Comparison
Altara vs Foxglove
Embeddable React components vs a robotics observability platform
Foxglove and Altara solve different problems. Foxglove is a full observability platform for recording, replaying, searching, and visualizing robotics data. Altara is a set of React components you drop into an application you are building. If you need a debugging and data-management tool for your team, Foxglove is purpose-built for that. If you need to embed live telemetry views inside your own product UI, that is what Altara is for.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Altara | Foxglove |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT (fully open source) | Proprietary. The open source edition of Foxglove Studio was discontinued with Foxglove 2.0 in 2024. |
| Pricing | Free, MIT | Free tier up to 3 developer seats, Pro from $20/month plus usage-based storage and device pricing |
| Delivery model | npm packages, React components | Standalone web and desktop application |
| Embeddable in your own React app | Yes. Yes, native components | No. No, it is a separate application (connect via WebSocket, Rosbridge, or Agent) |
| Runs inside your product UI | Yes. Yes | No. No |
| Data recording and replay (MCAP, bag files) | No. No | Yes. Yes, core strength |
| Log search across a fleet | No. No | Yes. Yes, core strength |
| Data management platform | No. No | Yes. Yes, core strength |
| ROS2 support | Yes. Yes, via @altara/ros rosbridge adapter | Yes. Yes, native |
| Out-of-the-box panels | 41 components across 5 packages | 20+ panels |
| Aerospace flight instruments (PFD, HSI, TCAS) | Yes. Yes | No. No |
| Best for | Embedding telemetry in a custom app or product | Team debugging, observability, and data management |
When to use Altara
- You are building a custom operator interface, product dashboard, or ground control station and need telemetry views inside your own React app
- You want full control over styling and layout
- You need an MIT license with no platform lock-in or per-seat cost
- You need domain-specific instruments like flight displays or SCADA panels
When to use Foxglove instead
- You need to record, replay, and search robot data across a fleet
- Your team needs a shared debugging and observability tool
- You work with MCAP or bag files as a primary workflow
- You want a managed data platform and are fine with a standalone app
They work together
Many teams use Foxglove for internal debugging and Altara for the customer-facing or product UI. They are not mutually exclusive.