xMatters vs Papertrail: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between xMatters and Papertrail 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:
xMatters
Incident management and alerting
Best for you if:
Papertrail
Cloud-hosted log management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You want to try before committing
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | DevOps | DevOps |
Rating | 78/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | xMatters | Papertrail |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DevOps | DevOps |
Understanding the Differences
Both xMatters and Papertrail solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.xMatters positions itself as "incident management and alerting" while Papertrailfocuses on "cloud-hosted log management". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose xMatters
xMatters makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Papertrail
Papertrail is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 80/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Papertrail won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Papertrail
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Papertrail is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Papertrail
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. xMatters is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: xMatters
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Papertrail has a free tier to get you started.
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 Papertrail higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Papertrail more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Papertrail Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider xMatters If
- 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 Papertrail (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Papertrail scores higher in our analysis, but xMatters 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 xMatters or Papertrail better?
Based on our analysis, Papertrail scores higher with 80/100. xMatters ispaid while Papertrail 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 xMatters to Papertrail 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 xMatters and Papertrail offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. xMatters is paid with potential trial.Papertrail is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.