is in data visualization. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
OpenTelemetry scores higher: 90/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
OpenTelemetry
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 84
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SigNoz
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
OpenTelemetry (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenTelemetry or SigNoz better?
OpenTelemetry scores 90/100 in our evaluation. OpenTelemetry is free and SigNoz is freemium.
What are OpenTelemetry and SigNoz used for?
OpenTelemetry: Observability framework for cloud-native software. SigNoz: Open-source APM and observability.
What does OpenTelemetry cost vs SigNoz?
OpenTelemetry is completely free. SigNoz is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.