GrowthBook vs LaunchDarkly: Why Developers Choose GrowthBook for Feature Flagging

Feature flag platforms like GrowthBook and LaunchDarkly are critical in determining how software updates propagate, how their outcomes are measured, and how they are governed within an organization. Unlike traditional evaluations based on feature checklists, the real distinctions between these tools emerge in their runtime behavior, measurement alignment, and control governance. GrowthBook offers local rule evaluation, SQL-native measurement, and self-hosting options, appealing to teams seeking deterministic evaluations and seamless integration with existing data systems. Conversely, LaunchDarkly excels in providing robust enterprise workflow integrations and observability-connected safety automation, making it suitable for teams requiring comprehensive compliance and safety features. While GrowthBook's pricing is based on seats, facilitating predictable costs, LaunchDarkly's pricing is tied to user activity, which can influence architectural decisions. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether a team prioritizes managed safety and automation or prefers a system that aligns closely with their data and measurement practices.