Papertrail vs Loggly: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Papertrail and Loggly 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.
Bottom line: Papertrail is our overall pick for DevOps workflows. Pick Loggly if you need log management.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Papertrail
Real-time log aggregation and analysis for DevOps
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need DevOps features specifically
- • Simple log aggregation with fast search
- • Live tail for real-time log watching
Loggly
Cloud-based log management service
Best for you if:
- • You need log management features specifically
- • Loggly is a cloud-based log management service for DevOps teams
- • It aggregates, searches, and analyzes log data across systems
| At a Glance |  Papertrail |  Loggly |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $79/monthStandard |
Best For | DevOps | Log Management |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Papertrail or Loggly?
Choose Papertrail if
Real-time log aggregation and analysis for DevOps
- Very simple to use
- Fast search
- Affordable
- Budget matters (Free vs $79/month)
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not log management-shaped
Choose Loggly if
Cloud-based log management service
- Good log management
- Easy setup
- Good search
- Your work is log management-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
| Feature | Papertrail | Loggly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 103 reviews | ★4.4/5 13 reviews |
| Categories | DevOpsLog Management | Log ManagementMonitoring |
In-Depth Analysis
Papertrail
Real-time log aggregation and analysis for DevOps
Strengths
- +Very simple to use
- +Fast search
- +Affordable
Weaknesses
- -Limited analysis features
- -Search window limits
- -Not for advanced use cases
Key features
Loggly
Cloud-based log management service
Strengths
- +Good log management
- +Easy setup
- +Good search
- +SolarWinds backed
- +Good integrations
Weaknesses
- -Expensive at scale
- -UI dated
- -Limited retention
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Query learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Papertrail vs Loggly
| Plan | Papertrail | Loggly |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Lite |
| Tier 2 | $7 month Pro | $79 month Standard |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $159 month Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Papertrail pricing and Loggly pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Papertrail has a free tier. Loggly is paid only.
Go with: Papertrail
Want the highest-rated option?
Papertrail: 4.6/5 (103 reviews). Loggly: 4.4/5 (13 reviews).
Go with: Papertrail
Value user reviews?
Papertrail: 103 reviews (4.6/5). Loggly: 13 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Papertrail
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Papertrail is freemium. Loggly is paid. Papertrail lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Papertrail is a DevOps tool. Loggly is in log management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Papertrail is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Papertrail
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (103 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Loggly
- Better fit for log management
The Bottom Line
Papertrail is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Papertrail or Loggly better?
Papertrail is rated in our evaluation. Papertrail is freemium and Loggly is paid.
What are Papertrail and Loggly used for?
Papertrail: Real-time log aggregation and analysis for DevOps. Loggly: Cloud-based log management service.
What does Papertrail cost vs Loggly?
Papertrail is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Loggly is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.