What Are the Viable Alternatives to LaunchDarkly for Feature Flagging

With a plethora of feature flag and experimentation tools available, identifying a viable alternative to LaunchDarkly can be daunting. To aid in this exploration, I've reviewed numerous feature flag management tools — although not all — by examining their official websites, documentation, GitHub repositories, and blogs. This comparison focuses on various aspects, including open-source availability, SaaS offerings, and feature comparisons with LaunchDarkly.

For a quick overview, refer to the 'On This Page' ToC (Table of Contents) on the left side to navigate to the sections of your interest.

Feature Flag Tools

I conducted an extensive search for various feature flag tools, utilizing resources such as Google, GitHub, Reddit, Hacker News, and other prominent online platforms. The following is a list of my findings:

Apptimize, Bucketeer, CloudBee, ConfigCat, DevCycle, FeatBit, FeatureHub, FeatureProbe, ff4j, Flagship, Flagr, Flagsmith, Flipper, Flipt, geteppo, GoFeatureFlag, Growthbook, Harness, piranha, PostHog, prefab.cloud, rmflags, split.io, StatSig, tggl.io, Unleash

Open Source Feature Flag Tools

LaunchDarkly offers a developer tool/platform at the infrastructure level. For developers, the open-source nature of such tools is crucial, especially when they're deeply integrated into their software. Therefore, open-source tools deserve additional consideration as viable alternatives to LaunchDarkly. Below is a list of open-source feature flag tools:

Bucketeer, FeatBit, FeatureHub, FeatureProbe, ff4j, Flagr, Flagsmith, Flipper, Flipt, GoFeatureFlag, Growthbook, , piranha, PostHog, Unleash

Technical Stack

The majority of the alternatives utilize JavaScript/TypeScript for their front-end applications. In this context, 'technical stack' primarily refers to their back-end and data services. I have not included those tools that are not open-source in this discussion.

Open Source Helm Chart Deployment Solution

While these open-source tools offer Docker Compose installation options, Helm Chart deployment is increasingly preferred by companies. Here is a list of tools I found online that provide open-source Helm chart deployment solutions:

FeatBit, Flagsmith, PostHog, Unleash

Features

Different providers offer a variety of features, and it's challenging to list them all comprehensively. Therefore, I've highlighted some of the key features of LaunchDarkly. In this comparison, I consider a tool to have a particular feature even if it only partially implements it.

Flag Targeting

"Targeting" refers to the capability of configuring a feature flag so that it behaves differently based on its context. This allows for specific features or code to be run only under certain conditions. Examples of how targeting can be used include showing a website feature only to visitors using a specific browser, offering an account upgrade option to eligible users, or displaying different greetings based on the user's timezone. Setting up targeting requires providing context in the code and defining rules in the flag configuration. Here are some providers that support this feature:

Apptimize, Bucketeer, CloudBee, ConfigCat, DevCycle, FeatBit, FeatureHub, FeatureProbe, ff4j, Flagship, Flagr, Flagsmith, Flipper, Flipt, geteppo, GoFeatureFlag, Growthbook, Harness, piranha, PostHog, prefab.cloud, rmflags, split.io, tggl.io, Unleash

Reusable Segment

A "Reusable Segment" refers to the capability to create segments that can be used across multiple feature flags. This means you can define a specific group of users or contexts once, and then apply this segment to control the behavior of various feature flags. It's called "reusable" because once a segment is created, it can be used repeatedly across different flags or scenarios, without the need to recreate the same group definitions each time. This feature simplifies and streamlines the management of feature flags, especially when targeting the same group of users in multiple scenarios. Here are some providers that support this feature:

Bucketeer, CloudBee, ConfigCat, DevCycle, FeatBit, Flagsmith, Growthbook, Harness, split.io, Unleash

Workflow

"Workflow" refers to a feature that allows the scheduling and automation of actions related to feature flags. Workflows are essentially sets of actions scheduled in advance to make changes to a feature flag. They automate manual tasks required for feature flag management, often in stages. This can include:

1. Progressive Rollout Workflows: These workflows gradually increase the percentage of contexts targeted by a feature flag.
2. Maintenance Windows: This type of workflow allows the temporary toggling of targeting on or off.
3. Custom Workflows: These are tailored to manage specific rollout processes as defined by the user.

