Quick Overview
- 1#1: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor - Discovers, monitors, and maps network devices for performance analysis and comprehensive auditing.
- 2#2: ManageEngine OpManager - Automates network discovery, fault management, and performance monitoring for detailed audits.
- 3#3: Lansweeper - Scans entire networks to inventory hardware, software, and peripherals for IT asset audits.
- 4#4: Paessler PRTG Network Monitor - Provides auto-discovery, mapping, and real-time monitoring for proactive network auditing.
- 5#5: SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager - Audits, backs up, and verifies network device configurations for compliance and security.
- 6#6: Tenable Nessus - Scans networks for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues with detailed reports.
- 7#7: Zabbix - Open-source platform for network discovery, monitoring, and auditing with customizable reports.
- 8#8: Nagios XI - Hosts network monitoring, configuration auditing, and capacity planning for enterprise networks.
- 9#9: Spiceworks - Free tool that discovers and inventories network devices, software, and licenses automatically.
- 10#10: Open-AudIT - Open-source IT audit management with network discovery, inventory tracking, and reporting.
Our ranking prioritizes tools that excel in core features like network discovery, monitoring, and reporting, while balancing quality, ease of use, and value to suit varied organizational needs.
Comparison Table
Explore the capabilities of leading network audit software with this comparison table, showcasing tools like SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, ManageEngine OpManager, and Paessler PRTG Network Monitor. Discover key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to identify the best fit for monitoring, managing, or auditing your network infrastructure.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor Discovers, monitors, and maps network devices for performance analysis and comprehensive auditing. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | ManageEngine OpManager Automates network discovery, fault management, and performance monitoring for detailed audits. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Lansweeper Scans entire networks to inventory hardware, software, and peripherals for IT asset audits. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Paessler PRTG Network Monitor Provides auto-discovery, mapping, and real-time monitoring for proactive network auditing. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager Audits, backs up, and verifies network device configurations for compliance and security. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Tenable Nessus Scans networks for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues with detailed reports. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Zabbix Open-source platform for network discovery, monitoring, and auditing with customizable reports. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 8 | Nagios XI Hosts network monitoring, configuration auditing, and capacity planning for enterprise networks. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Spiceworks Free tool that discovers and inventories network devices, software, and licenses automatically. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 10 | Open-AudIT Open-source IT audit management with network discovery, inventory tracking, and reporting. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Discovers, monitors, and maps network devices for performance analysis and comprehensive auditing.
Automates network discovery, fault management, and performance monitoring for detailed audits.
Scans entire networks to inventory hardware, software, and peripherals for IT asset audits.
Provides auto-discovery, mapping, and real-time monitoring for proactive network auditing.
Audits, backs up, and verifies network device configurations for compliance and security.
Scans networks for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues with detailed reports.
Open-source platform for network discovery, monitoring, and auditing with customizable reports.
Hosts network monitoring, configuration auditing, and capacity planning for enterprise networks.
Free tool that discovers and inventories network devices, software, and licenses automatically.
Open-source IT audit management with network discovery, inventory tracking, and reporting.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
enterpriseDiscovers, monitors, and maps network devices for performance analysis and comprehensive auditing.
PerfStack™ interactive timeline for cross-correlating network, server, and application performance data to pinpoint audit issues instantly
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a leading network monitoring and auditing solution that automatically discovers devices, maps topologies, and tracks performance metrics across routers, switches, servers, and virtual environments. It provides real-time visibility into bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and device health, enabling proactive issue resolution and detailed historical audits. Ideal for network audits, NPM offers customizable reports, configuration change tracking, and compliance insights, making it a powerhouse for maintaining network integrity and performance.
Pros
- Automated discovery and dynamic topology mapping for comprehensive network visibility
- Advanced analytics like PerfStack for correlating performance issues across the stack
- Scalable architecture with distributed polling engines supporting thousands of elements
Cons
- High initial cost and per-element licensing can be expensive for small networks
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Resource-intensive installation requiring dedicated hardware for large deployments
Best For
Enterprise IT teams and MSPs managing complex, hybrid networks that demand robust performance monitoring and detailed audit capabilities.
Pricing
Perpetual licensing starts at ~$2,995 for 100 elements; scales with monitored elements (~$30/element annually for maintenance); additional modules extra.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseAutomates network discovery, fault management, and performance monitoring for detailed audits.
