---
description: Compare Grafana vs IBM Instana regarding their features, reviews, pricing, specifications, screenshots & more.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/software_advice/og_logo-55146305bbe7b450bea05c18e9be9c9a.png
title: Grafana vs IBM Instana Comparison
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Network Monitoring Tools](/directory/4307/network-monitoring/software) > [Grafana \<span\>vs\</span\> IBM Instana](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/compare/315327/438738/grafana/vs/instana)

# Compare Grafana vs IBM Instana

Canonical: https://www.softwareadvice.ie/compare/315327/438738/grafana/vs/instana

> Detailed comparison between Grafana and IBM Instana. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | Grafana | IBM Instana |
| **Overall rating** | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 71 | 6 |
| **Starting Price** | US$25,000.00 | US$75.00 |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | Yes |
| **Free Version** | Yes | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live rep), Chat | - |
| **Training** | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos | Webinars, Documentation, Videos |

## Key features

### Grafana

- API
- Activity Tracking
- Application Management
- Baseline Manager
- Bottleneck Identification
- Dashboard
- Email Alerts
- Event Logs
- Incident Reporting
- Monitoring
- Performance Metrics
- Prioritisation
- Real-Time Data
- Real-Time Reporting
- Reporting/Analytics
- Root Cause Analysis
- Single Sign On
- Transaction Monitoring
- Uptime Reporting
- Workflow Management

### IBM Instana

- API
- Activity Tracking
- Application Management
- Baseline Manager
- Bottleneck Identification
- Dashboard
- Email Alerts
- Event Logs
- Incident Reporting
- Monitoring
- Performance Metrics
- Prioritisation
- Real-Time Data
- Real-Time Reporting
- Reporting/Analytics
- Root Cause Analysis
- Single Sign On
- Transaction Monitoring
- Uptime Reporting
- Workflow Management

## Links

- [View Grafana Profile](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/software/315327/grafana)
- [View IBM Instana Profile](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/software/438738/instana)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.softwareadvice.ie/compare/315327/438738/grafana/vs/instana)

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