SigNoz vs AppDynamics: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SigNoz and AppDynamics 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:
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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
AppDynamics
Application performance monitoring for enterprises
Best for you if:
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • AppDynamics is an application performance monitoring platform from Cisco
- • It provides full-stack observability from code to infrastructure with AI-powered insights
| At a Glance |  SigNoz |  AppDynamics |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Data Visualization | Debugging |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | SigNoz | AppDynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data VisualizationMonitoring | DebuggingMonitoring |
How SigNoz and AppDynamics Compare
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Free tier available · 84/100 score
AppDynamics
Application performance monitoring for enterprises
Paid · 82/100 score
SigNoz is a data visualization tool. AppDynamics is in debugging.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SigNoz has a free tier. AppDynamics is paid only.
Go with: SigNoz
Want the highest-rated option?
SigNoz: 84/100. AppDynamics: 82/100.
Go with: SigNoz
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SigNoz
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SigNoz is freemium. AppDynamics is paid. SigNoz lets you start free.
What's your use case?
SigNoz is a data visualization tool. AppDynamics is in debugging. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SigNoz scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
SigNoz
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
AppDynamics
- Better fit for debugging
The Bottom Line
SigNoz (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SigNoz or AppDynamics better?
SigNoz scores 84/100 in our evaluation. SigNoz is freemium and AppDynamics is paid.
What are SigNoz and AppDynamics used for?
SigNoz: Open-source APM and observability. AppDynamics: Application performance monitoring for enterprises.
What does SigNoz cost vs AppDynamics?
SigNoz is freemium (free tier + paid plans). AppDynamics is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.