Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Splunk · 📟 monitoring
Splunk vs Maple
Observability platform built on OpenTelemetry and ClickHouse. Collect, visualize, and query distributed traces, logs, and metrics, with an MCP server for AI agent diagnostics. Here is how Maple ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Splunk ($35/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Maple is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Splunk. Switching from Splunk ($35/mo) saves $420/yr per solo seat, or $2,100/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Splunk.
Splunk vs Maple Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Splunk (Paid) | Maple (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $35 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $420 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $420) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $2,100 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,100) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $4,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $4,200) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 1.9k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Splunk to Maple
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Splunk.
How to deploy Maple
Clone https://github.com/MapleTechLabs/maple or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
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.
Why fork Maple instead of vibe-coding a Splunk clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Splunk or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 22 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Apache Superset.
Splunk vs Maple FAQ
Is Maple a good free alternative to Splunk?+
Yes. Maple is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Splunk. Observability platform built on OpenTelemetry and ClickHouse. Collect, visualize, and query distributed traces, logs, and metrics, with an MCP server for AI agent diagnostics.
What is the catch when switching from Splunk to Maple?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Splunk.
How much do you save switching from Splunk to Maple?+
Splunk costs $35/mo ($420/yr) per seat, whereas Maple is $0/mo. Switching saves $420/yr for a solo user, $2,100/yr for a 5-person team, and $4,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Maple instead of Splunk?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/MapleTechLabs/maple or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
