Uptime Robot vs Checkly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Uptime Robot and Checkly 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:
Uptime Robot
Free website monitoring
Best for you if:
- • You need devops features specifically
- • You need free website monitoring
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Checkly
API and synthetic monitoring for developers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • Checkly is a synthetic monitoring platform for testing APIs and web applications from global locations
- • It runs automated checks, validates uptime, and alerts teams before users experience issues
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | DevOps | Testing & QA |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Uptime Robot | Checkly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 65 | 0 |
| Categories | DevOpsMonitoring | Testing & QAMonitoring |
Understanding the Differences
Both Uptime Robot and Checkly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Uptime Robot positions itself as "free website monitoring" while Checklyfocuses on "api and synthetic monitoring for developers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Uptime Robot
Uptime Robot makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Checkly
Checkly is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 86/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Uptime Robot lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Uptime Robot
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Checkly is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Checkly
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Checkly
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Uptime Robot, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Checkly higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Uptime Robot more (65 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Checkly Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Uptime Robot If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Checkly (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Checkly scores higher in our analysis, but Uptime Robot might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uptime Robot or Checkly better?
Based on our analysis, Checkly scores higher with 86/100. Uptime Robot isfreemium while Checkly is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Uptime Robot to Checkly easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Uptime Robot and Checkly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Uptime Robot is freemium with a free tier.Checkly is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.