Papertrail vs Logz.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Papertrail and Logz.io 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:
Papertrail
Cloud-hosted log management
Best for you if:
- • You need real-time analytics features specifically
- • Simple log aggregation with fast search
- • Live tail for real-time log watching
Logz.io
Cloud observability platform on Elastic
Best for you if:
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • Logz.io is a cloud observability platform built on the Elastic Stack
- • It combines logs, metrics, and traces with AI-powered insights
| At a Glance |  Papertrail |  Logz.io |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Real-Time Analytics | Data Visualization |
Rating | 80/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Papertrail | Logz.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Real-Time AnalyticsDebugging | Data VisualizationMonitoring |
How Papertrail and Logz.io Compare
Papertrail
Cloud-hosted log management
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Logz.io
Cloud observability platform on Elastic
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Papertrail is a real-time analytics tool. Logz.io is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Papertrail
Want the highest-rated option?
Papertrail: 80/100. Logz.io: 80/100.
Go with: Papertrail
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Papertrail
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?
Papertrail is a real-time analytics tool. Logz.io is in data visualization. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both score 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Papertrail
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Logz.io
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
Papertrail (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Papertrail or Logz.io better?
Papertrail scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Papertrail and Logz.io used for?
Papertrail: Cloud-hosted log management. Logz.io: Cloud observability platform on Elastic.
What does Papertrail cost vs Logz.io?
Papertrail is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Logz.io is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.