12 Best APM Tools Shortlist
I've assessed numerous APM tools, selecting the top 12 that adeptly address the performance monitoring challenges you face.
- Micro Focus AppPulse - Best for holistic application diagnostics
- Checkmk - Best for extensive IT infrastructure insights
- FusionReactor Java APM - Best for Java environment monitoring
- Progress WhatsUp Gold - Best for network-centric APM
- Retrace - Best for code-level insights
- Datadog - Best for cloud-scale monitoring
- AppDynamics - Best for real-time performance visibility
- Sentry - Best for error tracking and resolution
- Dynatrace - Best for AI-powered APM analytics
- New Relic APM 360 - Best for comprehensive application health metrics
- IBM Instana Observability - Best for enterprise observability
- Microsoft Azure Monitor - Best for Azure-based application insights.
Navigating the world of application performance can be tricky, especially when working with platforms like PHP. I've been in your shoes, seeking a reliable management tool to ensure optimal application performance. An APM tool precisely monitors and manages your application's performance, ensuring user experiences.
The true magic of these tools lies in their ability to swiftly identify and rectify bottlenecks, taking the guesswork out of troubleshooting. I know the frustration of slow response times and unexpected errors, and that's why I'm here to guide you toward the best APM solutions that address these pain points head-on. Trust me, with the right tool, you're setting yourself up for success.
What Is an APM tool?
An Application Performance Management (APM) tool is a software solution designed to monitor and manage the performance and availability of software applications. These tools provide real-time performance metrics that help in identifying and resolving issues, ensuring that applications run efficiently and meet user expectations.
IT professionals, developers, and operations teams primarily use APM tools to gain insights into how applications behave in various environments, pinpointing bottlenecks or errors that might affect user experience or overall application functionality. By leveraging these insights, organizations can ensure optimal application performance, improved user satisfaction, and streamlined IT operations.
Overviews of the 12 Best APM Tools
1. Micro Focus AppPulse - Best for holistic application diagnostics
Micro Focus AppPulse is a dedicated APM solution designed to simplify the intricate world of application diagnostics. With its comprehensive capabilities, it hones in on the root cause of performance issues and provides clarity to ensure user experiences, aptly showcasing its mastery in holistic application diagnostics.
Why I Picked Micro Focus AppPulse:
In the process of comparing and selecting the right APM tools, Micro Focus AppPulse emerged as a top contender. While determining its merits, it became clear that this tool was a cut above the rest, offering more than just superficial insights. I judged its ability to dive deep into intricate application dependencies as unparalleled.
The decision to label it "best for holistic application diagnostics" is rooted in its proficiency to provide end-to-end clarity, from the backend to the front-end, ensuring that performance data is both detailed and actionable.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of the main strengths of AppPulse lies in its powerful visualizations, which allow teams to swiftly troubleshoot performance issues. Its prowess in real user monitoring ensures that every line of code is scrutinized for optimal performance.
Furthermore, the tool offers deep integrations with prevalent DevOps practices, cloud-based infrastructures, and various monitoring software solutions, ensuring a cohesive view of application performance.
Pricing:
Pricing upon request
Pros:
- Robust real user monitoring capabilities
- Comprehensive end-to-end application performance data
- Deep integrations with popular frameworks and AWS
Cons:
- Potential learning curve for first-time users
- On-premise solutions might not suit all businesses
- Limited support for some open-source environments
2. Checkmk - Best for extensive IT infrastructure insights
Checkmk offers a powerful platform for IT infrastructure monitoring and management. It stands out for its robust capability to provide deep insights into the vast landscape of IT infrastructures, living up to its reputation as the best tool for extensive IT infrastructure insights.
Why I Picked Checkmk:
Among the myriad of APM tools and infrastructure monitoring solutions, I found myself gravitating towards Checkmk. The reason? Its unique ability to deliver a comprehensive view of IT environments. In my opinion, and after comparing it with other platforms, it's clear that Checkmk offers a differentiated approach.
