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Jaeger vs Grafana Tempo

Side-by-side comparison of Jaeger and Grafana Tempo. Data-driven analysis for CTOs and engineering leaders.

Technical Profile

Jaeger

Scalability
high
Performance
high
Learning Curve
moderate
Maturity
mature
Languages: Go

Grafana Tempo

Scalability
very high
Performance
very high
Learning Curve
moderate
Maturity
stable
Languages: Go

When to Use

Jaeger

  • +Microservices tracing
  • +OpenTelemetry
  • +Self-hosted

Avoid Jaeger when

  • -Want managed service

Grafana Tempo

  • +Grafana stack
  • +Cost-conscious
  • +High volume traces

Avoid Grafana Tempo when

  • -Need standalone solution

Compliance & Security

Jaeger

SOC 2GDPRHIPAAPCI-DSS

Security Features

EncryptionAudit LogsRBACMFA

Grafana Tempo

SOC 2GDPRHIPAAPCI-DSS

Security Features

EncryptionAudit LogsRBACMFA

Operations

Jaeger

Maintenance
medium
Monitoring
medium
Backup/Recovery
moderate
Hosting: self-hosted

Grafana Tempo

Maintenance
medium
Monitoring
medium
Backup/Recovery
moderate
Hosting: self-hosted, cloud

Frequently Asked Questions

How does scalability compare between Jaeger and Grafana Tempo?

Jaeger offers high scalability, while Grafana Tempo offers very-high scalability. Consider your expected traffic and data volume when choosing.

Which has the easier learning curve: Jaeger or Grafana Tempo?

Jaeger has a moderate learning curve, while Grafana Tempo has a moderate learning curve. Factor in your team's existing skills and onboarding timeline.

What are the pricing differences between Jaeger and Grafana Tempo?

Jaeger uses a free pricing model with a free tier. Grafana Tempo uses a freemium pricing model starting at $0 with a free tier. Evaluate total cost of ownership including operational overhead.

Which option is better for compliance: Jaeger or Grafana Tempo?

Jaeger supports SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS. Grafana Tempo supports SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS. Always verify current certifications directly with the vendor.

Need help deciding between Jaeger vs Grafana Tempo?

Use our interactive decision tool for a personalized recommendation.

Jaeger vs Grafana Tempo — CTO Technology Comparison | The Art of CTO