This guide is for teams that use little beyond Datadog Synthetic API checks, or want an independent availability signal without adopting a full observability platform. It is not a claim that Datadog is broadly inferior. The useful question is whether its strongest capabilities match the work your team actually needs.
As of August 10, 2026, Datadog Synthetics is part of a broad platform spanning infrastructure, APM, logs, RUM, and security. Its published annual rates charge $5 per 10,000 API test runs and $12 per 1,000 browser test runs; browser executions up to 25 steps count as one run. Prices and packaging can change, so use the linked official sources for a final quote.
Short answer
Keep Datadog when correlation with APM and logs is the reason you bought it. A focused alternative is sensible when most checks are simple outside-in availability and you want predictable monitor-based packaging.
Where Datadog is still the better fit
- Correlation from a failed synthetic test into Datadog APM traces, logs, RUM, and infrastructure data
- API, multistep, browser, mobile, and private-location testing in one observability platform
- API and Terraform support for teams already managing Datadog as code
Why teams consider an alternative
- Run-based cost grows with frequency, locations, devices, and browser steps
- The platform is more configuration and product surface than a team needs for simple endpoint health
- A focused uptime service does not replace Datadog APM, logs, RUM, browser journeys, or private-location tests
Comparison criteria that matter for Datadog users
- Simple HTTP health versus scripted browser journeys.
- Cost at the intended frequency and location count.
- Need for trace and log correlation.
- Need for an independent vendor and failure domain.
Where Webalert fits—and where it does not
Against Datadog, Webalert’s relevant scope is managed HTTP/HTTPS, TCP, DNS, ping, and heartbeat monitoring with multi-region confirmation, SSL alerts, status pages, and incident alerting. Check current pricing and features for plan boundaries.
Webalert is a possible fit when the migration scope is straightforward public availability and customer communication. It is not a promise of parity with every Datadog capability. In particular, respect the limitations above and keep specialist tooling where it remains useful.
Migration advice
List synthetic tests by type and monthly run volume. Move plain HTTP, TCP, DNS, ping, SSL, and heartbeat checks first; leave browser and multistep journeys in Datadog. Run both for at least one release cycle, then remove only tests that have proven parity.
Decision
Keep Datadog when correlation with APM and logs is the reason you bought it. A focused alternative is sensible when most checks are simple outside-in availability and you want predictable monitor-based packaging. Avoid an all-at-once cutover: move the checks that clearly fit, preserve specialist coverage, and let parallel evidence decide the rest.
Synthetics vs uptime: what the run meter actually buys
| Workload | Datadog Synthetics (published) | Focused uptime |
|---|---|---|
| HTTP ping | $5 / 10,000 API test runs (annual list) | Counted as a monitor, not a run |
| Multistep API | Same run meter | Not a Datadog workflow replacement |
| Browser test | Separate, higher run cost | Keep in Datadog or Checkly |
| Private locations | Datadog agents / locations | Not a private-agent product |
| Correlation into APM/logs | The reason to stay | Will not exist after a move |
| Status page | Not the core SKU | Included |
| SSL expiry | Often a separate monitor type | Included on HTTPS |
A “Datadog alternative for uptime” that deletes browser tests is a different product decision than “stop paying per synthetic run for /health.”
Frequently asked questions
Can I drop Datadog Synthetics and keep APM?
Yes. That is the usual hybrid: Datadog traces the app; an outside-in tool pages when users cannot reach it. Do not delete browser journeys until a named owner has a home for them.
Why do simple pings get expensive in Datadog?
Because they share a run meter with every location × interval. A 1-minute check from three locations is ~1.3 million runs/year per URL.
Is this the same as a New Relic alternative?
No. New Relic’s fork is included synthetic allowances vs ingest. See the New Relic alternative.