What is the main difference between Apache SkyWalking and NetData?

Apache SkyWalking and NetData are both performance monitoring (apm) tools but differ in their approach, features, and target audience. Compare their GitHub stats, technology stack, and community adoption to make the best choice.

Which is better: Apache SkyWalking or NetData?

The choice between Apache SkyWalking and NetData depends on your specific needs, technical requirements, and team preferences. Both are quality open source solutions with active communities.

Can I migrate from Apache SkyWalking to NetData?

Migration between Apache SkyWalking and NetData is possible but requires careful planning. Consider data export/import capabilities, feature parity, and potential workflow changes.

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Apache SkyWalking vs NetData

Learn how Apache SkyWalking and NetData differ in their key features, development activity, technology stack and community adoption, so you can decide which of these performance monitoring (apm) tools is best for you.

Apache SkyWalking

Open source observability platform covering distributed tracing, metrics, logs, profiling, and LLM cost tracking across 10+ languages with eBPF support on Kubernetes.

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24,975stars

Last 30 days

Last commit
5 hours ago
Repository age
11 years
Version
v11.0.0
License
Apache-2.0
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
apache/skywalking

NetData

Powerful, efficient, and user-friendly monitoring solution for servers, containers, and applications with instant insights and alerts.

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81,134stars+470(+0.6%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
5 hours ago
Repository age
13 years
Version
v2.12.2
License
GPL-3.0
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
netdata/netdata

Detailed Comparison

NetData appears to have several advantages over Apache SkyWalking, particularly in popularity, growth and maturity. Consider your specific needs regarding popularity, growth, activity, technology, maturity, licensing and features when making your decision.

NetData wins

Community & Popularity

NetData significantly outpaces Apache SkyWalking in community adoption with 81,134 stars compared to 24,975 stars on GitHub. This 3.2x difference suggests NetData has a much larger and more active community. In terms of developer contributions, NetData has 6,696 forks, indicating strong developer engagement.

NetData wins

Growth Momentum

NetData is growing faster, adding 470 stars in the last 30 days (+0.6%) against adding 11 stars for Apache SkyWalking (0%). NetData is both larger and pulling further ahead.

Comparable

Development Activity

Both projects show recent activity, with Apache SkyWalking last updated 5 hours ago and NetData 5 hours ago.

Comparable

Technology Stack

Both tools share common technology foundations, being built with JavaScript, Bash, Python, Golang. However, they differ in their additional technology choices: Apache SkyWalking uses Typescript, PHP, Java, Lua while NetData leverages CSS, Rust, C, Objective-C, C++.

NetData wins

Project Maturity

NetData has been in development longer, starting 13 years ago, compared to Apache SkyWalking which began 11 years ago. This 2.4-year head start suggests NetData may have more mature features and established processes.

Comparable

Licensing

The projects use different licenses: Apache SkyWalking is licensed under Apache-2.0 while NetData uses GPL-3.0. Consider the licensing requirements when choosing for your project.

Comparable

Use Cases & Features

Both tools serve similar use cases in Performance Monitoring (APM). However, they also have distinct specializations: Apache SkyWalking also focuses on Log Management while NetData extends into Infrastructure Monitoring.

Comparable