Uptrace vs Honeycomb: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Uptrace and Honeycomb 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:
Uptrace
Open-source APM with distributed tracing
Best for you if:
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • Uptrace is an open-source APM powered by OpenTelemetry
- • It provides distributed tracing, metrics, and logs in one platform
Honeycomb
Observability for distributed systems
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Honeycomb is an observability platform for debugging production systems fast
- • It provides high-cardinality event analysis for understanding complex distributed systems
| At a Glance |  Uptrace | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Debugging | API Tools |
Rating | 78/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Uptrace | Honeycomb |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DebuggingMonitoring | API ToolsDebugging |
How Uptrace and Honeycomb Compare
Uptrace
Open-source APM with distributed tracing
Paid · 78/100 score
Honeycomb
Observability for distributed systems
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Uptrace is a debugging tool. Honeycomb is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Honeycomb has a free tier. Uptrace is paid only.
Go with: Honeycomb
Want the highest-rated option?
Uptrace: 78/100. Honeycomb: 86/100.
Go with: Honeycomb
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Honeycomb
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Uptrace is paid. Honeycomb is freemium. Honeycomb lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Uptrace is a debugging tool. Honeycomb is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Honeycomb scores higher: 86/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Honeycomb
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Uptrace
- Better fit for debugging
The Bottom Line
Honeycomb (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uptrace or Honeycomb better?
Honeycomb scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Uptrace is paid and Honeycomb is freemium.
What are Uptrace and Honeycomb used for?
Uptrace: Open-source APM with distributed tracing. Honeycomb: Observability for distributed systems.
What does Uptrace cost vs Honeycomb?
Uptrace is a paid tool. Honeycomb is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.