Splunk vs Datadog: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Splunk and Datadog 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:
Splunk
Data platform for security and observability
Best for you if:
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • Log management and analysis platform
- • Search terabytes of logs in seconds
Datadog
Cloud monitoring platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Cloud monitoring and security platform
- • Unified observability across infrastructure
| At a Glance |  Splunk |  Datadog |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Data Visualization | Monitoring |
Rating | 84/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Splunk | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data VisualizationLog Management | MonitoringLog Management |
How Splunk and Datadog Compare
Splunk
Data platform for security and observability
Paid · 84/100 score
Datadog
Cloud monitoring platform
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Splunk is a data visualization tool. Datadog is in monitoring.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Datadog has a free tier. Splunk is paid only.
Go with: Datadog
Want the highest-rated option?
Splunk: 84/100. Datadog: 90/100.
Go with: Datadog
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Datadog
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Splunk is paid. Datadog is freemium. Datadog lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Splunk is a data visualization tool. Datadog is in monitoring. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Datadog scores higher: 90/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Datadog
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Splunk
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
Datadog (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Splunk or Datadog better?
Datadog scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Splunk is paid and Datadog is freemium.
What are Splunk and Datadog used for?
Splunk: Data platform for security and observability. Datadog: Cloud monitoring platform.
What does Splunk cost vs Datadog?
Splunk is a paid tool. Datadog is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.