Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring (Pros and Cons)
Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring (Pros and Cons). Splunk is a log monitoring solution that focuses on log analysis and Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM). This capabilities makes it a leading choice among most log management solutions. It has robust logging features and performs data analytics.
Well, Splunk has numerous benefits, such as versatility and SIEM features. But some users may be looking for an easier to use and cheaper solution. Searches on Splunk are complex at times, and the messages on query errors are not always specific. Also, after enabling log auditing, there’s a massive influx of records without meaningful insights hence there is a need to improve log management. These factors create difficulties in managing logs.
Besides, the log monitoring landscape has experienced rapid changes in the last decade, with modern architectures like hybrid clouds and microservices becoming the norm. Due to this, other log monitoring tools have been introduced, with advanced capabilities.
Let’s start with top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring (Pros and Cons)
1. Logentries
Firstly, there is Logentries. Powerful cloud based log management and analysis solutions. Designed to allow correlation and presentation of log collections in an insightful manner. That makes it an ideal Splunk alternative. The real time log monitoring solution is highly reliable and scalable, delivering thousands of users with real time alerts and notifications, graphing and visualization, and regular expression search.
Secondly, Logentries has several advanced features for real time searches through the users’ indexed logs. In turn, it enables them to search the entire database regardless of the user’s host, device, or location. The comprehensive data filtering and robust security tools allow for precisely predefined activities to inactivity or lack of action. With Logentries, you monitor logs from system servers, network devices, containers, and cloud platforms. Besides, you also stream live application logs and performance metrics to identify issues in real time.
Powerful log management and user friendly approach enables IT professionals, DevOps teams and business data analysts to effortlessly and efficiently acquire actionable insights from log data.
Pros of Logentries
- Analyses data in real time, providing visualizations for better understanding by users.
- Simple and easy to use features for no programming or technical language experience.
- Offers virtually unlimited scalability regardless of the data log format in use.
- Powerful visualizations for easy understanding of the log data, allowing for more efficient data analysis.
- Unique processing engine, where users and their teams view their log streams directly into the user interface.
Cons of Logentries
- The management team provides little support to users.
- Comes with several premium pricing tiers that don’t necessarily make a big difference for users.
2. Logstash
Next on the list of Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring is a part of the ELK stack- Logstash. On balance, an open source tool that analyses data and sends it to the user’s preferred stash. Designed to support multiple input sources such as websites, log files, data stores, AWS. Filters each event and identifies name fields to build structures. After that, it changes them to a standard, easy to understand format.
Logstash provides more than 200 plugins, supports many output streams and has an extensive library of filters suitable for all types of organizations. It’s ease of integration with data sources like Netflow, that makes it easy to manage log monitoring from a single user interface.
Pros of Logstash
- 100% free, accessible and affordable to all types of organizations and enterprises.
- Extensible user interface that eases the configuration and management of the Elastic Stack.
- Ability to digest data simultaneously from multiple inputs in any format.
- Reliable community support backed by highly documented user testimonials.
Cons of Logstash
- As an open source tool, it often relies on community bug fixes and support, so not the best choice for users that need quick support
- Doesn’t include sensitive data fields in the log monitoring reports.
3. New Relic
Another tool in this article about Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring is New Relic. Reliable tool used to solve software performance problems, where data is concerned. Unified solution that enables users to monitor, debug, and boost their entire stacks. There is real time and historical insights into the reliability and performance of web and mobile applications.
It’s main feature is Apdex (application performance index) score, that sets and rates application performance throughout the environment in a unified manner. Also, it monitors critical business transactions and analysis of external services. New Relic supports several application runtimes, using simple online store microservices to demonstrate how to install the tool and monitor application behavior.
Pros of New Relic
- Allows for native integration with third party tools such as PagerDuty and Slack.
- Delivers alerts and notifications to keep you aware of system performance.
- Fast overall speed when it comes to retrieving and understanding incidences, no matter the data size.
- Accurate error margin to enable users to figure out the issue without going through the application logs.
- Makes it super easy for users to instrument their services, underlying infrastructure, and services.
Cons of New Relic
- The tool doesn’t make it easy to export topology data into CMDB solutions, which would enable users to use real time collected data to keep the CMDB updated.
- You require some knowledge about NRQL to use New Relic effectively.
- The pricing model that charges per user is not attractive for huge teams.
4. XpoLog
XpoLog is a fully automated log management and machine data analysis tool that quickly uncovers insights from the cloud, IT devices, and data to simplify and boost security capabilities. As a unified solution, it centralizes, analyzes, and monitors logs from unlimited sources and records for ITOA and security use cases.
Moreover, with XpoLog is highly efficient, given that it allows for all the necessary functions for monitoring and scheduling all internal and external activities and logs. Users reliably use accurate statistical data and an intuitive dashboard.
