Quick Overview
- 1#1: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor - Provides comprehensive real-time monitoring of network performance, bandwidth usage, and device health across hybrid environments.
- 2#2: PRTG Network Monitor - Offers intuitive sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, traffic, devices, and applications with customizable dashboards.
- 3#3: Datadog - Delivers unified observability for cloud-scale networks, infrastructure, and internet traffic with AI-powered insights.
- 4#4: Zabbix - Open-source enterprise monitoring platform for networks, servers, and internet services with advanced alerting.
- 5#5: Wireshark - Open-source packet analyzer that captures and deeply inspects internet protocol traffic for troubleshooting.
- 6#6: ManageEngine OpManager - All-in-one network monitoring tool tracking bandwidth, performance, faults, and internet connectivity.
- 7#7: ThousandEyes - Internet intelligence platform providing end-to-end visibility into network paths and application performance.
- 8#8: Nagios XI - Scalable monitoring system for IT infrastructure including network traffic and internet uptime.
- 9#9: GlassWire - Visualizes real-time and historical network activity, bandwidth usage, and blocks suspicious connections.
- 10#10: NetBalancer - Monitors and controls internet traffic, bandwidth allocation, and application usage on Windows systems.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of feature depth (such as real-time analytics, multi-environment support, and integration capabilities), operational excellence (including scalability, alerting precision, and user feedback), and value, ensuring the list reflects both cutting-edge performance and practical usability.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top internet monitor software, such as SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, PRTG Network Monitor, Datadog, Zabbix, Wireshark, and others, to guide readers in selecting the right tool for their monitoring needs. It outlines key features, use cases, and strengths/weaknesses, helping users identify alignment with their specific requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor Provides comprehensive real-time monitoring of network performance, bandwidth usage, and device health across hybrid environments. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | PRTG Network Monitor Offers intuitive sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, traffic, devices, and applications with customizable dashboards. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Datadog Delivers unified observability for cloud-scale networks, infrastructure, and internet traffic with AI-powered insights. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 4 | Zabbix Open-source enterprise monitoring platform for networks, servers, and internet services with advanced alerting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | Wireshark Open-source packet analyzer that captures and deeply inspects internet protocol traffic for troubleshooting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 6.2/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 6 | ManageEngine OpManager All-in-one network monitoring tool tracking bandwidth, performance, faults, and internet connectivity. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | ThousandEyes Internet intelligence platform providing end-to-end visibility into network paths and application performance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Nagios XI Scalable monitoring system for IT infrastructure including network traffic and internet uptime. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | GlassWire Visualizes real-time and historical network activity, bandwidth usage, and blocks suspicious connections. | other | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | NetBalancer Monitors and controls internet traffic, bandwidth allocation, and application usage on Windows systems. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
Provides comprehensive real-time monitoring of network performance, bandwidth usage, and device health across hybrid environments.
Offers intuitive sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, traffic, devices, and applications with customizable dashboards.
Delivers unified observability for cloud-scale networks, infrastructure, and internet traffic with AI-powered insights.
Open-source enterprise monitoring platform for networks, servers, and internet services with advanced alerting.
Open-source packet analyzer that captures and deeply inspects internet protocol traffic for troubleshooting.
All-in-one network monitoring tool tracking bandwidth, performance, faults, and internet connectivity.
Internet intelligence platform providing end-to-end visibility into network paths and application performance.
Scalable monitoring system for IT infrastructure including network traffic and internet uptime.
Visualizes real-time and historical network activity, bandwidth usage, and blocks suspicious connections.
Monitors and controls internet traffic, bandwidth allocation, and application usage on Windows systems.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
enterpriseProvides comprehensive real-time monitoring of network performance, bandwidth usage, and device health across hybrid environments.
PerfStack™ interactive timeline for correlating performance metrics across devices and sources in real-time
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a comprehensive network monitoring solution that automatically discovers and monitors devices, interfaces, and performance metrics across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. It provides real-time visibility into bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and device health, enabling proactive issue resolution. With dynamic topology mapping, customizable dashboards, and advanced analytics like PerfStack, NPM helps maintain optimal network performance for internet-dependent operations.
Pros
- Extensive monitoring of 1,200+ device types with deep packet inspection and flow analysis
- Intuitive dashboards, automated discovery, and PerfStack for cross-correlation of metrics
- Scalable for enterprises with robust alerting, reporting, and integrations
Cons
- High pricing that scales steeply with monitored elements
- Resource-intensive on the hosting server for large deployments
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations and configurations
Best For
Enterprise IT teams managing complex, large-scale networks requiring detailed performance monitoring and outage prevention.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$2,995 for Professional edition (100 elements); scales to $10,000+ for larger deployments; subscription options from ~$1,500/year.
PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseOffers intuitive sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, traffic, devices, and applications with customizable dashboards.
