Best New Relic Alternatives for APM in 2025: New Relic Competitors

Introduction to New Relic and Its Alternatives

New Relic is a well-known observability platform offering application performance monitoring (APM), infrastructure monitoring, and log management. It’s a go-to choice for engineering teams that need deep insights into application performance. However, its pricing model, complexity, and setup process have led many users to explore alternatives.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top New Relic alternatives, breaking down their key features, pricing structures, and how they compare to New Relic.

Best New Relic Alternatives (Full List of APM + Observability Tools)

1. LiveSession

Overview

LiveSession may not fit the traditional APM tool mold, but it serves as a vital asset for developers. By providing full context of user sessions, it allows teams to quickly troubleshoot and debug user issues. This unique approach helps improve user experience, making it a valuable alternative to New Relic. With LiveSession, you gain insights that can optimize your application’s performance across various scenarios.

Key Features

LiveSession stands out with its session replay capabilities, allowing you to see exactly how users interact with your application. This qualitative insight is crucial for UX-focused teams. Additionally, it offers real user monitoring, which helps in understanding user behavior. Although it may lack some full-stack observability features, its strengths lie in providing detailed session analytics, making it an effective tool for optimizing deployments and user experiences.

• Session replays – Get a real-time view of user interactions.
• Advanced filtering – Find specific user sessions based on behavior.
• Dev Tools – Track JS errors, network requests, and console logs.
• Heatmaps – Visualize user behavior and navigation patterns.
• Product Analytics – Build custom dashboards, funnels, and event-based tracking.
• Webhooks & Integrations – Connect with Slack and other tools.

🏷️ Pricing Information
LiveSession's pricing starts at $65/month, making it an affordable choice for teams looking for a new observability solution. They also offer a 14-day free trial, allowing new users to explore its features without commitment. This transparent pricing model appeals to many, especially compared to New Relic's pricing structure. You can easily assess the value it brings to your monitoring stack.

• Starts at $65/month with a 14-day free trial.

📣 G2 Reviews

With a rating of 4.6/5 on G2, LiveSession users appreciate its ease of use and intuitive UI. Many highlight the great price-to-value ratio, making it a compelling choice when comparing it to tools like New Relic and Datadog. These positive reviews reflect a growing satisfaction among teams seeking an effective monitoring solution.

• G2 Score 4.6/5

Comparison to New Relic

When looking at New Relic vs. LiveSession, it's clear that LiveSession excels in UX-focused insights. While New Relic provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities, LiveSession is more affordable and transparent, making it ideal for teams needing qualitative data. If you're searching for an alternative to New Relic, LiveSession is definitely worth considering.

2. Grafana

Overview

Grafana is an open source observability and data visualization platform widely used for monitoring metrics, logs, and traces in various environments. With its ability to integrate with multiple data sources, Grafana allows users to create insightful visualizations and custom dashboards. While its open-source nature fosters a strong community, it may not be the best fit for everyone, particularly those new to observability tools.

Key Features

Key features of Grafana include customizable dashboards that enable users to tailor their monitoring experience. It supports metrics, logs, and traces monitoring, which is essential for comprehensive application performance monitoring. Additionally, Grafana offers synthetic and performance testing features, along with Kubernetes monitoring capabilities. However, these features can become overwhelming for beginners, as the learning curve is steep compared to competitors like New Relic and AppDynamics.

• Customizable dashboards – Highly flexible visualizations.
• Metrics/logs/traces monitoring – Supports multi-source data integration.
• Synthetic & performance testing – Detects performance issues early.
• Kubernetes monitoring – Ideal for cloud-native applications.
• AI-powered insights – Automates data interpretation.

🏷️ Pricing information

Pricing reveals that Grafana offers a free plan, which is attractive for startups and small teams. The Pro plan starts at $19 per month, following a pay-as-you-go model. While this pricing is competitive, it may not justify the complexity and challenges faced by users, especially when compared to the more user-friendly options like New Relic and Datadog.

• Free plan available.
• Pro plan starts at $19/month (pay-as-you-go).