Integrated Network Configuration Manager for automated backups, change tracking, and compliance audits
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust network monitoring and management solution that offers comprehensive visibility into network devices, servers, and performance metrics. It supports automated discovery, topology mapping, fault detection, and configuration management, enabling thorough network audits and compliance checks. With real-time alerts, customizable dashboards, and detailed reporting, it helps IT teams proactively maintain network health and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
Pros
- Automated network discovery and dynamic topology mapping for quick audits
- Integrated configuration backup, change detection, and compliance reporting
- Extensive support for 2000+ device types with real-time performance monitoring
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration and customization
- Resource-intensive on large-scale deployments without proper hardware
- Full auditing features require premium editions or add-ons like NCM
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing scalable network monitoring with built-in auditing and compliance capabilities.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 10 devices; Standard starts at $395/year for 10 nodes, scaling to Enterprise at custom pricing; add-ons like Configuration Management extra.
Lansweeper
enterpriseScans entire networks to inventory hardware, software, and peripherals for IT asset audits.
Agentless scanning that discovers unmanaged devices across multi-vendor environments
Lansweeper is a comprehensive IT asset management and network discovery tool that scans networks to inventory hardware, software, peripherals, and cloud assets across Windows, Mac, Linux, and more. It excels in providing detailed audit reports, license compliance tracking, and vulnerability assessments for network audits. The platform features a web-based console for easy access and supports integrations with tools like ServiceNow and Jira.
Pros
- Agentless discovery of diverse devices including IoT and printers
- Robust reporting and customizable dashboards for audits
- Free tier for up to 100 assets with scalable pricing
Cons
- Pricing increases significantly with large asset counts
- Initial scan configuration requires IT expertise
- Some advanced features need asset agents for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams managing complex networks who need detailed inventory and compliance reporting without enterprise-level costs.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 assets; paid plans from ~$1 per asset/year (Professional/Enterprise editions).
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseProvides auto-discovery, mapping, and real-time monitoring for proactive network auditing.
Sensor-based monitoring with 250+ pre-built sensors for hyper-detailed, customizable audits of devices, apps, and infrastructure
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive network monitoring and auditing tool that uses a sensor-based architecture to track device health, bandwidth usage, performance metrics, and configuration changes across IT environments. It excels in network audits through auto-discovery, topology mapping, detailed reporting, and compliance checks, helping IT teams identify issues proactively. With customizable dashboards and alerts, PRTG provides real-time insights and historical data for thorough network assessments.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 250 sensors for granular network auditing and monitoring
- Auto-discovery and interactive maps for quick topology visualization
- Powerful reporting and alerting system with historical data analysis
Cons
- Sensor-based licensing model increases costs significantly at scale
- Core server is Windows-only, limiting deployment flexibility
- Initial setup and custom sensor configuration can have a learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized to large IT teams needing scalable, sensor-driven network audits and continuous performance monitoring.
Pricing
Free edition up to 100 sensors; paid perpetual licenses start at $1,899 for 500 sensors, with annual maintenance fees around 25% of license cost.
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
enterpriseAudits, backs up, and verifies network device configurations for compliance and security.
Policy-based compliance reporting that automates detailed audits and verifies configurations against customizable baselines in real-time
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager (NCM) is a comprehensive network configuration management solution that automates backups, comparisons, and restores of device configurations across multi-vendor environments. It excels in network auditing by detecting configuration changes, enforcing compliance policies, and generating detailed reports to identify drifts from baselines. The tool also supports scripting, firmware management, and integration with the broader SolarWinds Orion platform for holistic network oversight.
Pros
- Multi-vendor support for over 500 device types with automated config backups and real-time change detection
- Powerful compliance policy engine for auditing against custom standards and regulatory requirements
- Deep integration with SolarWinds ecosystem for enhanced visibility and workflow automation
Cons
- High pricing scales quickly with node count, less ideal for small networks
- Steep learning curve for advanced features like custom scripting and policy creation
- Web interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, multi-vendor networks requiring robust configuration auditing and compliance management.
Pricing
Tiered perpetual licensing with annual maintenance starting at ~$2,995 for up to 100 nodes; subscription options available, scales by node count.
Tenable Nessus
specializedScans networks for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues with detailed reports.
Its massive, community-driven plugin library exceeding 186,000 checks for unmatched vulnerability detection breadth
Tenable Nessus is a leading vulnerability scanner designed for comprehensive network audits, identifying thousands of potential security vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues across systems, networks, devices, and applications. It uses a vast library of plugins to perform automated scans and generates detailed reports with prioritized remediation recommendations. Widely adopted in enterprise environments, Nessus supports both on-premises and cloud deployments for thorough security assessments.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 186,000 continuously updated plugins for broad coverage
- Highly accurate vulnerability detection with low false positive rates
- Robust reporting, compliance auditing (e.g., CIS, PCI), and remediation guidance
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be expensive for small teams or individuals
- Scans can be resource-intensive and time-consuming on large networks
- Advanced configuration requires security expertise
Best For
Enterprise security teams and IT professionals needing in-depth, regular network vulnerability scanning and compliance checks.