The sensor-based architecture with over 250 specialized sensors for precise, customizable internet and network monitoring
PRTG Network Monitor is a powerful, sensor-based network monitoring tool designed to track the performance, availability, and bandwidth of networks, devices, servers, websites, and cloud services. It provides real-time insights into internet connectivity, website uptime, traffic usage, and potential bottlenecks through an extensive library of over 250 auto-discoverable sensors. Users benefit from customizable dashboards, interactive maps, and multi-channel alerting to ensure proactive management of internet-facing infrastructure.
Pros
- Vast sensor library for comprehensive internet monitoring including HTTP, DNS, ping, and bandwidth
- Intuitive auto-discovery and customizable maps/dashboards
- Flexible deployment options with on-premises, SaaS, and hosted probes
Cons
- Sensor-based licensing model escalates costs for large-scale monitoring
- Core server is Windows-only, limiting some environments
- Initial setup and sensor configuration can have a learning curve
Best For
IT teams in mid-to-large organizations requiring scalable, detailed monitoring of internet performance and network health.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 sensors; paid perpetual licenses start at ~$1,800 for 500 sensors, with optional annual maintenance (~20% of license cost).
Datadog
enterpriseDelivers unified observability for cloud-scale networks, infrastructure, and internet traffic with AI-powered insights.
Unified dashboard correlating synthetic tests, RUM, network metrics, and full-stack traces for root-cause analysis
Datadog is a full-stack observability platform renowned for its robust internet monitoring capabilities, including Synthetic Monitoring for simulating user interactions across a global network of locations to track website uptime, performance, and API health. It also offers Real User Monitoring (RUM) to analyze actual user experiences on web and mobile apps, alongside network performance insights and anomaly detection. This makes it ideal for ensuring high availability and optimizing digital experiences at scale.
Pros
- Global synthetic testing from 100+ locations with real browser support
- Deep integration with infrastructure, APM, logs, and RUM for correlated insights
- AI-powered Watchdog for automatic anomaly detection and alerting
Cons
- High cost, especially for small teams or low-volume monitoring
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization
- Overkill for basic uptime checks compared to simpler tools
Best For
Enterprise teams managing complex, cloud-native web applications and infrastructure needing unified observability.
Pricing
Infrastructure Pro at $15/host/month (billed annually); Synthetics at $5/10k browser tests or $0.10k HTTP tests; usage-based with free tier limited to 10k runs/month.
Zabbix
enterpriseOpen-source enterprise monitoring platform for networks, servers, and internet services with advanced alerting.
Distributed proxy architecture enabling secure, low-bandwidth monitoring of remote networks and devices worldwide.
Zabbix is an enterprise-class open-source monitoring solution that provides comprehensive visibility into IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, virtual machines, and cloud services. As an internet monitoring tool, it excels in tracking website availability, HTTP/S checks, ping latency, DNS resolution, bandwidth usage, and service performance across global networks. It features advanced alerting, automated discovery, and customizable dashboards for proactive issue resolution.
Pros
- Highly scalable for monitoring millions of metrics without limits
- Vast library of pre-built templates and integrations
- Powerful visualization and alerting with escalation workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- User interface feels outdated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Requires significant configuration for optimal performance
Best For
Experienced IT teams and enterprises needing a customizable, unlimited-scale solution for monitoring large distributed internet-facing infrastructures.
Pricing
Free and fully open-source; paid professional support, training, and Zabbix Cloud hosting available starting from custom quotes.
Wireshark
specializedOpen-source packet analyzer that captures and deeply inspects internet protocol traffic for troubleshooting.
Advanced display filters and protocol dissectors that provide human-readable breakdowns of complex packet data
Wireshark is a free, open-source network protocol analyzer that captures and displays data packets traveling across a network in real-time or from saved files. It offers deep packet inspection with support for thousands of protocols, allowing users to filter, colorize, and analyze traffic for troubleshooting, security auditing, and development purposes. As an internet monitoring tool, it excels in providing granular visibility into network communications but requires technical expertise to leverage fully.
Pros
- Extremely powerful protocol dissection for hundreds of protocols
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Active community and frequent updates with extensive filtering capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Resource-intensive during heavy captures
- Requires elevated privileges and can raise security concerns on monitored networks
Best For
Network engineers, security analysts, and developers needing in-depth packet-level internet traffic analysis.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source with no paid tiers.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseAll-in-one network monitoring tool tracking bandwidth, performance, faults, and internet connectivity.
Layer 2 topology mapping with 3D visualizations for intuitive network and internet link dependency tracking
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust network monitoring solution that provides real-time visibility into device performance, bandwidth usage, and fault detection across IT infrastructure. For internet monitoring, it excels in tracking WAN link utilization, internet-facing services, and traffic patterns via protocols like NetFlow and SNMP. It offers customizable dashboards, automated alerts, and reporting to help IT teams maintain optimal internet connectivity and proactively resolve issues.
Pros
- Comprehensive bandwidth and traffic monitoring with NetFlow/sFlow support
- Scalable for monitoring thousands of devices and interfaces
- User-friendly dashboards and automated alerting system
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration and customization
- Pricing escalates quickly with add-ons and device count
- Limited native focus on web application or endpoint internet monitoring
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams in enterprises needing detailed network and bandwidth oversight for internet-dependent operations.
