Grafana vs Checkly
Grafana is open-source observability platform for metrics visualization, dashboards, and alerting from any data source, while Checkly is API and browser monitoring with Playwright tests, deployed via code. Grafana is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Grafana is built for teams wanting open-source dashboards and visualization, whereas Checkly targets devops teams wanting monitoring as code.
| Feature | Grafana | Checkly |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| API Checks | — | ✓ |
| Alerting | ✓ | — |
| Alerts | — | ✓ |
| Dashboards | ✓ | — |
| Data Sources | ✓ | — |
| Monitoring as Code | — | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✓ | — |
| Playwright | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Grafana and Checkly are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: Grafana offers Alerting, Dashboards and Data Sources that Checkly lacks. Checkly brings API Checks, Alerts and Monitoring as Code that Grafana does not have.
Team fit: Grafana is geared toward any size teams, while Checkly is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Grafana is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Checkly is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Grafana's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. customizable dashboards give real-time visibility into project progress. Checkly's biggest strengths are: includes monitoring as code as a core feature, purpose-built for monitoring workflows. includes playwright as a core feature, purpose-built for monitoring workflows.
Watch out for: With Grafana, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Checkly, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Grafana if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting open-source dashboards and visualization
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Alerting and Dashboards
- You care about customizable dashboards give real-time visibility into project progress
- Your team size fits the any size profile Grafana is designed for
choose Checkly if
- You need a tool built for devops teams wanting monitoring as code
- You specifically need API Checks and Alerts
- You care about includes playwright as a core feature, purpose-built for monitoring workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Checkly is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free for 5 checks
frequently asked
What is the difference between Grafana and Checkly?
Grafana is open-source observability platform for metrics visualization, dashboards, and alerting from any data source, while Checkly is API and browser monitoring with Playwright tests, deployed via code. Grafana is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Grafana is built for teams wanting open-source dashboards and visualization, whereas Checkly targets devops teams wanting monitoring as code.
Should I use Grafana or Checkly?
Grafana gives you open source and self-hosting; Checkly is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Grafana over Checkly?
Choose Grafana if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting open-source dashboards and visualization; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Alerting and Dashboards; You care about customizable dashboards give real-time visibility into project progress; Your team size fits the any size profile Grafana is designed for.
When should I choose Checkly over Grafana?
Choose Checkly if You need a tool built for devops teams wanting monitoring as code; You specifically need API Checks and Alerts; You care about includes playwright as a core feature, purpose-built for monitoring workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Checkly is designed for; The free tier works for you: free for 5 checks.
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