Here are some providers that support this feature:

CloudBee, ConfigCat, DevCycle, FeatBit, Flagsmith, Growthbook, Harness, split.io, Unleash

Integration & APIs

API controls

"API Controls" refer to the capabilities provided by their API to manage and automate various aspects of feature flag workflows. These controls allow for:

1. Building Custom Integrations: Creating tailored solutions that integrate with feature flag system.
2. Automating Feature Flag State Changes: Using other tools in your tech stack to automatically modify the state of feature flags.
3. Integrating with Developer Dashboards: Seamlessly incorporating tool into custom developer environments.
4. Data Extraction and Integration: Pulling flag variation data for use with other event data in data warehouses.
5. Automating Flag, Segment, and Rule Management: Creating scripts to copy variation rules, segments, and flags across multiple projects.
6. Dynamic Rule Updating: Modifying targeting rules in real-time based on business logic from other tools.
7. Custom UI and Visualization Creation: Designing unique user interfaces and visualizations for managing and viewing feature flags.

Here are some providers that support this feature:

Apptimize, ConfigCat, FeatBit, Flagr, Flagsmith, Flipper, Growthbook, split.io, Unleash

WebHooks

"Webhook" refers to a feature that allows you to create integrations that react to changes within Feature Flag Tools. When a change occurs, such as an update to a feature flag or a new account member invitation, Feature Flag Tool sends an HTTP POST payload to a URL configured for the webhook. This functionality is useful for a variety of applications, such as updating external issue trackers, managing support tickets, and notifying customers about new feature rollouts. Many integrations are built using webhooks. Here are some providers that support this feature:

Bucketeer, CloudBee, ConfigCat, FeatBit, FeatureHub, Flagsmith, Flipper, Flipt, geteppo, GoFeatureFlag, Growthbook, Harness, split.io, tggl.io, Unleash

Integration with Observability Tools

"Integration Observability Tools" refers to the integration of third-party applications related to observability , Real User Monitoring (RUM) and application performance management (APM). This includes tools that assist in monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing the performance and reliability of applications. Here are some providers that support this feature:

ConfigCat, FeatBit, FeatureProbe, Flagsmith, split.io, Unleash

Integration with Experimentation Tools

"Integration Experimentation Tools" refers to integrations with third-party applications that are specifically related to experimentation. Such integrations enable users to enhance their experimentation strategies by leveraging external tools. Here are some providers that support this feature:

Apptimize, ConfigCat, FeatBit, FeatureHub, Flagsmith, Growthbook, PostHog, split.io, StatSig, Unleash

Others

Launchdarkly provides many integration methods to maximize the developer's experience. As one of the biggest feature flag management service provider, split.io offers much more than other alternatives.

Experimentation Tools

Some feature flag tools, originally designed for A/B testing and data analytics, now also offer native feature flagging capabilities to complement their analytics features. Additionally, there are tools that provide extensive A/B testing analytic features.

A/B Testing or Data Analytics Originated Feature Flag Tools:

Apptimize, geteppo, Flagship, Growthbook, PostHog, StatSig

Feature Flag Tools Offering A/B Testing Analytic Features:

DevCycle, FeatBit, FeatureProbe, split.io

Audit Logs

"Audit Logs" refer to records that track and log user activities within the platform. These logs typically include details about who performed what actions and when, such as changes to feature flags, modifications in configurations, or updates to team member permissions. Audit Logs are crucial for security and compliance, as they provide a transparent history of changes and can be used for monitoring, troubleshooting, and verifying the integrity of the system. They are an essential feature for organizations that need to maintain strict oversight and record-keeping of their feature flagging activities. Here are some providers that support this feature:

CloudBee, ConfigCat, DevCycle, FeatBit, Flagsmith, Flipper, geteppo, split.io, StatSig, Unleash

SSO

"SSO" stands for Single Sign-On. Single Sign-On is a session and user authentication service that permits a user to use one set of login credentials (e.g., name and password) to access multiple applications. The use of SSO simplifies the process of logging in for users, as they don't need to remember and enter different usernames and passwords for each application. In the context of LaunchDarkly, this feature likely refers to the ability to integrate the platform with an organization's existing SSO system, allowing for seamless and secure access control. Here are some providers that support this feature:

CloudBee, ConfigCat, FeatBit, FeatureHub, Flagsmith, Growthbook, Harness, PostHog, split.io, StatSig, Unleash

Access Control

"Access control" refers to the ability to manage and restrict access to various features and resources within the platform. This usually involves setting permissions and roles for different users or groups, determining who can view, edit, or manage feature flags and other elements within LaunchDarkly. Effective access control is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of the system, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes or access sensitive information. Here are some providers that support this feature:

CloudBee, ConfigCat, FeatBit, FeatureHub, Flagsmith, Growthbook, split.io, StatSig, Unleash

Staled feature flags removers

Stale feature flags removers are tools designed to identify and remove feature flags that are no longer actively used in the codebase. This is important because stale or outdated feature flags can lead to clutter and potential technical debt. The tools you mentioned:

1. rmflags: This is a tool designed to remove stale feature flags from your code. It helps in cleaning up and maintaining a clean codebase.
2. Copilot: While not specifically a stale feature flag remover, GitHub Copilot is an AI pair programmer that can assist in various coding tasks. It might be used to help identify and remove outdated code, including stale feature flags.
3. piranha: Piranha is an open-source tool developed by Uber for automatically deleting stale feature flags. It identifies and removes code related to feature flags that are no longer needed, simplifying code management and reducing technical debt.