Pros of XpoLog
- Delivers excellent monitoring and analytical insights to keep IT and data environments safe and accurate.
- Provides excellent efficiency in organizing the various data logs.
- The platform allows for an unlimited number of users, so ideal for large corporations.
- Delivers an unlimited number of alerts and notifications.
Cons of XpoLog
- The interface looks a little old and buggy.
- Slow performance especially when monitoring high amounts of data.
5. Motadata
Motadata is an intelligent ITSM solution and excellent Splunk alternative that we have chosen for Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring. Based on a proprietary Deep Learning Framework for IT Operations, delivering helpful capabilities like enterprise service management, NLP powered virtual assistants, and intelligent automation.
Features modules like Service Desk, Help Desk, Patch Management, and IT Asset Management. All of which facilitate operations from a centralized point. Ideal solution for small, medium, and large enterprises, enabling them to access internal services for better productivity across the enterprise quickly.
Pros of Motadata
- Support available through chat, phone, email, help desk and knowledge base to help you troubleshoot issues faster.
- Multiple versions for web, android, and iphone devices.
- Reduces costs by optimizing software license management.
- Users perform new patch deployment across their network at scale.
- Creates efficiency in the end to end lifecycle management of assets from a central point.
Cons of Motadata
- Doesn’t support third party patching as part of patch management.
- Linux based solution, it may be a little complex for inexperienced users.
6. SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM)
SolarWinds SEM is a comprehensive and cost effective security information and event management solution that provides sophisticated data collection and log management. capabilities. The tool efficiently improves an enterprise’s security posture, helps in compliance and manages log files and data from a centralized location.
SEM relies on the in memory correlation of events to allow for real time analysis, removing the need for users to scan logs manually. Not to mention, the solution automatically delivers the relevant data through the integrated agent, using an actionable intelligent tracing of user activities and security monitoring. Of course, with SEM, organizations track crucial metrics on the broader IT infrastructure.
Pros of SolarWinds SEM
- Enables users to measure time, add projects and connect files to their projects and tasks.
- Sends all task updates in real time to be on track.
- Provides a wide range of functions such as employee support and incident tools.
- The tool is simple to implement, administer, monitor and update.
- The reporting and service catalog saves a lot of time when users are conducting monthly reviews.
Cons of SolarWinds SEM
- Not easy to customize.
- Generates multiple false alerts.
7. Loggly
Loggly is a reputable SolarWinds, that we have included in Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring. Acts as a great alternative to Splunk. In addition, a cloud based software for log monitoring and analysis.
Pros of Loggly
- Excellent monitoring features for the most critical metrics, enabling users to eliminate issues before they cause trouble.
- The root cause analysis feature delivers the most robust troubleshooting capabilities on the market.
- Has excellent visualization capabilities that represent data in the most preferred way.
- Tracks trends in the logs to determine system compliance with the most standard protocols and regulations.
- Being a cloud based platform, you utilize the features without an on premises installation.
Cons of Loggly
- The tool requires some complex queries to run every search because it has a precise syntax.
- The pricing plan has some limitations on the log size store and restoration, which is costly for start-ups and small enterprises.
8. LogFaces
LogFaces is a product of MoonLit Software and an enterprise logging suite. Centralized log server and a robust log viewer. Designed to aggregate, analyse, store and send log data. Compatible with logging frameworks, such as Apache log4j and other open source platforms.
Overall, the tool allows users to create log perspectives or filters to view logs coming from the log server. Users determine the data to send to a log viewer and configure audible alerts when there are errors in the data.
Pros of LogFaces
- Well suited for small and medium enterprises.
- Provides highly customizable reports and an admin console.
- The alerting system has a unique way of sending alerts to users.
- Suitable for monitoring AWS logs.
Cons of Logfaces
- The dashboard gets cluttered when used in extensive networks.
- Not ideal for large companies or enterprises.
9. Mezmo
Mezmo is a log monitoring tool that provides significant flexibility for large or small organizations. Otherwise, it allows the collection of logs from hosts using an installed agent and sends logs directly from platforms like Syslog, AWS, Kubernetes, Docker, and Heroku.
One of the most outstanding features of Mezmo is prioritizing speed and accessibility, allowing for instant indexing, filtering, and tail logging. The user interface is web based, straightforward, and intuitive, filtered by crucial fields and group logs by source. Easily create custom dashboards or deliver highly user specific event logs to customers. Unlike most log management and monitoring solutions, Mezmo has no data caps on the pricing models, meaning you only pay for what you use.
Pros of Mezmo
- Enables users to customize their logging experience.
- Provides a free trial period of 14 days with access to all features.
- Easy configuration process and accurate search results.
- Sends real time alerts to users on platforms like Slack, PagerDuty, and other APIs.
