What are the pros and cons of using cloud-based vs. self-hosted app crash reporting tools?

1 Cloud-based tools

Cloud-based app crash reporting tools are services that you can integrate with your app and use to collect, analyze, and manage crash data from your users' devices. These tools offer features like real-time alerts, dashboards, charts, filters, search, feedback, and support. Examples include Firebase Crashlytics, Sentry, and Bugsnag. The main benefits of using cloud-based tools are their ease of set up and use without the need of installing or maintaining any server or database; scalability and reliability in handling large volumes of data; and compatibility and flexibility in supporting multiple platforms, languages, frameworks, and integrations. However, there are some drawbacks such as a costly monthly or annual fee based on usage or number of users; reliance on an internet connection for uploading crash data; and limited customization and control due to following the service provider's rules and policies.

2 Self-hosted tools

Self-hosted app crash reporting tools are software that you can install and run on your own server or hosting provider. These tools allow you to collect, store, and process your crash data locally or remotely, often providing features such as logs, stack traces, device information, screenshots, and reports. Examples of self-hosted tools include ACRA, Crashlytics Enterprise, and HockeyApp. The main advantages of using self-hosted tools are that they are cheaper (as you only have to pay for the software license or the hosting service) and independent of the internet connection (as you can access and download your crash data offline or on your own network). Additionally, they are more customizable and controllable (as you can configure and modify them according to your preferences and needs). However, self-hosted tools also have some challenges such as being harder to set up and use (as you need to have technical skills and resources to install and maintain the software and the server), being less scalable and reliable (as they may not be able to handle peak traffic or unexpected errors), and being less compatible and flexible (as they may not support all platforms, languages, frameworks, and integrations).

3 How to choose

When deciding between cloud-based and self-hosted app crash reporting tools, it is important to consider your app's features, requirements, goals, and budget. To guide your decision, ask yourself how many users you have or expect to have, how much data you need to collect and analyze, how much time and money you are willing to spend on the tool, how much control and customization you want over the tool, and how reliable and secure your internet connection and server are. This way, you can make an informed decision about which app crash reporting tool is best for your mobile app development.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?