Pricing
Starts at $245/year for 10 devices (Standard); Professional/Enterprise editions from $395; per-device licensing with free 30-day trial.
ThousandEyes
enterpriseInternet intelligence platform providing end-to-end visibility into network paths and application performance.
Global cloud agent network providing agentless testing from 500+ vantage points for precise internet path and BGP monitoring
ThousandEyes is a leading internet intelligence platform that delivers end-to-end visibility into network performance, digital experiences, and application delivery across global internet paths. It leverages a vast network of over 500 cloud agents and endpoint agents to conduct real-time tests including HTTP, DNS, BGP routing, and traceroute monitoring, enabling rapid detection of outages, latency, and path issues. Acquired by Cisco, it integrates seamlessly with enterprise tools for comprehensive observability from user endpoints to cloud services.
Pros
- Extensive global vantage point network for accurate internet-scale monitoring
- Advanced path visualization and BGP insights for troubleshooting complex issues
- Robust alerting, integrations, and endpoint agents for proactive issue resolution
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing unsuitable for SMBs
- Steep learning curve for configuring advanced tests and dashboards
- Limited focus on internal-only network monitoring compared to full-stack tools
Best For
Enterprise IT teams and network operations centers requiring deep global internet path visibility and outage intelligence.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; starts around $10,000/year for basic plans, scales with tests, agents, and features (Starter, Advanced, Premier tiers).
Nagios XI
enterpriseScalable monitoring system for IT infrastructure including network traffic and internet uptime.
Vast Nagios Exchange plugin library enabling monitoring of virtually any internet protocol or service out-of-the-box
Nagios XI is an enterprise-grade monitoring platform built on the open-source Nagios Core, providing comprehensive visibility into networks, servers, applications, and internet services like website uptime, ping response, DNS resolution, and HTTP performance. It features a web-based interface with dashboards, reporting, and configuration wizards to simplify setup and management. Ideal for IT environments needing deep customization, it supports thousands of plugins for monitoring virtually any internet-facing service or metric.
Pros
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for custom internet monitoring
- Advanced reporting and dashboards for performance insights
- Scalable alerting with escalation and notifications
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and plugins
- High upfront licensing costs unsuitable for small teams
- Resource-intensive on hosting servers
Best For
Medium to large enterprises with IT teams needing highly customizable monitoring of internet services alongside internal infrastructure.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $1,995 for 100 hosts (Standard edition), with annual support fees; higher tiers like Enterprise up to $24,995+ for unlimited hosts.
GlassWire
otherVisualizes real-time and historical network activity, bandwidth usage, and blocks suspicious connections.
Iconic flame graph that visually represents bandwidth usage and application activity over time
GlassWire is a network monitoring tool that provides real-time visualizations of internet activity, bandwidth usage by applications, and incoming/outgoing connections. It features an intelligent firewall, anomaly detection alerts, and historical data graphs to help users identify suspicious behavior and optimize network usage. Primarily designed for personal computers and mobile devices, it emphasizes user-friendly insights into data privacy and security.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time graphs and visualizations
- Proactive alerts for new connections and threats
- Simple, intuitive interface with minimal setup
Cons
- Limited native support beyond Windows and Android
- Advanced features locked behind paid Elite subscription
- Lacks enterprise-level scalability and reporting
Best For
Individual users or small teams seeking visual insights into personal network activity and basic firewall protection.
Pricing
Free basic version; Elite subscription at $39/year or $99 lifetime per device.
NetBalancer
otherMonitors and controls internet traffic, bandwidth allocation, and application usage on Windows systems.
Per-process bandwidth limiting and priority rules for traffic shaping
NetBalancer is a Windows-based network monitoring and traffic control tool that provides detailed insights into internet usage per application and process. It offers real-time visualization of upload/download speeds, historical traffic data, and advanced controls like setting bandwidth limits and priorities to optimize network performance. Users can also synchronize settings across multiple devices for consistent management.
Pros
- Precise per-application traffic monitoring and limits
- Real-time prioritization and synchronization across devices
- Comprehensive historical usage reports and graphs
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility
- Dated and somewhat cluttered user interface
- Free version has significant limitations
Best For
Advanced users and network admins needing granular control over application bandwidth on Windows machines.
Pricing
Free lite version available; Pro lifetime license at $39.95 (single PC) or $59.95 (up to 3 PCs).
Conclusion
The top 10 internet monitor software reviewed offer robust solutions for tracking network performance, bandwidth, and device health, with the top three standing out for their specialized strengths. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor leads as the top choice, excelling in comprehensive real-time monitoring across hybrid environments, while PRTG Network Monitor and Datadog provide strong alternatives—PRTG with intuitive, customizable dashboards and Datadog with cloud-scale AI-powered insights. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring there’s a fit for various use cases.
Take the next step in optimizing your network operations by trying SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, your gateway to reliable, real-time visibility into system health and traffic.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison