# Apache SkyWalking: Free Open Source Alternative to AppDynamics, Dynatrace

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/apache-skywalking
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Apache SkyWalking (Open Source, Open Source) replaces AppDynamics, Dynatrace. Open source observability platform covering distributed tracing, metrics, logs, profiling, and LLM cost tracking across 10+ languages with eBPF support on Kubernetes.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Apache SkyWalking
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://skywalking.apache.org/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/apache/skywalking
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 25k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/apache/skywalking or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AppDynamics.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Apache SkyWalking saves up to $70/mo ($840/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [AppDynamics](https://caniforkit.com/appdynamics) | [monitoring](https://caniforkit.com/category/monitoring) | $35/mo | [Compare AppDynamics vs Apache SkyWalking](https://caniforkit.com/vs/appdynamics-vs-apache-skywalking) |
| [Dynatrace](https://caniforkit.com/dynatrace) | [monitoring](https://caniforkit.com/category/monitoring) | $35/mo | [Compare Dynatrace vs Apache SkyWalking](https://caniforkit.com/vs/dynatrace-vs-apache-skywalking) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Apache SkyWalking free and open source?
Apache SkyWalking is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Open source observability platform covering distributed tracing, metrics, logs, profiling, and LLM cost tracking across 10+ languages with eBPF support on Kubernetes.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Apache SkyWalking?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AppDynamics.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)