Pricing
Nessus Essentials is free (up to 16 IPs); Professional starts at ~$4,200/year per scanner; higher tiers like Expert add malware scanning (~$5,000+/year).
Zabbix
otherOpen-source platform for network discovery, monitoring, and auditing with customizable reports.
Low-Level Discovery (LLD) for automatic detection and monitoring of dynamic network elements like interfaces and VMs.
Zabbix is an enterprise-class open-source monitoring platform that provides comprehensive network discovery, performance monitoring, and alerting for IT infrastructure including devices, servers, and applications. It supports SNMP, ICMP, and agent-based monitoring to audit network topology, configurations, and compliance through customizable templates and reports. As a network audit solution, it excels in automated asset inventory, change detection, and historical data analysis for troubleshooting and capacity planning.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Highly scalable with proxy support for large distributed networks
- Extensive auto-discovery and template library for quick network audits
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Outdated user interface requiring customization for usability
- Resource-intensive for very high-scale deployments without tuning
Best For
Large IT teams or enterprises needing a customizable, cost-free solution for ongoing network monitoring and auditing.
Pricing
Free open-source core; optional paid support contracts from $2000/year and Zabbix Cloud from $30/host/month.
Nagios XI
enterpriseHosts network monitoring, configuration auditing, and capacity planning for enterprise networks.
Network Discovery Wizard for automatic device detection and interactive topology visualization
Nagios XI is a robust IT monitoring platform that excels in network discovery, performance tracking, and alerting, making it adaptable for network audits through automated device mapping and metric reporting. It supports extensive plugin-based checks for service availability, bandwidth usage, and basic configuration compliance, with customizable dashboards and historical reports for audit trails. While not a dedicated audit tool, its scalability and visualization features provide solid insights into network health and changes over time.
Pros
- Automated network discovery and topology mapping
- Highly customizable via plugins and reports for audits
- Scalable for enterprise environments with strong alerting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and customization
- Limited native support for deep configuration auditing or compliance
- Resource-intensive on servers and dated web interface
Best For
IT teams in mid-to-large organizations needing monitoring-focused audits with custom extensibility.
Pricing
Starts at $1,995 for Standard edition (100 hosts); scales to $3,495+ for Enterprise with more hosts and advanced features; perpetual licenses with annual support.
Spiceworks
otherFree tool that discovers and inventories network devices, software, and licenses automatically.
Vibrant peer-to-peer community providing free expert advice and custom scripts
Spiceworks is a free, community-driven IT management platform offering network audit capabilities through automated device discovery, hardware/software inventory tracking, and performance monitoring. It maps networks, detects changes, and provides basic compliance insights suitable for small to medium environments. While not enterprise-grade, it delivers solid visibility without costs, supported by an active user community.
Pros
- Completely free with generous device limits
- Quick setup and automatic network discovery
- Integrated community forums for support and advice
Cons
- Ad-supported interface in the free version
- Limited advanced auditing, reporting, and scalability for large networks
- Desktop app lacks some modern cloud integrations
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses or IT teams seeking a no-cost solution for basic network inventory and auditing.
Pricing
Free forever (ad-supported desktop app); optional cloud upgrades start at $0 for basics with paid tiers from $19/user/month.
Open-AudIT
otherOpen-source IT audit management with network discovery, inventory tracking, and reporting.
Agentless discovery across diverse protocols without requiring software installation on target devices
Open-AudIT is an open-source network discovery and auditing tool that automatically detects and inventories devices across networks, including computers, servers, printers, and virtual machines. It tracks hardware, software, and configuration changes over time, providing detailed reports and dashboards for IT asset management. Supporting agent-based and agentless discovery via protocols like WMI, SSH, SNMP, and Nmap, it caters to multi-platform environments on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Pros
- Free and fully open-source community edition with no usage limits
- Comprehensive multi-protocol discovery and change tracking
- Highly customizable reports and export options
Cons
- Complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Dated web interface lacking modern polish
- Limited official support in the free version
Best For
IT teams in small to medium-sized organizations seeking a powerful, no-cost open-source alternative for network inventory and auditing.
Pricing
Community edition is free and open-source; Professional edition offers support and extras starting at around $500/year.
Conclusion
The reviewed network audit tools showcase varying strengths, but SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor emerges as the top choice, offering exceptional discovery, monitoring, and mapping for comprehensive audits. ManageEngine OpManager and Lansweeper stand as strong alternatives—with OpManager for automation and Lansweeper for thorough inventory—each catering to distinct user needs. Ultimately, selecting the right tool depends on specific requirements, but all options promise to enhance network efficiency and security.
Take the first step toward better network management by trying SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, the top-ranked tool, to streamline your audits and unlock actionable insights.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
