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Logging · head to head

Humio vs Telegraf

Humio logo

Humio

Logging

Real-Time Log Analytics and Search

From
Free
Rated
-
Telegraf logo

Telegraf

Logging

The Plugin-Driven Server Agent for Collecting and Reporting Metrics

From
Free
Rated
-

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; Telegraf telegraf's core is open source and free, and InfluxData names a separate Telegraf Enterprise tier for teams running it at scale with no price published
  • They diverge on capability: Humio covers Real-time log streaming, Telegraf covers Metrics collection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Humio and Telegraf actually diverge.

Attributes where Humio and Telegraf differ
AttributeHumioTelegraf
Pricing modelusage-basedopen-source
Founded20152013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 Telegraf

  • Metrics collection
  • System monitoring
  • Application monitoring
  • Plugin architecture

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 Telegraf
  • Security monitoring and threat detectionnot Telegraf
  • Real-time data search and investigationnot Telegraf

Telegraf

  • Log monitoringnot Humio
  • Application performancenot Humio
  • Security analyticsnot Humio
  • Troubleshootingnot 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

Telegraf

  • Telegraf's core is open source and free, and InfluxData names a separate Telegraf Enterprise tier for teams running it at scale with no price published

Pricing, plan by plan

Humio

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

Telegraf

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Metrics collection
    • System monitoring
    • Application 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.

Choose Telegraf if

  • You need metrics collection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want system monitoring.

Questions people ask

Is Humio or Telegraf better?
Neither clearly leads. Humio starts at Free and Telegraf at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Humio or Telegraf?
Humio starts at Free and Telegraf at Free.
Does Humio or Telegraf 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 Telegraf is typically brought in for.
What can Humio do that Telegraf cannot?
Humio covers Real-time log streaming, Full-text search, Behavioral analytics, Threat detection. Telegraf covers Metrics collection, System monitoring, Application monitoring, Plugin architecture. 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
Telegraf: Is Telegraf free to use?

Yes, Telegraf OSS is free and open source. It can be downloaded and used at no cost for collecting metrics from infrastructure, applications, and devices using over 400 community-tested plugins.

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
Telegraf: What is Telegraf Enterprise and how much does it cost?

Telegraf Enterprise is a commercial offering for managing Telegraf at scale. It is licensed annually with entry-level packages starting at $18,000 per year, and pricing scales based on the total number of Telegraf agents under management.

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
Telegraf: Can I try Telegraf Enterprise before purchasing?

Yes, a free tier of Telegraf Controller is available for evaluation. It allows you to store up to 20 configurations and manage up to 100 reporting agents.

Source
Telegraf: Can Telegraf OSS be used for commercial purposes?

Telegraf OSS is free and available as open source software, suitable for commercial deployments without licensing fees. For large-scale enterprise needs, Telegraf Enterprise is the commercial offering.

Source
Telegraf: How many plugins does Telegraf support?

Telegraf includes over 400 community-tested plugins that can connect to various data sources and destinations including Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Kafka, and many databases.

Source
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