Cribl vs Tenzir -- Security Data Pipeline Compared

Cribl vs Tenzir

Tenzir offers an open-source, security-native data pipeline with deep support for security-specific formats like PCAP and Zeek logs. Cribl provides a more mature commercial platform with a broader integration ecosystem and polished GUI, but comes with commercial licensing and less focus on security-specific data formats.

The Verdict

Choose Tenzir if you want an open-source, security-native pipeline with deep support for network security formats and no vendor lock-in. Choose Cribl if you need a mature commercial platform with a GUI-based pipeline designer, broader integrations, and enterprise support.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureTenzirCribl
Open SourceYes (fully open source)Free tier, commercial product
Security FormatsNative PCAP, Zeek, SuricataVia pre-built packs
User InterfaceCLI and config-drivenFull GUI pipeline designer
Integration BreadthGrowing ecosystem100+ pre-built integrations
Enterprise SupportCommunity + commercial optionFull enterprise support
Data ReductionPipeline-based filteringAdvanced reduction engine
Threat IntelligenceNative STIX/TAXII supportLookup enrichment
DeploymentSelf-hosted, cloudCloud, self-hosted, hybrid

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Tenzir when:

  • +You want a fully open-source pipeline with no licensing costs
  • +You need native support for security formats (PCAP, Zeek, Suricata)
  • +You prefer pipeline-as-code configuration
  • +Avoiding vendor lock-in is a top priority
  • +You want to contribute to and customize the pipeline codebase

Choose Cribl when:

  • +You need a mature platform with enterprise support and SLAs
  • +You want a polished GUI for pipeline design and monitoring
  • +You require the broadest integration ecosystem
  • +Your team prefers managed deployment options
  • +You need proven scalability for very high data volumes

Pros & Cons Comparison

Tenzir

Pros

  • +Fully open-source with transparent codebase
  • +Purpose-built for security data and formats
  • +No vendor lock-in or licensing costs
  • +Native support for PCAP and network telemetry
  • +Active community and extensible architecture

Cons

  • –Smaller community than established alternatives
  • –Fewer pre-built integrations than Cribl
  • –Requires more operational expertise to deploy
  • –Less mature enterprise support options
  • –Limited GUI — primarily CLI and config-driven

Cribl

Pros

  • +Dramatically reduces SIEM ingest costs
  • +Vendor-agnostic routing to any destination
  • +Powerful data transformation and enrichment
  • +Free tier for small deployments
  • +Active community and extensive documentation

Cons

  • –Adds another layer to manage in the data pipeline
  • –Enterprise pricing can be expensive at scale
  • –Steep learning curve for advanced pipeline logic
  • –Self-hosted deployment requires infrastructure expertise
  • –Limited built-in analytics — requires downstream tools

Cribl vs Tenzir FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Cribl and Tenzir.

What is the main difference between Cribl and Tenzir?

Tenzir offers an open-source, security-native data pipeline with deep support for security-specific formats like PCAP and Zeek logs. Cribl provides a more mature commercial platform with a broader integration ecosystem and polished GUI, but comes with commercial licensing and less focus on security-specific data formats.

Is Tenzir better than Cribl?

Choose Tenzir if you want an open-source, security-native pipeline with deep support for network security formats and no vendor lock-in. Choose Cribl if you need a mature commercial platform with a GUI-based pipeline designer, broader integrations, and enterprise support.

How much does Tenzir cost compared to Cribl?

Tenzir pricing: Free (open source) / Enterprise support available. Cribl pricing: Free (up to 1 TB/day) / Enterprise custom pricing. Tenzir's pricing model is open source with commercial support, while Cribl uses volume-based (daily throughput) pricing.

Can I migrate from Cribl to Tenzir?

Yes, you can migrate from Cribl to Tenzir. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.

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