Cribl vs Vector -- Security Data Pipeline Compared
Vector offers the highest raw performance of any open-source observability pipeline thanks to its Rust implementation, with strong data transformation via VRL. Cribl provides a more complete commercial platform with a GUI pipeline designer, broader enterprise integrations, advanced data reduction, and dedicated enterprise support.
Choose Vector if you need the highest-performance open-source pipeline with Rust-based reliability and are comfortable with CLI-based configuration. Choose Cribl if you need a complete commercial platform with a GUI designer, enterprise integrations, advanced data reduction, and dedicated support.
| Feature | Vector | Cribl |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Rust-based, highest throughput | High throughput, custom engine |
| Open Source | Yes (MPL 2.0) | Free tier, commercial product |
| Transform Language | VRL (Vector Remap Language) | Custom pipeline expressions |
| User Interface | CLI and config files | Full GUI pipeline designer |
| Data Reduction | Transform-based filtering | Advanced reduction (40-70%) |
| Enterprise Support | Community (Datadog-backed) | Full enterprise support |
| Delivery Guarantees | End-to-end acknowledgements | At-least-once delivery |
| Data Replay | Not built-in | Full replay and rehydration |
Common questions about choosing between Cribl and Vector.
Vector offers the highest raw performance of any open-source observability pipeline thanks to its Rust implementation, with strong data transformation via VRL. Cribl provides a more complete commercial platform with a GUI pipeline designer, broader enterprise integrations, advanced data reduction, and dedicated enterprise support.
Choose Vector if you need the highest-performance open-source pipeline with Rust-based reliability and are comfortable with CLI-based configuration. Choose Cribl if you need a complete commercial platform with a GUI designer, enterprise integrations, advanced data reduction, and dedicated support.
Vector pricing: Free (open source, MPL 2.0). Cribl pricing: Free (up to 1 TB/day) / Enterprise custom pricing. Vector's pricing model is open source, while Cribl uses volume-based (daily throughput) pricing.
Yes, you can migrate from Cribl to Vector. 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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