📣 G2 reviews

A rating of 4.5/5, with users appreciating Grafana's flexibility. However, many also mention the difficulties with complex queries, which can hinder productivity. This feedback highlights a significant gap in user experience, especially for those looking for a more intuitive alternative.

Comparison to New Relic

When comparing Grafana to other software, it stands out due to its strong open-source and community-driven ecosystem. However, it is often criticized for being less user-friendly for beginners, making it a more cost-effective option primarily for experienced users. For those searching for New Relic alternatives, Grafana may not be the easiest choice, despite its powerful visualization capabilities.

3. Dynatrace

Overview

Dynatrace is an enterprise-grade observability platform designed specifically for large organizations. It aims to provide detailed insights into software performance and infrastructure health. While it offers numerous features, its complexity can be overwhelming for teams that may not have the resources to navigate its advanced tools. As businesses increasingly rely on monitoring and observability tools, the need for a straightforward solution becomes essential, especially for those comparing options like New Relic and Datadog.

Key Features

• AI-driven full-stack monitoring – Provides deep visibility across the entire tech stack for proactive issue resolution.
• Kubernetes and microservices observability – Ensures seamless monitoring of distributed and containerized applications.
• Real user and synthetic monitoring – Captures real-world performance and simulates user interactions to detect issues.
• Runtime application security – Identifies vulnerabilities and security threats in real time.
• Automatic dependency mapping – Maps services and dependencies to pinpoint performance bottlenecks.

🏷️ Pricing Information

Dynatrace follows a complex subscription model that requires an annual commitment. This pricing structure can be a barrier for smaller teams or those just getting started with application performance management. In contrast, users looking for more flexible pricing options might find New Relic’s pricing model more accommodating, especially for startups or smaller enterprises.

• Complex subscription model with an annual commitment.

📣 G2 Reviews

Dynatrace holds a rating of 4.5/5 on G2. Users appreciate its comprehensive capabilities but express concerns about its complex pricing and steep learning curve. Many users looking for New Relic alternatives often find themselves frustrated with these aspects, leading to a reconsideration of options like Datadog.

• G2 Score 4.5/5

Comparison to New Relic

When comparing Dynatrace to New Relic, Dynatrace is more suitable for large enterprises with heavy automation needs. However, for teams seeking a more user-friendly experience, New Relic and Datadog may provide better solutions. Users often prefer these alternatives for their simpler interfaces and clearer pricing structures.

4. Datadog

Overview

Datadog is a cloud monitoring and security platform designed to give real-time visibility for DevOps, security, and business teams. It aims to help organizations manage their applications and infrastructure effectively. However, despite its robust capabilities, some users find its complexity challenging. Datadog offers a wide range of features that cater to diverse business needs, but the experience can be overwhelming for new users.

Key Features

Datadog provides several noteworthy features including Application Performance Monitoring (APM) and infrastructure monitoring, log management, security analytics, and cloud-native monitoring. It excels in synthetic monitoring and alerting, ensuring users stay informed about system performance. Additionally, its integration with over 500 tools is impressive, setting it apart in the market. However, the sheer volume of options can also lead to decision fatigue for some teams, making setup and optimization a lengthy process.

• APM & infrastructure monitoring – End-to-end visibility for applications and cloud services.
• Log management & security analytics – Centralized logging and threat detection.
• Cloud-native and container monitoring – Optimized for modern infrastructures.
• Synthetic monitoring & alerting – Detects performance issues before they impact users.
• Integration with 500+ tools – Connects seamlessly with popular platforms.

🏷️ Pricing Information

Datadog uses a usage-based pricing model which can quickly escalate costs, especially for large organizations. This pricing structure may not be suitable for all users, particularly those looking for more predictable expenses. In contrast, platforms like New Relic offer tiered pricing that might be more manageable for some teams. Therefore, potential users should carefully evaluate their needs against Datadog's pricing.

• Usage-based + host-based pricing can become costly.

