Zipkin vs Jaeger: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zipkin and Jaeger 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:
Zipkin
Distributed tracing system
Best for you if:
- • Zipkin is an open-source distributed tracing system
- • It collects timing data for troubleshooting microservices
Jaeger
Open-source distributed tracing system
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Jaeger is an open-source distributed tracing system for monitoring microservices
- • It tracks request flows across services to troubleshoot latency and failures
| At a Glance |  Zipkin |  Jaeger |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 82/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Zipkin | Jaeger |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | API ToolsMonitoring |
How Zipkin and Jaeger Compare
Zipkin
Distributed tracing system
Free · 82/100 score
Jaeger
Open-source distributed tracing system
Free · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Zipkin
Want the highest-rated option?
Zipkin: 82/100. Jaeger: 85/100.
Go with: Jaeger
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Jaeger
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 api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Jaeger scores higher: 85/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Jaeger
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 82
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Zipkin
The Bottom Line
Jaeger (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zipkin or Jaeger better?
Jaeger scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Zipkin and Jaeger used for?
Zipkin: Distributed tracing system. Jaeger: Open-source distributed tracing system.
What does Zipkin cost vs Jaeger?
Zipkin is completely free. Jaeger is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.