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Logging · head to head

Humio vs Sematext

Humio logo

Humio

Logging

Real-Time Log Analytics and Search

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sematext logo

Sematext

Logging

Full Stack Observability Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Humio humio redirects to CrowdStrike Falcon LogScale product page, indicating product acquisition and rebranding without standalone pricing; Sematext the $5 Basic plan caps ingestion at 500 MB a day and retains logs for 7 days
  • They diverge on capability: Humio covers Real-time log streaming, Sematext covers Log aggregation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Humio and Sematext actually diverge.

Attributes where Humio and Sematext differ
AttributeHumioSematext
Founded20152007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (usage-based), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web, Api), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Logging).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Humio

  • Real-time log streaming
  • Full-text search
  • Behavioral analytics
  • Threat detection

Only in Sematext

  • Log aggregation
  • APM
  • Metrics monitoring
  • Anomaly detection

Both cover

  • API
  • Webhooks
  • REST
  • Web support
  • Api support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Humio

  • Log aggregation and analysis for IT operationsnot Sematext
  • Security monitoring and threat detectionnot Sematext
  • Real-time data search and investigationnot Sematext

Sematext

  • Centralised log management and search across servicesnot Humio
  • Infrastructure and application monitoring alongside logsnot Humio

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Humio

  • Humio redirects to CrowdStrike Falcon LogScale product page, indicating product acquisition and rebranding without standalone pricing
  • No specific pricing amounts disclosed on CrowdStrike LogScale page; only billing model options mentioned without dollar figures
  • Flexible retention policies from 30 to 365+ days are available, requiring contact with sales for actual costs tied to retention selections

Sematext

  • The $5 Basic plan caps ingestion at 500 MB a day and retains logs for 7 days
  • Ingestion and storage are billed on separate meters, at $0.10 per GB received and $0.15 per GB stored
  • Retention is a plan property rather than a setting, so keeping logs longer means moving tier
  • The published pricing page renders Standard and Pro figures from unresolved template placeholders, so only the Basic numbers are actually readable

Pricing, plan by plan

Humio

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Real-time log streaming
    • Full-text search
    • Behavioral analytics

Sematext

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Log aggregation
    • APM
    • Metrics monitoring

Which should you pick?

Choose Humio if

  • You need real-time log streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want full-text search.
Humio review

Choose Sematext if

  • You need log aggregation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want apm.
Sematext review

Questions people ask

Is Humio or Sematext better?
Neither clearly leads. Humio starts at Free and Sematext at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Humio or Sematext?
Humio starts at Free and Sematext at Free.
Does Humio or Sematext run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, Api, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Humio for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Humio best used for?
Humio is most often used for log aggregation and analysis for it operations, security monitoring and threat detection, real-time data search and investigation. Of those, log aggregation and analysis for it operations and security monitoring and threat detection are not what Sematext is typically brought in for.
What can Humio do that Sematext cannot?
Humio covers Real-time log streaming, Full-text search, Behavioral analytics, Threat detection. Sematext covers Log aggregation, APM, Metrics monitoring, Anomaly detection. Both handle API, Webhooks, REST, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Humio: What is Humio's pricing model?

Humio is now CrowdStrike Falcon LogScale with per endpoint per month or per endpoint per year billing options available, but specific pricing amounts are not published and require contact with sales.

Source
Sematext: How much does Sematext cost?

Sematext uses a transparent usage-based pricing model. Customers can set a Max Daily Volume for automatic rejection of excess data to prevent unexpected charges and keep costs predictable. Specific tier pricing is available through their cost calculator tool.

Source
Humio: Does CrowdStrike Falcon LogScale (formerly Humio) offer a free trial?

A 15-day free trial is offered for CrowdStrike Falcon LogScale at https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/products/trials/try-falcon-next-gen-siem/, but specific trial terms require review.

Source
Sematext: How does Sematext's pricing compare to competitors?

Sematext is positioned as +3x cheaper than Datadog, with potential annual savings of $800,000 for customers logging more than 200TB/month and a reported 75% decrease in price per GB compared to alternatives.

Source
Humio: What data retention license options are available for CrowdStrike Falcon LogScale?

Flexible retention policies include licenses for 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days of retention, with additional retention options available upon request.

Source
Sematext: Does Sematext offer a free trial?

Yes, Sematext offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing you to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Source
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