📣 G2 Reviews

Datadog holds a rating of 4.3/5 on G2. Many users note the high costs and complexity associated with the platform. While it is praised for its capabilities, the steep learning curve and the financial investment are significant drawbacks. Additionally, customers find the pricing complex. This feedback highlights the need for improvement in user experience and pricing transparency.

• G2 Score 4.3/5

Comparison to New Relic

When comparing Datadog vs New Relic, Datadog offers more integrations, but it often matches or exceeds New Relic’s pricing. For those exploring options, New Relic is a comprehensive and potentially more user-friendly alternative. In the landscape of application performance monitoring tools, users looking for an open-source solution might find better value elsewhere.

5. Sentry

Overview

Sentry is an error monitoring and performance tracking tool designed to help developers debug applications more efficiently. However, while it presents itself as a solution for fast debugging, users often find its complexity a barrier. The platform aims to simplify the development process but can frustrate those who expect a straightforward experience.

Key Features

Sentry's key features include error tracking and session replay, which allow developers to understand issues in real-time. Performance monitoring and tracing help identify bottlenecks, while uptime monitoring and profiling ensure applications run smoothly. Custom dashboards offer insights tailored to user needs, but the interface can feel cluttered. This complexity may lead to confusion, detracting from its core mission of enhancing developer productivity.

• Error tracking & session replay
• Performance monitoring & tracing
• Uptime monitoring & profiling
• Custom dashboards

🏷️ Pricing Information

Sentry's pricing starts at $29/month, with higher plans available at $89/month. While this may seem reasonable for a monitoring tool, the pricing structure can feel complicated. Users must weigh whether the costs align with their needs, especially when comparing Sentry to other options. Unlike New Relic, which offers more comprehensive monitoring and observability, Sentry's pricing model may leave developers seeking more robust solutions.

• Starts at $29/month, higher plans at $89/month.

📣 G2 Reviews

On G2, Sentry holds a rating of 4.5/5. Users frequently mention the UI complexity and alerting issues, which can be a significant drawback. While the platform aims to address critical development challenges, these persistent concerns suggest it may not be the best fit for everyone. Many users find themselves looking for alternatives that provide a more seamless experience.

• G2 Score 4.5/5

Comparison to New Relic

To compare New Relic, Sentry is better suited for developer-focused error tracking. However, it lacks full observability capabilities, making it a less comprehensive option. For those seeking a strong APM solution, especially in an open-source context, Sentry may not meet expectations like New Relic does.

6. Splunk

Overview

Splunk is a monitoring and observability platform that claims to enhance data analysis through artificial intelligence. While it positions itself as a leader in security and observability, many users find it falls short when compared to alternatives. The platform aims to provide insights into data, but its complexity often complicates usability, especially for those who are looking for a new Relic or an open-source alternative.

Key Features

Splunk offers advanced search capabilities and AI-driven analytics, making it suitable for event and log monitoring. It also emphasizes security threat detection, which can be a critical need for businesses. However, these features come with significant downsides. Users often feel overwhelmed by the platform’s complexity and find that it lacks the simplicity offered by open-source options available on GitHub.

• Advanced search
• AI-driven analytics
• Event & log monitoring
• Security threat detection

🏷️ Pricing Information

Pricing for Splunk is undisclosed, leading to frustration among potential users. Many report that the costs are prohibitively high, especially for smaller businesses. The pricing structure is complex, often based on host-based or user-based metrics. This can make budgeting difficult, especially when compared to competitors like New Relic, which, despite its own pricing challenges, is generally seen as more transparent.

• Pricing is undisclosed, but users report high costs.

📣 G2 Reviews

With a rating of 4.3/5 on G2, Splunk receives mixed feedback. Users frequently express dissatisfaction with its expensive licensing model and the overall value for money. While it may excel in certain areas, many feel that they could find better alternatives when searching for an open-source standard or a great alternative to New Relic.

• G2 Score 4.3/5

Comparison to New Relic
When comparing Splunk to New Relic, Splunk does offer superior security and SIEM features. However, it is often criticized for being more expensive and having a more complex pricing structure. For those looking to use New Relic, the choice between the two may ultimately come down to specific needs in application performance monitoring and observability.