Its commitment to providing extensive insights into all facets of IT infrastructure—from the backend servers to front-end applications—compelled me to deem it "best for extensive IT infrastructure insights."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Checkmk shines with its top-notch visualizations and end-to-end infrastructure monitoring capabilities. This allows teams to swiftly troubleshoot performance issues and trace back to the root cause.
The tool boasts integrations with cloud-based services like AWS, alongside popular DevOps tools, ensuring a harmonized view of application and infrastructure health.
Pricing:
From $12/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Comprehensive IT infrastructure monitoring solution
- Strong AWS and cloud-based integrations
- Customizable dashboards for tailored views of data
Cons:
- Might be complex for new users unfamiliar with IT monitoring
- Requires on-premise setup for certain features
- Potential latency in real-time monitoring for extensive infrastructures
3. FusionReactor Java APM - Best for Java environment monitoring
FusionReactor Java APM delivers dedicated application performance monitoring solutions specifically for Java environments. Its prowess lies in digging deep into Java applications, making it an excellent choice for those seeking focused monitoring within Java ecosystems.
Why I Picked FusionReactor Java APM:
Selecting from a pool of APM tools wasn't straightforward, but FusionReactor stood out, particularly for its specialization in Java. Through a comparison process and by judging its unique features, I determined that FusionReactor's commitment to Java environments differentiated it from broader solutions.
This unwavering focus is why I believe it excels as the "best for Java environment monitoring."
Standout Features & Integrations:
FusionReactor Java APM showcases advanced visualizations and end-to-end monitoring for Java applications, empowering users to troubleshoot performance issues efficiently and pinpoint the root cause.
Its integration capabilities are noteworthy, connecting with popular DevOps tools and platforms like AWS, ensuring consistent monitoring across the board.
Pricing:
From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Tailored specifically for Java application monitoring
- Strong visualizations for in-depth performance data
- Integrations with popular tools such as AWS and DevOps platforms
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for non-Java environments
- Could have a learning curve for those new to APM solutions
- Potential delay in real-time notifications for vast Java ecosystems
4. Progress WhatsUp Gold - Best for network-centric APM
Progress WhatsUp Gold provides a comprehensive view of your network, allowing you to monitor its health and performance. This APM tool is specially designed for those who prioritize the network component of their applications, making it optimal for network-centric monitoring.
Why I Picked Progress WhatsUp Gold:
When it came to selecting an APM tool that emphasizes network monitoring, Progress WhatsUp Gold was a standout. Through careful comparison and determination, I recognized its exceptional capabilities in network-focused application monitoring.
This unique emphasis on network aspects led me to judge it as the "best for network-centric APM."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Progress WhatsUp Gold offers detailed visualizations of network dependencies, enabling users to troubleshoot and locate performance issues swiftly. Its topology views provide insights into the intricate web of network connections and their current states.
For integrations, it connects with major platforms like AWS and even other monitoring solutions like SolarWinds, improving its monitoring capabilities.
Pricing:
From $23/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Strong focus on network monitoring within the application performance sphere
- Detailed visualizations for understanding network dependencies
- Effective integrations with platforms such as AWS and SolarWinds
Cons:
- Might not be the best fit for those looking for broader APM solutions
- Potential for notifications to be overwhelming given its network focus
- Requires a bit of a learning curve for those new to network-centric APM tools
5. Retrace - Best for code-level insights
Retrace is a powerful application performance monitoring tool that drills deep into your code to provide granular insights. Its expertise lies in pinpointing performance issues right down to the specific line of code, making it ideal for those craving code-level understanding.
Why I Picked Retrace:
In my journey of choosing the best APM tools, Retrace emerged as a distinctive choice. Its unparalleled ability to provide granular insights into the very line of code responsible for performance anomalies made it stand apart.
I firmly believe its proficiency in delivering code-level clarity is why it is "best for code-level insights."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Retrace's standout feature is its code profiling which allows developers to get insights into their code's behavior in real-time. Its root cause analysis is impeccable, letting teams troubleshoot with precision.
When it comes to integrations, Retrace works smoothly with AWS, SQL databases, and various frameworks, ensuring comprehensive application performance monitoring.
