py-spy
A sampling profiler for Python programs written in Rust.
Pricing
Free tier
Flat rate
Adoption
→StableLicense
Open Source
Data freshness
Aging · Jun 8, 2026Overview
What is py-spy?
Py-Spy is a low-overhead sampling profiler that helps developers understand the performance characteristics of their Python applications. It provides insights into where time is being spent, making it easier to optimize and debug code.
Key differentiator
“Py-Spy stands out for its low-overhead and ability to attach to running processes without restarting them, making it ideal for production environments where minimal disruption is critical.”
Capability profile
Capability Radar
Honest assessment
Strengths & Weaknesses
↑ Strengths
↓ Weaknesses
Py-Spy may not accurately profile Python programs that heavily utilize threading or multiprocessing, leading to incomplete performance data.
Setting up Py-Spy in complex containerized or virtualized environments can be challenging due to limited documentation on advanced configurations.
Py-Spy's sampling profiler may introduce some performance overhead when used with IO-bound Python applications, which could skew the results slightly.
Fit analysis
Who is it for?
✓ Best for
Developers who need to optimize the performance of their Python applications without significant overhead.
Teams working in production environments where profiling must be non-intrusive.
Individuals or teams looking for a tool that can attach to running processes and provide real-time insights.
✕ Not a fit for
Projects requiring detailed line-by-line analysis as py-spy is a sampling profiler.
Applications written in languages other than Python, as it only supports profiling Python programs.
Cost structure
Pricing
Free Tier
Available
Open source — free to use
Starts at
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise
None
Performance benchmarks
How Fast Is It?
Ecosystem
Relationships
Works well with
Integrations
Next step
Get Started with py-spy
Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.