Cons of Mezmo
- Doesn’t provide the option of logging limit based on each service.
10. Kiwi Syslog Server
Kiwi Syslog Server is an excellent alternative to Splunk and another of our top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring. In this case, it uses filters and processes messages in various ways, letting users receive notifications from unlimited sources while providing several options for processing up to 2 million messages in an hour.
Pros of Kiwi Syslog Server
- Collects and deploys messages in a matter of a few minutes.
- Helps users to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance.
- Users schedule the generation of Syslog reports through email.
Cons of Kiwi Syslog Server
- Takes long to add new features on the dashboard, which can be an inconvenience, especially on Gmail.
- Relatively expensive.
11. Site24x7
Site24x7 is a SaaS solution and another type of Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring. Given that, it that provides all in one monitoring capabilities. As a log management tool, it collects and analyzes data logs from multiple sources like servers, network devices, applications, the cloud. Then, it consolidates and indexes the information for more straightforward interpretation by organizations.
Pros of Site24x7
- The tool monitors the experience of real users accessing websites and applications from mobile devices and desktops.
- Enables root cause analysis to discover where issues originate from.
- Reliable and prompt support to users.
- Monitors from all your data center regardless of the geographical location.
- Multiple pricing plans, affordable to large and small enterprises.
Cons of Site24x7
- It sometimes sends false alerts for failing monitors while the sites being monitored are working fine.
- Requires specialized knowledge and skills to monitor severe configurations.
12. ManageEngine Log360
ManageEngine Log360 has all of Splunk’s data searching capabilities and additional activity tracking features. In the long run, the combination of features makes the tool a highly reliable file integrity monitor and data loss prevention tool. With the on premises package, users get access to various services for gathering logs, protecting data, analysing data, and consolidating log messages.
Automated search system is SIEM and is tailored to meet various data security standards. Particularly, it enables users to enforce standards compliance by applying a configuration template available in the Log360 library.
Pros of ManageEngine Log360
- The log monitoring tool collects logs from more than 700 operating systems and applications.
- Creates an accessible directory structure ideal for compliance auditing.
- Provides logging of all actions on sensitive data.
- Allows for USB device control and email scanning for data loss prevention.
- Allows for easy third party integrations.
Cons of ManageEngine Log360
- Some features don’t work right or fail to provide the level of detail expected.
- Not possible to delete specific categories of reports no longer in use.
13. Datadog
Unquestionably, Datadog is designed to provide log monitoring without limits. Overall, it’s an excellent tool that automatically detects common log patterns and archives logs to Google Cloud or AWS storage and restores them later.
Pros of Datadog
- Searching for logs is easy and allows for excellent autocomplete, depending on facets.
- Easy to integrate the tool with metrics and traces.
- Affordable for short retention purposes and for users who rely on the archive for a few previous search records.
- Provides great insights into logging data and event stream and subscription.
Cons of Datadog
- The set of solutions is not ideal for Microsoft Azure monitoring.
- New users find the graphs complex to interpret.
14. Paessler PRTG
Paessler PRTG, a tool in our Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring, enables organizations and enterprises to identify the weak spots in their IT environment. In essence, it monitors system and application logs per minute while filtering them based on error messages.
In fact, Paesslter PRTG has two sensors: Event Log Sensor and Syslog Receiver Sensor. The Event Receiver Sensor allows you to monitor log files from Windows systems such as application and system logs. This sensor sends alerts upon detecting anomalies. On the other hand, the Event Receiver Sensor saves and monitors syslog messages from network devices. You define values at which the event receiver sensor triggers alerts based on your message traffic.
Pros of Paessler
- The tool has maps and dashboards that make data analysis more seamless.
- Flexibility and customizability are features ideal for especially for complex enterprise environments.
- Allows you to create custom sensors with ease.
- Sends alerts to the dashboard when it detects warning signs or suspicious metrics on computers.
Cons of Paessler
- It’s not intuitive to select multiple objects at once.
- The interface is complex for new users especially when adding team members.
15. Sentry
Sentry found it’s place in top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring. In general, it is an open source error monitoring tool as a hosted service. In like fashion, it falls in the category of application monitoring software but with more focus on error reporting. In particular, it allows developers to track their systems and fix crashes in real time. As a cross platform solution, it’s compatible with the most popular Linux distributions.
In sum, Sentry contains a complete API that dispatches events from many languages-SDKs include Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Java, PHP and Go. These attach to the runtime environment framework and attempt to report errors automatically.
Pros of Sentry
- Designed specifically for the monitoring of SQL and is ideal for companies with other monitoring tools already.
- More than 100 alerts and templates.
- Supports root cause analysis to promote better resolution times.
- Collects accurate and real time data on the health of the database.
