Updown vs Datadog: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Updown 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:
Updown
Simple and inexpensive website and server monitoring with global checks and flexible alerts.
Best for you if:
- • Monitors website uptime, performance, and SSL/domain expiration.
- • Offers flexible check frequencies and a pay-as-you-go pricing model.
Datadog
Cloud monitoring platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Cloud monitoring and security platform
- • Unified observability across infrastructure
| At a Glance |  Updown |  Datadog |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Monitoring | Monitoring |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Updown | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Monitoring | MonitoringLog Management |
How Updown and Datadog Compare
Updown
Simple and inexpensive website and server monitoring with global checks and flexible alerts.
Paid
Datadog
Cloud monitoring platform
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Datadog has a free tier. Updown is paid only.
Go with: Datadog
Want the highest-rated option?
Datadog scores 90/100. Updown is unrated.
Go with: Datadog
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Datadog
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Updown is paid. Datadog is freemium. Datadog lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are monitoring tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Datadog
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Updown
The Bottom Line
Datadog (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Updown or Datadog better?
Datadog scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Updown is paid and Datadog is freemium.
What are Updown and Datadog used for?
Updown: Simple and inexpensive website and server monitoring with global checks and flexible alerts.. Datadog: Cloud monitoring platform.
What does Updown cost vs Datadog?
Updown is a paid tool. Datadog is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.