Overview
Checkly is a aPI and browser monitoring with Playwright tests, deployed via code. It handles monitoring as code, playwright, api checks, and alerts, and it's best suited for devops teams wanting monitoring as code. It has been around since 2018, giving it a 8-year head start in building out integrations and refining the product.
The free plan is free for 5 checks — enough for most people to evaluate whether it fits. It's designed for small teams, striking a balance between simplicity and collaboration features.
Strengths
- Includes Monitoring as Code as a core feature, purpose-built for monitoring workflows
- Includes Playwright as a core feature, purpose-built for monitoring workflows
- Free for 5 checks — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
- Includes api checks alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed
Weaknesses
- Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
- Developer-oriented tooling may not suit non-technical team members
- Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in monitoring
- Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up
Quick info
- Category
- Monitoring
- Starting price
- Free
- Free tier
- Yes — Free for 5 checks
- Open source
- No
- Best for
- Small teams
- Founded
- 2018
Last updated 2026-04-12
Top alternatives to Checkly
Checkly comparisons
Datadog vs Checkly
Checkly is the free option; Datadog charges $15/host/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
Sentry vs Checkly
Checkly is the free option; Sentry charges $26/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
BetterStack vs Checkly
Checkly is the free option; BetterStack charges $24/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
Grafana vs Checkly
Grafana gives you open source and self-hosting; Checkly is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
New Relic vs Checkly
New Relic is built for engineering teams wanting all-in-one observability. Checkly is built for devops teams wanting monitoring as code. Pick the one that fits.
Uptime Robot vs Checkly
Uptime Robot is built for anyone wanting simple, free uptime monitoring. Checkly is built for devops teams wanting monitoring as code. Pick the one that fits.
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Grafana
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New Relic
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Uptime Robot
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Stay sharp
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