Zipkin vs SigNoz: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zipkin and SigNoz 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 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
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • SigNoz is an open-source observability platform for metrics and traces
- • It provides APM, logs, and distributed tracing in one tool
| At a Glance |  Zipkin |  SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Data Visualization |
Rating | 82/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Zipkin | SigNoz |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | Data VisualizationMonitoring |
How Zipkin and SigNoz Compare
Zipkin
Distributed tracing system
Free · 82/100 score
SigNoz
Open-source APM and observability
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Zipkin is a api tools tool. SigNoz is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zipkin is free. SigNoz is freemium.
Go with: Zipkin
Want the highest-rated option?
Zipkin: 82/100. SigNoz: 84/100.
Go with: SigNoz
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SigNoz
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zipkin is free. SigNoz is freemium. Go with Zipkin if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Zipkin is a api tools tool. SigNoz is in data visualization. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SigNoz scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
SigNoz
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zipkin
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
SigNoz (84/100) is our pick. That said, Zipkin is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zipkin or SigNoz better?
SigNoz scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Zipkin is free and SigNoz is freemium.
What are Zipkin and SigNoz used for?
Zipkin: Distributed tracing system. SigNoz: Open-source APM and observability.
What does Zipkin cost vs SigNoz?
Zipkin is completely free. SigNoz is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.