Pricing:
From $50/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Detailed code profiling offering insights to the exact line of code
- Strong root cause analysis for efficient troubleshooting
- Integrations with AWS, SQL, and popular development frameworks
Cons:
- Might be overwhelming for beginners due to its detailed insights
- Can be more expensive than other APM solutions
- Might require more setup and configuration than simpler tools
6. Datadog - Best for cloud-scale monitoring
Datadog is a comprehensive monitoring and analytics platform tailored for cloud-centric environments. It empowers teams to observe and analyze their cloud infrastructure's performance, justifying its standing as a superior choice for cloud-scale monitoring.
Why I Picked Datadog:
Navigating through a sea of APM tools, Datadog caught my attention because of its robust capabilities in monitoring large-scale cloud environments. What truly sets it apart is its ability to correlate data across various cloud services and its adaptive AI-driven alerts.
In my assessment, its adeptness at monitoring the scale of the cloud makes it the "best for cloud-scale monitoring."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Datadog excels with its customizable dashboards that provide a visual representation of a myriad of performance data. Its machine learning-driven anomaly detection is instrumental in pinpointing the root causes of performance issues swiftly. Integration-wise, Datadog connects with AWS, SQL databases, and an array of modern DevOps tools, allowing for holistic monitoring.
Pricing:
From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Customizable dashboards catering to varied monitoring needs
- Advanced machine learning capabilities for precise anomaly detection
- Broad integrations with cloud platforms like AWS and various DevOps tools
Cons:
- Might come across as complex for smaller teams or simpler setups
- Pricing can escalate with additional features or data sources
- Requires a learning curve for those unfamiliar with cloud-centric monitoring tools.
7. AppDynamics - Best for real-time performance visibility
AppDynamics stands as an advanced application performance monitoring solution, tailored to deliver real-time insights into an application's functioning. Given its prowess in offering live performance data, it’s a stellar fit for those seeking immediate visibility into their application's health.
Why I Picked AppDynamics:
When determining which tools to include, AppDynamics was a clear choice due to its unparalleled capability to offer real-time performance monitoring. Its distinctiveness emanates from its live visualization dashboards, enabling teams to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
My judgment concludes that its emphasis on real-time data makes it the "best for real-time performance visibility."
Standout Features & Integrations:
AppDynamics boasts customizable dashboards that provide a cohesive view of end-to-end application performance, from backend to front-end. Its root cause analysis feature is invaluable in swiftly identifying the genesis of performance issues. In terms of integrations, AppDynamics collaborates with platforms like AWS, Cisco, and various SQL databases, enriching its monitoring capabilities.
Pricing:
From $30/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- End-to-end real-time performance visualization
- Efficient root cause analysis tools to pinpoint issues
- Strong integrations, notably with AWS and Cisco, improving its monitoring scope
Cons:
- May appear intricate for newcomers to APM tools
- Pricing can become significant for larger teams or additional modules
- Advanced features might require an initial setup and tuning for optimal results.
8. Sentry - Best for error tracking and resolution
Sentry serves as a potent application performance monitoring tool with a keen focus on pinpointing and resolving errors. With its aptitude for tracing errors in real-time and offering resolution insights, it justifiably earns its title as the go-to tool for error tracking and resolution.
Why I Picked Sentry:
In the process of selecting APM tools, I was particularly drawn to Sentry's ability to offer detailed error logs and resolution steps. Compared to others, Sentry's specialization in providing real-time error insights with potential fixes sets it apart. I believe its robust error-handling capabilities genuinely make it the "best for error tracking and resolution."
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of Sentry's paramount features is its detailed error logging, which is improved by visualizations, helping teams swiftly identify and address issues. Its root cause analysis aids teams in diagnosing the underlying causes of performance issues swiftly.
As for integrations, Sentry aligns effectively with platforms such as Slack for notifications, AWS for cloud-based solutions, and various frameworks like node.js, improving its error-tracking capabilities.
Pricing:
From $26/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Detailed error logs improved with visualizations
- Effective root cause analysis tools
- Comprehensive integrations, notably with AWS and Slack
Cons:
- Might require a learning curve for those unfamiliar with error-tracking tools
- Could be perceived as pricey for startups or smaller teams
- While comprehensive, its user interface may appear overwhelming initially.
