Zipkin vs Memfault: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zipkin and Memfault 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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Zipkin is an open-source distributed tracing system
- • It collects timing data for troubleshooting microservices
Memfault
Embedded observability and OTA for IoT devices to fix defects before customers notice.
Best for you if:
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • Provides real-time observability for all types of embedded and IoT devices.
- • Automates crash data collection, debugging, and root cause analysis for in-field issues.
| At a Glance |  Zipkin |  Memfault |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Debugging |
Rating | 82/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Zipkin | Memfault |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | DebuggingMonitoring |
How Zipkin and Memfault Compare
Zipkin
Distributed tracing system
Free · 82/100 score
Memfault
Embedded observability and OTA for IoT devices to fix defects before customers notice.
Free tier available
Zipkin is a api tools tool. Memfault is in debugging.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zipkin is free. Memfault is freemium.
Go with: Zipkin
Want the highest-rated option?
Zipkin scores 82/100. Memfault is unrated.
Go with: Zipkin
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Zipkin
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zipkin is free. Memfault is freemium. Go with Zipkin if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Zipkin is a api tools tool. Memfault is in debugging. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Zipkin
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Memfault
- Better fit for debugging
The Bottom Line
Zipkin (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zipkin or Memfault better?
Zipkin scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Zipkin is free and Memfault is freemium.
What are Zipkin and Memfault used for?
Zipkin: Distributed tracing system. Memfault: Embedded observability and OTA for IoT devices to fix defects before customers notice..
What does Zipkin cost vs Memfault?
Zipkin is completely free. Memfault is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.