Each of these tools has its own methodology and capabilities for managing the lifecycle of feature flags in software development.

OpenFeature Implementation

The OpenFeature Standard is specifically designed to avoid vendor lock-in for feature flagging systems. By providing a vendor-neutral, open-source standard, it allows developers to implement feature flags in a way that is not tied to any specific vendor's system or platform. This means that developers can switch between different feature flagging services without needing to significantly rewrite or adjust their code. The standard ensures compatibility and interoperability among different feature flagging tools, giving organizations the flexibility to choose or change their feature flagging solutions without being restricted by proprietary formats or integrations. These feature flag tools have announced their support for OpenFeature by providing compatible SDKs:

CloudBee, ConfigCat, DevCycle, FeatBit, Flagsmith, Flipt, GoFeatureFlag, Harness, PostHog, split.io, Unleash

Crucial yet often unmeasured aspects

• Performance: Can the tool handle high concurrent requests, such as over 1 million daily active users, along with large insight data stores?
• Cost: What are the pricing models for SaaS or self-hosting at such high volumes?
• Similarity to LaunchDarkly: How does the tool compare to LaunchDarkly in terms of feature flag logic operations, SDK implementation, and overall user experience?"
• And so on.

Commercial Support for Feature Flag Tools

Commercial support is vital for feature flag tools due to its role in ensuring reliability and prompt resolution of issues, which is crucial for stable software operations. It offers expert guidance for effective implementation, adherence to security and compliance standards, scalability, and integration capabilities. Additionally, it provides access to advanced features and training, enabling data-driven decision-making and efficient software management. I categorize commercial support into two types: SaaS and self-hosted.

Tools Supporting Self-Hosted Commercial Solutions. This category includes tools that offer self-hosted commercial solutions, catering to businesses that prefer or require on-premises deployments.

ConfigCat, FeatBit, Flagship, Flagsmith, Growthbook, PostHog, split.io, Unleash

Non-seat based tools. These are the tools that offer pricing models that are not based on the number of users or "seats", providing a more cost-effective option for medium and large businesses.

ConfigCat, FeatBit, StatSig, prefab.cloud

Tools Supporting SaaS with Privacy Compliance and SLA. These tools offer SaaS solutions that adhere to privacy compliance standards and provide service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure reliable service.

CloudBee, ConfigCat, DevCycle, Flagsmith, Growthbook, PostHog, split.io, StatSig, Unleash

Why LaunchDarkly is Expensive & Opportunities for Others

LaunchDarkly is costly because it offers a wide range of features that have become standard in the industry, often exceeding the offerings of other feature flagging services. However, not every customer requires all these features, especially when considering the substantial annual cost of around $70,000. This opens opportunities for alternatives that better align with their needs.

Migration from LaunchDarkly

The transition from LaunchDarkly can be enlightening; you might realize the value of LaunchDarkly only after switching. To avoid vendor lock-in, it's advisable to use feature flags compatible with OpenFeature standards with your new provider. Some alternatives even offer tools or services to facilitate migration from LaunchDarkly.

Conclusion - Viable Alternatives

As a senior engineer evaluating alternatives to LaunchDarkly, I prioritize the following criteria:

1. Open Source with a Familiar Tech Stack
2. Integration with Observability Tools
3. Integration with Experimentation Tools
4. Essential Feature Set
5. OpenFeature Implementation
6. Commercial Support & Price
7. Performance
8. Ease of Migration and Similarity to LaunchDarkly
9. Focus on Feature Flag Services over Experimentation (since there are many tools excelling in experimentation that integrate well with feature flags).

My preferred options include FeatBit, Flagsmith, and Unleash for open-source solutions with commercial support. For those unconcerned about open-source, Apptimize and ConfigCat are viable.

I emphasize that this exploration extends beyond LaunchDarkly to include other major players like Split.io in the feature flag service arena.

Give me feedback

If I have referenced your feature flagging tool inaccurately, please reach out to me on Twitter for corrections. Also, if your tool serves as an alternative to LaunchDarkly and isn't listed, do let me know so I can include it.