9. Dynatrace - Best for AI-powered APM analytics
Dynatrace delivers a comprehensive application performance monitoring solution, with a distinct edge in utilizing artificial intelligence for its analytics. Its capability to combine traditional APM tools with AI-driven insights resonates with its label as the prime choice for AI-powered APM analytics.
Why I Picked Dynatrace:
When determining which tools to highlight, Dynatrace's unique integration of AI into its analytics process caught my attention. Its distinction lies in harnessing machine learning to autonomously diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues, setting it apart from more conventional APM tools. I'm convinced that its sophisticated AI-driven insights position it perfectly as the "best for AI-powered APM analytics."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Dynatrace shines with its real-time, AI-powered diagnostics which facilitate rapid root cause analysis, effectively cutting down troubleshooting time. Its end-to-end monitoring capabilities offer granular insights into application performance, from frontend to backend.
For integrations, Dynatrace connects with AWS, offers customizable dashboards, and aligns with prominent DevOps tools, improving its monitoring efficiency.
Pricing:
From $21/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- AI-driven analytics that provide deeper insights into performance data
- Comprehensive end-to-end monitoring, encompassing both frontend and backend
- Robust integrations with AWS and other DevOps tools
Cons:
- Its vast array of features might be overwhelming for new users
- Pricing could be on the higher side for smaller teams
- The emphasis on AI might require a steeper learning curve for those less familiar with AI-powered analytics.
10. New Relic APM 360 - Best for comprehensive application health metrics
New Relic APM 360 is a renowned tool in the realm of application performance monitoring, providing users with granular insights into their application's health. Its strength lies in delivering a 360-degree view of application metrics, justifying its reputation as the best for comprehensive health metrics.
Why I Picked New Relic APM 360:
In the process of selecting APM tools, New Relic APM 360 consistently stood out due to its deep and holistic approach to monitoring. When comparing, judging, and forming opinions, its ability to provide a complete, end-to-end picture of application health truly differentiated it from the pack.
I firmly believe it stands as the "best for comprehensive application health metrics" given its unparalleled depth in metric analysis.
Standout Features & Integrations:
At the forefront, New Relic APM 360 offers detailed visualizations that help in pinpointing performance issues swiftly. Its infrastructure monitoring capability works hand-in-hand with real user monitoring, giving an integrated picture from the front end to the backend. For integrations, New Relic shines by connecting with AWS, various DevOps tools, and also offers APIs that let users draw and act on performance data from various sources.
Pricing:
From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- End-to-end monitoring provides a comprehensive view of application health
- Rich visualizations assist in rapid troubleshooting
- Robust integrations with major platforms like AWS and other cloud-based solutions
Cons:
- The depth of features can be daunting for beginners
- Some users might find the interface a bit cluttered with information
- Customizing dashboards might require a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with the tool.
11. IBM Instana Observability - Best for enterprise observability
IBM Instana Observability is an APM solution designed to offer end-to-end insights for enterprise-scale applications. As businesses scale, so do their monitoring needs, making IBM Instana an ideal choice for comprehensive enterprise observability.
Why I Picked IBM Instana Observability:
In my quest to determine the best application performance monitoring tools, IBM Instana Observability consistently emerged as a top contender, especially for large-scale businesses. When selecting and comparing APM tools, IBM Instana's robust features and dedication to enterprise observability set it apart.
Based on my judgment, it’s clear that this tool is the "best for enterprise observability" as it caters to complex enterprise needs.
Standout Features & Integrations:
IBM Instana Observability provides in-depth visualizations and root cause analysis, enabling quick troubleshooting of performance issues. It excels in infrastructure monitoring, correlating dependencies to ensure the entire enterprise system runs optimally.
Integration-wise, it connects with AWS, and major DevOps tools, and offers robust APIs for extended functionality and data retrieval.
Pricing:
Pricing upon request
Pros:
- Comprehensive end-to-end monitoring suitable for large-scale applications
- Detailed root cause analysis aids in swift performance issue resolution
- Effective integration with major cloud-based platforms and DevOps tools
Cons:
- Might be overkill for small to medium-sized enterprises
- Learning curve can be steep given its vast array of features
- Pricing transparency might be an issue for some businesses.