Cons of Sentry
- Not be ideal for enterprise environments.
- When errors are reported, it’s not easy to find the source, hence the need for more queries.
16. Syslog-ng
The Syslog-ng log monitoring tool is based on the implementation of the Syslog protocol. Available as a Log Management Appliance, Free Open Source tool and software. The appliance and software versions help scale large enterprise environments.
Centralized and capable of collecting and delivering log data, such as user activity, performance metrics, and network traffic. In the event, the Syslog-ng tool also removes data silos and creates in-depth reports crucial for regulatory compliance.
Pros of Syslog-ng
- Protects sensitive data with granular access policies.
- Sends log data to third party tools.
- Available as a free and open source solution.
- Supports forwarding of data into a database format, ideal for users who want long-term archiving.
Cons of Syslog-ng
- Best suited for matured managed service providers or large networks.
- There is a possible delay between receipt and reflection of Syslog-ng messages.
17. Sumo Logic
Sumo Logic also part of our top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring, allows you to store logs and metrics and view them as separate entities. Powerful search syntax, where users define operations similarly to Unix pipes. Features a powerful query language that detects common log patterns and trends quickly. Additionally, Sumo Logic has centralized management of agents. Basically, Sumo Logic unifies logs and metrics to accelerate monitoring and troubleshooting.
Designed with security and compliance in mind. Advanced threat detection capabilities to help you detect indicators of compromise. Leverages machine learning for root cause detection and advanced threat intelligence to help you discover sophisticated attacks through logs.
Pros of Sumo Logic
- Delivers enterprise grade, scalable, user friendly log management capabilities.
- Collects metrics from cloud platforms and host machines.
- Centralized data management login to view and manage all data logs.
- Allows for simple and complex searches to meet the needs of all users.
Cons of Sumo Logic
- It doesn’t provide an option for on-premises installation.
- Queries are challenging to compose sometimes.
18. GoAccess
Following on the list of top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring there is also GoAccess. In summary, it logs in real time based on software intended to run through the terminal of Unix systems or a browser. Offers an immediate logging environment, where users view data within a fraction of a second of being stored on the server. GoAccess also has custom log strings and monitors pages for their response time. In other words, GoAccess makes it easy to understand website visitor data in real time.
Pros of GoAccess
- Provides real time log data for quick analysis.
- A free open source tool available to enterprises of all sizes.
- The configuration is easy.
- Users are better able to predict visitor behaviour on websites and determine how to improve the customer experience.
Cons of GoAccess
- Lacks a extensive library.
- Challenging to handle errors.
19. Cloudlytics
Cloudytics is a cloud native tool that simplifies log management. Excellent alternative to Splunk for monitoring AWS, Azure, and GCP platforms. Highly scalable platforms that enables you to collect logs, analyse user behaviour, and generate event insights. Use this tool to monitor anomalies in your cloud environment.
In particular, Cloudlytics is easy to integrate into your existing cloud ecosystem. Seamlessly ingest data directly from your public cloud platform without installing an agent. Ideal too to keep track of DevOps and achieve robust compliance.
Pros of Cloudlytics
- Leverage custom queries to design your own dashboard.
- Has a single pane of glass to help you monitor your cloud environment.
- Designed according to the AWS Well Architected Framework for reliability, security, cost optimization, operational excellence and high performance.
- Helps to identify malicious activities within your cloud ecosystem.
- Sufficient user support to enable you perform seamless monitoring.
Cons of Cloudlytics
- Not suitable for on premise log monitoring.
- Not ideal for large enterprises with lots of logs to monitor.
20. Graylog
Last on the list of Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring is Graylog. Final open source file based system with a graphical user interface and a query and search function. These components allow users to filter log records most conveniently. The tool’s dashboard provides a detailed and intuitive history of the logs and data. Features audit logs, fault tolerance, and access control based on the roles of the users.
Pros of Graylog
- Provides fast and reliable alerts on cyber threats.
- Analyzes data and delivers an effective incident response
- The data reports are detailed and intuitive
- The installation and setup are easy, and the tool requires no expensive maintenance
- Operates in a secure and always up-to-date environment
Cons of Graylog
- The dashboard needs some perfecting on the appearance and flexibility in reporting
- It would do better with more plugins for busy teams
Thank you for reading Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring . We shall conclude this article.
Top 20 Splunk Alternatives for Log Monitoring Conclusion
While Splunk is one of the best analytical and logs monitoring software, other substitutes exist. Lastly, Splunk is popular because most organizations tend to choose the software that provides the best overall solution for their problems, and Splunk does that successfully. Other tools on the market provide that too, and the ones above are some of those you can choose from, depending on your specific log monitoring needs and personal preferences.
Do explore our monitoring section in the blog, by navigating here.
