Bugsnag vs Sentry: Error Tracking Compared (2026)

Introduction

Selecting the right error tracking solution requires understanding how different tools approach the same problem. Bugsnag and Sentry are both popular choices, but they serve different needs and audiences.

Bugsnag is a stability monitoring platform focused on application stability scores and release health tracking. Sentry is a widely used error tracking platform with deep stack trace analysis and release tracking. Its code is source-available and can be self-hosted.

Short answer: pick Bugsnag if a stability score per release is the number your team manages by; pick Sentry if you want the broadest SDK coverage, performance monitoring and a self-hosting option. If you want Sentry's SDKs without running Sentry, see the Bugsly vs Sentry comparison.

Feature Comparison

Bugsnag Overview

Bugsnag stands out for stability scores, release-focused workflow, mobile crash reporting, breadcrumbs. It is primarily a stability monitoring solution that works well for teams who need these capabilities. Pricing: Free tier (7,500 events/mo), Team at $59/mo, Business at $249/mo.

The main limitations include: limited APM features, pricier than alternatives, fewer integrations.

Sentry Overview

Sentry focuses on excellent SDK ecosystem, source maps, breadcrumbs, performance monitoring, and it can be self-hosted. As an error tracking and performance platform, it appeals to teams looking for these specific features. Pricing: Free tier (5K errors/mo), Team at $26/mo, Business at $80/mo.

Trade-offs to consider: can be noisy without tuning, performance monitoring is newer, pricing scales with events.

Pricing Comparison

Prices above are the ones listed when this comparison was written and plans change often. Check each vendor's pricing page before you buy.

Switching from Bugsnag to Sentry (or a Sentry-compatible backend)

The two products use different SDKs, so moving means swapping the SDK, not just a setting. The core calls map one-to-one in JavaScript:

Plan the move in this order:

1. Install the new SDK next to Bugsnag and send events from staging first.
2. Upload source maps and set release so stack traces and release tracking match what you had.
3. Recreate alert rules; Bugsnag's stability-score targets have no direct equivalent, so decide what you will watch instead (new issues, regressions, crash-free sessions).
4. Remove the Bugsnag SDK once the new project has received real traffic.

Historical Bugsnag data does not carry over.

A third option: Sentry's SDKs without running Sentry

Bugsly accepts the Sentry protocol, so the same Sentry SDK code from the table above can send to a Bugsly DSN instead of Sentry's cloud. That means one SDK to learn, a managed backend with nothing to host, and AI error analysis on every plan. It is not self-hostable and it is a newer product with a smaller community than Sentry, so weigh that. See pricing, the Bugsnag alternative page and the Sentry alternative page, or start free.

Recommendation

Choose Bugsnag if your primary need is stability scores and stability monitoring. Choose Sentry if you value an excellent SDK ecosystem and need a strong error tracking and performance platform.

For teams that need both error tracking and broader observability, consider whether a dedicated error tracker or a full-platform solution better fits your architecture. Both Bugsnag and Sentry are battle-tested in production environments.

Comparing Bugsnag with a full observability platform instead? See Bugsnag vs Datadog and Bugsnag vs New Relic. Looking for self-hosted options? See open source error tracking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Bugsnag and Sentry?

Bugsnag centers on stability monitoring, with a stability score for each release. Sentry covers error tracking and performance monitoring, has a very broad set of SDKs and can be self-hosted.

Is Sentry cheaper than Bugsnag?

On the list prices quoted above, Sentry's paid tiers cost less than Bugsnag's ($26 vs $59 for the team tier, $80 vs $249 for the business tier), but the two bill on different units, so compare using your own event volume and check current prices.

Can I migrate from Bugsnag to Sentry?

Yes, by replacing the Bugsnag SDK with a Sentry SDK and mapping the calls (notify to captureException, leaveBreadcrumb to addBreadcrumb, setUser to setUser). Historical Bugsnag data stays in Bugsnag.

Is there an alternative that uses Sentry SDKs without hosting Sentry?

Bugsly accepts the Sentry protocol, so a Sentry SDK can send to a Bugsly DSN. Bugsly is a managed service and does not offer self-hosting.