Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) vs Datadog
Self-host swap-in for Datadog. · Self-host Datadog · Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) on os-alt
Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Datadog — license AGPL-3.0, 1-2h to wire up the LGTM stack via docker-compose; multi-day to do it production-grade to stand up, and $20-40 vps for a small setup; cost scales with retention (s3 / object store strongly recommended). Compare against Datadog's $15-23/host/mo for Pro/Enterprise APM, plus per-GB log charges below.
| Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo)open-source | Datadogpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Observability (metrics + logs + traces + APM) | Observability (metrics + logs + traces + APM) |
| License / pricing | AGPL-3.0 | $15-23/host/mo for Pro/Enterprise APM, plus per-GB log charges |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $15/user/mo |
| GitHub | grafana/grafana | closed source |
| Setup time | 1-2h to wire up the LGTM stack via docker-compose; multi-day to do it production-grade | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $20-40 VPS for a small setup; cost scales with retention (S3 / object store strongly recommended). | from $15/user/mo ($15-23/host/mo for Pro/Enterprise APM, plus per-GB log charges) |
Switching from Datadog to Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo)
Replace Datadog agent with Grafana Alloy (or vendor-neutral OTel collector). Metrics go to Mimir, logs to Loki, traces to Tempo. Each Datadog dashboard maps to a Grafana dashboard; PromQL/LogQL replace Datadog's query syntax. Plan a week for dashboard parity.
- Good fit for
- Teams that want best-in-class composable observability and have an SRE who enjoys it.
- Weak at
- Operational burden is real — you are now responsible for keeping Mimir/Loki/Tempo healthy.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Datadog
Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) also replaces
- New Relic— APM / observability platform
In a terminal? npx os-alt datadog prints Datadog's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) a free alternative to Datadog?
Yes — Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) is open source under AGPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $20-40 VPS for a small setup; cost scales with retention (S3 / object store strongly recommended).. Datadog starts at $15/user/mo ($15-23/host/mo for Pro/Enterprise APM, plus per-GB log charges).
How long does Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) take to set up vs Datadog?
Self-hosting Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo): 1-2h to wire up the LGTM stack via docker-compose; multi-day to do it production-grade. Datadog is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Grafana stack (Mimir + Loki + Tempo) good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Teams that want best-in-class composable observability and have an SRE who enjoys it.. Weak at: Operational burden is real — you are now responsible for keeping Mimir/Loki/Tempo healthy..