Vector vs Logstash: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Vector and Logstash 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Vector
High-performance observability pipeline
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • Vector is a high-performance observability data pipeline
- • It collects, transforms, and routes logs and metrics
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Best for you if:
- • Logstash is an open-source data processing pipeline for log ingestion
- • It collects, transforms, and sends logs to Elasticsearch and other destinations
| At a Glance |  Logstash | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 86/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Vector | Logstash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsMonitoring | Big Data AnalyticsReal-Time Analytics |
How Vector and Logstash Compare
Vector
High-performance observability pipeline
Free · 86/100 score
Logstash
Data processing pipeline
Free · 81/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Vector
Want the highest-rated option?
Vector: 86/100. Logstash: 81/100.
Go with: Vector
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Vector
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are big data analytics tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Vector scores higher: 86/100 vs 81/100.
Key Takeaways
Vector
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 81
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Logstash
The Bottom Line
Vector (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vector or Logstash better?
Vector scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Vector and Logstash used for?
Vector: High-performance observability pipeline. Logstash: Data processing pipeline.
What does Vector cost vs Logstash?
Vector is completely free. Logstash is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.