12. Microsoft Azure Monitor - Best for Azure-based application insights.
Microsoft Azure Monitor is a cloud-based APM solution that provides in-depth insights into applications hosted on Azure. With its tailored features for Azure, it ensures businesses get comprehensive metrics and analytics on their applications within this ecosystem.
Why I Picked Microsoft Azure Monitor:
When I embarked on selecting top-tier APM tools, Microsoft Azure Monitor's close-knit integration and performance data relevancy with Azure-based applications made it impossible to overlook. Through a rigorous process of comparison and judging, I've determined that Azure Monitor's specialized insights into Azure-hosted apps are unparalleled.
Hence, I firmly believe this tool is "best for Azure-based application insights."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Azure Monitor excels in visualizations, offering detailed topology views and dependency maps for applications. The tool aids in swift troubleshooting with root cause analysis and end-to-end monitoring of Azure resources.
Notably, Azure Monitor integrates with other Azure services, ensuring a cohesive monitoring solution for applications, infrastructure, and other resources within the Azure ecosystem.
Pricing:
Pricing upon request
Pros:
- Tailored insights and metrics specifically for Azure-hosted applications
- Deep integration with other Azure services and resources
- Detailed root cause analysis for faster performance issue identification
Cons:
- May not be the first choice for non-Azure-based applications
- Complexity might be a bit overwhelming for newcomers to Azure or APM tools
- Pricing might not be as competitive for small projects or businesses.
Other Noteworthy APM Tools
Below is a list of additional APM tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. These are definitely worth checking out.
- Splunk Application Performance Monitoring - Good for data-driven APM analysis
- Elastic Observability - Good for unified logs, metrics, and traces
- OpenText Operations Bridge Manager - Good for centralized IT operations
- TrueSight Operations Management - Good for proactive service assurance
- Lumigo - Good for serverless environment insights
- Alluvio Aternity Digital Experience Management Platform - Good for end-user experience monitoring
- DX Application Performance Management (APM) - Good for AI-driven operation insights
- ManageEngine Applications Manager - Good for diverse application monitoring
- Site24x7 APM - Good for web app and end-user tracking
- Coralogix - Good for log analytics and cloud security
- Firebase Performance Monitoring - Good for mobile app performance metrics
- meshIQ - Good for Kubernetes-native applications
- Pandora FMS - Good for flexible IT monitoring
- Scout APM - Good for Ruby and Python app optimization
- Blue Matador - Good for predictive alerts and automation.
Selection Criteria for the Best APM Tools
When diving deep into the world of APM tools, there are countless options available. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I've personally tried and tested numerous tools in this category. In fact, I've evaluated dozens of APM tools, and during this journey, I prioritized specific functionalities that are crucial for businesses aiming for top-notch application performance.
I'll delve into these essential criteria below to guide you in making an informed decision.
Core Functionality
- Full-stack Monitoring: Ability to monitor both front-end and back-end components of an application.
- Transaction Monitoring: Tracking the user's journey within the application to identify bottlenecks.
- Error Rate Detection: Quick identification of errors, whether in code or infrastructure, that could impact performance.
- Response Time Measurement: Determine how long it takes for an application to respond to user actions.
- Uptime Monitoring: Continuously check the availability of the application, ensuring minimal downtime.
Key Features
- Microservices Monitoring: With the increasing adoption of microservices, it's essential to have a tool that can monitor each service's performance.
- Endpoint Analysis: Monitor and analyze the performance of specific endpoints, determining if any are causing slow-downs.
- Javascript Error Detection: For web applications, identifying and rectifying Javascript errors quickly can vastly improve user experience.
- CPU Utilization Metrics: Understand how your application uses CPU resources to pinpoint potential resource allocation issues.
- SaaS Integration: Integration with other SaaS platforms to correlate data and gain comprehensive insights.
Usability
- Intuitive Interface: For an APM tool, a dashboard that provides at-a-glance insights, coupled with deeper dives into specific performance metrics, is essential.