7. AppSignal

Overview

AppSignal is an application performance monitoring (APM) tool designed for developers seeking effective performance monitoring across multiple programming languages. However, while it offers basic features, it lacks the depth many users expect from a comprehensive monitoring and observability platform. Developers looking for a New Relic alternative may find AppSignal to be a simplistic option, but they should weigh its limitations against their needs for robust monitoring.

Key Features

AppSignal provides essential features such as error tracking and performance monitoring, along with anomaly detection and uptime monitoring. Custom dashboards and log management are available as an add-on, which some may find inconvenient. Users looking for elastic observability might be disappointed, as AppSignal does not match the extensive capabilities of top competitors like New Relic. The tool's focus on simplicity may appeal, but it risks oversimplifying critical aspects of application performance monitoring.

• Error tracking
• Performance monitoring
• Anomaly detection
• Uptime monitoring
• Custom dashboards
• Log management (add-on)

🏷️ Pricing Information

AppSignal's pricing starts at $18 per month for 250,000 requests, which may seem attractive at first glance. However, users should consider that pricing is based on the number of requests, making it less favorable for high-traffic applications.

• Starts at $18/month for 250k requests

📣 G2 Reviews

With a G2 rating of 4.8 out of 5, users commend AppSignal for its straightforward approach. However, many also highlight gaps in documentation, which can hinder effective usage. While some find it a great alternative to New Relic, others may feel frustrated by its lack of support for advanced features.

• G2 Score 4.8/5

Comparison to New Relic

When comparing AppSignal to New Relic, users often note that AppSignal offers easier setup and more predictable pricing. However, this simplicity comes at a cost—users seeking a full suite of application performance monitoring and observability tools may find AppSignal lacking in features. Thus, while it may serve as a lightweight option, it is not a complete substitute for New Relic for everyone.

8. Sumo Logic

Overview

Sumo Logic is a cloud-based log management and security analytics platform tailored for enterprises operating in regulated industries. While it offers essential tools for monitoring and observability, it often falls short of user expectations, especially when compared to top New Relic competitors. Organizations looking for an open-source alternative might find it lacking in flexibility. Sumo Logic aims to provide elastic observability, but its complexity can hinder effective use for many teams, particularly those transitioning from simpler solutions.

Key Features

Key features of Sumo Logic include log analytics and security monitoring, infrastructure and Kubernetes monitoring, and integrations with SIEM/SOAR systems. However, users frequently report challenges with navigating its interface, leading to steep learning curves. While these features can enhance security and visibility, the user experience often detracts from their potential benefits. The platform also struggles to provide straightforward guidance for those who are new to application performance monitoring and observability, making it less approachable than its peers.

• Log analytics
• Security monitoring
• Infrastructure & Kubernetes monitoring

🏷️ Pricing Information

Sumo Logic offers a free plan, but its pricing is based on a pay-as-you-go structure that can quickly become complex. For organizations considering it as a great alternative to New Relic, understanding the intricacies of host-based versus user-based pricing is crucial. As usage scales, costs can escalate, which may deter some enterprises from fully committing to the platform.

• Free plan available with pay-as-you-go structure.

📣 G2 Reviews

With a rating of 4.3/5 on G2, user feedback highlights both the potential and pitfalls of Sumo Logic. Many reviews mention the steep learning curves, indicating that while the platform is powerful, it may not be user-friendly. This feedback aligns with the experiences of those looking for a more intuitive monitoring and observability platform.

• G2 Score 4.3/5

Comparison to New Relic

When comparing Sumo Logic to New Relic, it becomes clear that Sumo Logic is better suited for security-conscious enterprises. However, the trade-off is that it can become costly at scale, making it a less viable option for organizations with budget constraints.

Conclusion

While New Relic is a powerful platform, its pricing based on many factors, and overall complexity might not suit everyone. If you’re looking for alternatives, LiveSession is ideal for UX teams, Datadog for DevOps, and Sentry for error tracking. Consider your use case, budget, and the depth of observability needed before making a choice!

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