Scout APM vs New Relic: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Scout APM and New Relic 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:
Scout APM
Hassle-free application monitoring for faster clarity on errors, logs, and performance.
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Provides code-level APM, error monitoring, and log management.
- • Automatically identifies performance bottlenecks and slow database queries.
New Relic
Full-stack observability with 50+ monitoring capabilities
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need DevOps features specifically
- • Full-stack observability platform with APM, infrastructure monitoring, and logs
- • Generous free tier: 100GB/month data ingest + 1 full-access user
| At a Glance |  Scout APM |  New Relic |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Monitoring | DevOps |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Scout APM or New Relic?
Choose Scout APM if
Hassle-free application monitoring for faster clarity on errors, logs, and performance.
- Less configuration and fewer dashboards for faster clarity
- Code-level visibility helps pinpoint exact performance issues
- Automatic detection of common database problems like N+1 queries
- Your work is monitoring-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
Choose New Relic if
Full-stack observability with 50+ monitoring capabilities
- Generous free tier
- Full-stack observability
- AI insights
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not monitoring-shaped
| Feature | Scout APM | New Relic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 58 reviews | ★4.4/5 780 reviews |
| Categories | MonitoringLog Management | DevOpsAnalytics |
In-Depth Analysis
Scout APM
Hassle-free application monitoring for faster clarity on errors, logs, and performance.
Strengths
- +Less configuration and fewer dashboards for faster clarity
- +Code-level visibility helps pinpoint exact performance issues
- +Automatic detection of common database problems like N+1 queries
- +Seamless integrations with popular developer and communication tools
- +Quick and straightforward setup, often within minutes
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details are not immediately available on the landing page
- -Requires agent installation into the application code
- -Limited information on support for other languages/frameworks beyond Ruby, Python, PHP, Elixir
Key features
New Relic
Full-stack observability with 50+ monitoring capabilities
Strengths
- +Generous free tier
- +Full-stack observability
- +AI insights
Weaknesses
- -Complex to set up
- -Data can be expensive
Key features
Pricing: Scout APM vs New Relic
| Plan | Scout APM | New Relic |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $10 Standard |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $349 Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Scout APM pricing and New Relic pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
New Relic has a free tier. Scout APM is paid only.
Go with: New Relic
Want the highest-rated option?
Scout APM: 4.6/5 (58 reviews). New Relic: 4.4/5 (780 reviews).
Go with: Scout APM
Value user reviews?
Scout APM: 58 reviews (4.6/5). New Relic: 780 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: New Relic
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Scout APM is paid. New Relic is freemium. New Relic lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Scout APM is a monitoring tool. New Relic is in DevOps. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Scout APM is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
New Relic
- Larger review base (780 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Scout APM
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Better fit for monitoring
The Bottom Line
New Relic is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scout APM or New Relic better?
New Relic is rated in our evaluation. Scout APM is paid and New Relic is freemium.
What are Scout APM and New Relic used for?
Scout APM: Hassle-free application monitoring for faster clarity on errors, logs, and performance.. New Relic: Full-stack observability with 50+ monitoring capabilities.
What does Scout APM cost vs New Relic?
Scout APM is a paid tool. New Relic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.