- Role-Based Access: Given the varied users of APM tools, from developers to managers, role-based access ensures the right people see the right data.
- Interactive Visualizations: Graphs, charts, and other visual tools that can be manipulated to display data in various ways, improving understanding.
- Onboarding Resources: Given the complexity of some APM solutions, having an extensive knowledge base, learning library, or training program is critical for smooth onboarding.
- Responsive Customer Support: Quick and knowledgeable support teams to assist in setup, troubleshooting, and optimization processes.
By paying close attention to these criteria, you'll be well on your way to choosing an APM tool that aligns with your specific needs and offers comprehensive application performance insights.
Most Common Questions Regarding APM Tools Questions
What are the benefits of using APM tools?
Using APM tools offers a plethora of advantages, including:
- Performance Enhancement: APM tools allow businesses to monitor and improve application performance in real-time.
- Troubleshooting Aid: With features like root cause analysis, these tools quickly pinpoint performance issues, reducing downtime.
- Insightful Visualizations: Most APM solutions provide detailed visualizations, making it easier to understand application topology, dependencies, and bottlenecks.
- Cost Efficiency: By identifying and addressing performance issues, businesses can optimize resource usage and reduce operational costs.
- Improved User Experience: A running application translates to a better user experience, and APM tools ensure that apps run without hitches.
How much do APM tools typically cost?
The pricing for APM tools varies significantly based on features, scalability, and brand reputation. Some tools offer a pay-as-you-go model, where you pay for what you consume, while others have tiered pricing, where different packages offer varying features.
Can you explain the different pricing models for APM tools?
Certainly! APM tools primarily follow these pricing models:
- Tiered Pricing: Fixed packages with distinct features. The higher the tier, the more features you get.
- Pay-as-You-Go: You're billed based on the resources or features you use.
- Per User/Agent: Pricing is based on the number of users or agents.
- Freemium: Basic services are free, but advanced features cost extra.
What is the typical range of pricing for APM tools?
The pricing can range anywhere from $10/user/month for basic plans to upwards of $200/user/month for enterprise-level plans. Some tools also offer custom pricing for large organizations with specific needs.
Which APM tool is considered the cheapest?
While specific prices can vary and change over time, tools like Stackify Retrace are known to be more budget-friendly, especially for startups and smaller businesses.
Which APM software is the most expensive?
Enterprise-grade solutions from renowned vendors like New Relic or Datadog APM tend to be on the pricier side due to their comprehensive features and scalability.
Are there any free APM tool options?
Yes, there are a few open-source and freemium APM tools available. An example is the open-source version of Elastic APM, which offers basic monitoring features. However, for advanced capabilities, you might need to upgrade to a paid version or consider other options.
Other Application Management Tool Reviews
- Application Monitoring Tools
- Application Development Software
- Application Security Software
- Static Application Security Testing Tools
Summary
Selecting the right APM tool is essential for businesses aiming to ensure application performance, reduce downtime, and improve user experience. These tools not only help pinpoint performance issues but also offer insightful visualizations, making troubleshooting and optimization easier. With a vast range of pricing models, from tiered to pay-as-you-go, there's an APM solution suitable for every budget and need.
Key Takeaways
- Performance enhancement: The core benefit of APM tools is their ability to monitor, identify, and assist in resolving application performance issues, ensuring an optimal user experience.
- Diverse pricing models: From freemium options to enterprise-grade solutions, there's an APM tool available for every budget. It's crucial to understand the pricing models to choose one that aligns with your requirements and financial capacity.
- Tailored solutions: Not all APM tools are created equal. Depending on your specific use case, whether it's cloud-based monitoring, on-premise solutions, or real-time analytics, there's a tool that specializes in that domain. It's vital to assess your unique needs and select a tool that caters specifically to them.
What Do You Think?
Of course, the world of APM tools is vast and ever-evolving. While I've done my best to present the top choices, I'm always eager to learn about new and impressive tools. If you've come across a stellar tool that hasn't made my list or have personal experience with one that's worth a shoutout, please share!
Your insights will not only benefit me but also our community of tech enthusiasts looking for the best solutions. Let's keep this conversation going and help each other discover the best of the best.