What is the main difference between Apache SkyWalking and Uptrace?

Apache SkyWalking and Uptrace 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 Uptrace?

The choice between Apache SkyWalking and Uptrace 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 Uptrace?

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

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Apache SkyWalking vs Uptrace

Learn how Apache SkyWalking and Uptrace 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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24,970stars+18(+0.1%)

Last 30 days

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

Uptrace

Uptrace is an OpenTelemetry-based platform that integrates traces, metrics, and logs to help monitor and optimize complex distributed systems.

Visit Uptrace Read more

4,303stars+18(+0.4%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
7 days ago
Repository age
5 years
Version
v2.1.0-rc.1
License
AGPL-3.0
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
uptrace/uptrace

Detailed Comparison

Both Apache SkyWalking and Uptrace 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.

Apache SkyWalking wins

Community & Popularity

Apache SkyWalking significantly outpaces Uptrace in community adoption with 24,970 stars compared to 4,303 stars on GitHub. This 5.8x difference suggests Apache SkyWalking has a much larger and more active community. In terms of developer contributions, Apache SkyWalking has 6,630 forks, indicating strong developer engagement.

Uptrace wins

Growth Momentum

Uptrace is growing faster, adding 18 stars in the last 30 days (+0.4%) against adding 18 stars for Apache SkyWalking (+0.1%). Uptrace 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 11 hours ago and Uptrace 7 days ago.

Comparable

Technology Stack

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

Apache SkyWalking wins

Project Maturity

Apache SkyWalking has been in development longer, starting 11 years ago, compared to Uptrace which began 5 years ago. This 6.2-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 Uptrace uses AGPL-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 Uptrace extends into Infrastructure Monitoring.

Comparable