What is the main difference between Apache SkyWalking and OpenObserve?

Apache SkyWalking and OpenObserve 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 OpenObserve?

The choice between Apache SkyWalking and OpenObserve 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 OpenObserve?

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

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Apache SkyWalking vs OpenObserve

Learn how Apache SkyWalking and OpenObserve 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

OpenObserve

Monitor logs, metrics, and traces with an open-source observability platform. Achieve petabyte scale with 140x lower storage costs and high performance.

Visit OpenObserve Read more

22,491stars+349(+1.6%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
4 hours ago
Repository age
4 years
Version
v1.1.2
License
AGPL-3.0
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
openobserve

Detailed Comparison

Both Apache SkyWalking and OpenObserve have their unique strengths and serve similar purposes effectively. Consider your specific needs regarding popularity, growth, activity, technology, maturity, licensing and features when making your decision.

Comparable

Community & Popularity

Both tools have similar popularity levels, with Apache SkyWalking having 24,975 stars and OpenObserve having 22,491 stars on GitHub. In terms of developer contributions, Apache SkyWalking has 6,632 forks, indicating strong developer engagement.

OpenObserve wins

Growth Momentum

OpenObserve is growing faster, adding 349 stars in the last 30 days (+1.6%) against adding 11 stars for Apache SkyWalking (0%). OpenObserve is the smaller project of the two, so it is closing the gap rather than extending a lead.

Comparable

Development Activity

Both projects show recent activity, with Apache SkyWalking last updated 5 hours ago and OpenObserve 4 hours ago.

Comparable

Technology Stack

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

Apache SkyWalking wins

Project Maturity

Apache SkyWalking has been in development longer, starting 11 years ago, compared to OpenObserve which began 4 years ago. This 7.3-year head start suggests Apache SkyWalking may have more mature features and established processes.

Comparable

Licensing

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

Comparable