Prometheus
Pull-based monitoring system with a multi-dimensional data model, PromQL query language, built-in alerting, and a time series database built for cloud native environments.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/prometheus/prometheus or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Chronosphere.
Replaces 3 paid apps
up to $105/mo ($1,260/yr) in subscriptions
Prometheus FAQ
Common questions
Is Prometheus free and open source?+
Prometheus is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Pull-based monitoring system with a multi-dimensional data model, PromQL query language, built-in alerting, and a time series database built for cloud native environments.
What paid software does Prometheus replace?+
Prometheus serves as a free replacement for 3 paid SaaS applications: Chronosphere, SolarWinds, Splunk, saving up to $105/month ($1,260/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Prometheus?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/prometheus/prometheus or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with Prometheus?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Chronosphere.