Quick Overview
- 1#1: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor - Delivers comprehensive real-time monitoring, alerting, and performance analytics for network devices, traffic, and infrastructure.
- 2#2: PRTG Network Monitor - Provides sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, devices, servers, applications, and cloud services with intuitive dashboards.
- 3#3: Nagios XI - Offers enterprise-grade monitoring for networks, servers, and applications with customizable dashboards and advanced reporting.
- 4#4: Zabbix - Scalable open-source platform for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud environments with predictive analytics.
- 5#5: ManageEngine OpManager - Enables fault and performance management across multi-vendor networks with automated discovery, workflows, and reporting.
- 6#6: WhatsUp Gold - Combines network discovery, monitoring, mapping, alerting, and configuration management in a unified interface.
- 7#7: LogicMonitor - SaaS-based observability platform providing automated network monitoring for hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures.
- 8#8: Datadog - Cloud-native monitoring service with network visibility, anomaly detection, and troubleshooting for distributed systems.
- 9#9: Auvik - Automates network mapping, monitoring, and inventory management tailored for MSPs and internal IT teams.
- 10#10: Domotz - Remote monitoring and management tool for networks, devices, and IoT with real-time alerts and technician access.
Tools were selected based on core functionality, reliability, user experience, and overall value, balancing features like real-time analytics, automation, and cross-platform compatibility to deliver robust, practical solutions.
Comparison Table
Explore the diverse capabilities of leading network control software with this comparison table, featuring tools such as SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, PRTG Network Monitor, Nagios XI, Zabbix, ManageEngine OpManager, and others. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, scalability, and practical applications to find the most suitable solution for their network management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor Delivers comprehensive real-time monitoring, alerting, and performance analytics for network devices, traffic, and infrastructure. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | PRTG Network Monitor Provides sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, devices, servers, applications, and cloud services with intuitive dashboards. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Nagios XI Offers enterprise-grade monitoring for networks, servers, and applications with customizable dashboards and advanced reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Zabbix Scalable open-source platform for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud environments with predictive analytics. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | ManageEngine OpManager Enables fault and performance management across multi-vendor networks with automated discovery, workflows, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | WhatsUp Gold Combines network discovery, monitoring, mapping, alerting, and configuration management in a unified interface. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | LogicMonitor SaaS-based observability platform providing automated network monitoring for hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Datadog Cloud-native monitoring service with network visibility, anomaly detection, and troubleshooting for distributed systems. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Auvik Automates network mapping, monitoring, and inventory management tailored for MSPs and internal IT teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Domotz Remote monitoring and management tool for networks, devices, and IoT with real-time alerts and technician access. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
Delivers comprehensive real-time monitoring, alerting, and performance analytics for network devices, traffic, and infrastructure.
Provides sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, devices, servers, applications, and cloud services with intuitive dashboards.
Offers enterprise-grade monitoring for networks, servers, and applications with customizable dashboards and advanced reporting.
Scalable open-source platform for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud environments with predictive analytics.
Enables fault and performance management across multi-vendor networks with automated discovery, workflows, and reporting.
Combines network discovery, monitoring, mapping, alerting, and configuration management in a unified interface.
SaaS-based observability platform providing automated network monitoring for hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures.
Cloud-native monitoring service with network visibility, anomaly detection, and troubleshooting for distributed systems.
Automates network mapping, monitoring, and inventory management tailored for MSPs and internal IT teams.
Remote monitoring and management tool for networks, devices, and IoT with real-time alerts and technician access.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive real-time monitoring, alerting, and performance analytics for network devices, traffic, and infrastructure.
PerfStack™ cross-correlation engine for timeline-based analysis of multiple performance metrics
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a comprehensive network monitoring solution that automatically discovers, maps, and monitors network devices, interfaces, and performance metrics in real-time. It provides customizable dashboards, advanced alerting, and reporting to help IT teams proactively detect and troubleshoot issues across routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and wireless infrastructure. With integrations like PerfStack for cross-correlation analysis, NPM ensures high availability and optimal network performance for enterprises.
Pros
- Automated discovery and topology mapping for quick deployment
- PerfStack for deep-dive performance correlation across metrics
- Scalable for large networks with robust alerting and reporting
Cons
- High initial cost for smaller deployments
- Resource-intensive on monitoring servers for very large environments
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Enterprise IT teams managing complex, large-scale networks requiring proactive monitoring and deep analytics.
Pricing
Perpetual licensing starts at ~$2,995 for 100 elements (plus annual maintenance ~20%); subscription options from $1,479/year.
PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseProvides sensor-based monitoring for bandwidth, devices, servers, applications, and cloud services with intuitive dashboards.
Highly customizable sensor technology enabling precise, device-agnostic monitoring of virtually any metric with auto-discovery.
PRTG Network Monitor is an all-in-one IT infrastructure monitoring solution from Paessler that tracks network performance, bandwidth usage, device availability, servers, applications, and cloud services using a flexible sensor-based system. It automatically discovers devices, provides real-time dashboards, interactive maps, and customizable reports for proactive issue detection and resolution. Ideal for ensuring high availability and optimizing network control, PRTG supports on-premises, hybrid, and remote monitoring setups.
Pros
- Over 1,000 sensor types for comprehensive, granular monitoring of networks, devices, and apps
- Auto-discovery, intuitive maps, and mobile apps for quick setup and visualization
- Scalable with remote probes and clustering for large, distributed environments
Cons
- Sensor-based licensing can become costly as monitoring scales up
- High resource usage on the hosting server for very large deployments
- Steep learning curve for advanced custom sensors and scripting
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises and IT teams requiring scalable, detailed network monitoring and alerting across complex infrastructures.
Pricing
Free for 100 sensors; paid editions start at ~$1,750 (500 sensors perpetual license) with annual maintenance ~20%; scales by sensor count up to unlimited.
Nagios XI
enterpriseOffers enterprise-grade monitoring for networks, servers, and applications with customizable dashboards and advanced reporting.
Nagios Exchange with over 5,000 community plugins for unparalleled extensibility and custom monitoring capabilities
Nagios XI is a comprehensive IT monitoring platform designed for network, server, application, and infrastructure oversight, built on the battle-tested Nagios Core engine. It delivers real-time monitoring, advanced alerting, customizable dashboards, graphing, and reporting to ensure high availability and performance. With extensive plugin support and features like capacity planning and business process views, it scales for enterprise environments while providing deep visibility into complex IT ecosystems.
Pros
- Extensive plugin ecosystem via Nagios Exchange for monitoring virtually any device or service
- Powerful alerting, escalation, and notification options including SMS, email, and integrations
- Advanced reporting, dashboards, and capacity planning tools for proactive management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and customization
- Web interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Resource-intensive for very large-scale deployments without optimization
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing highly customizable, scalable monitoring for complex hybrid IT environments.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $1,995 for 100 hosts (Starter edition), scaling to $3,495+ for 500+ hosts, plus ~20% annual maintenance.
Zabbix
specializedScalable open-source platform for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud environments with predictive analytics.
Distributed proxies for secure, scalable monitoring of remote networks without exposing the central server.
Zabbix is an enterprise-class open-source monitoring solution that provides comprehensive network monitoring, performance tracking, and alerting for IT infrastructure including servers, networks, clouds, and applications. It supports agentless monitoring via SNMP, ICMP, IPMI, and more, with features like auto-discovery, network maps, dashboards, and automated actions for issue resolution. As a network control software, it enables proactive management through triggers, scripts, and SLA reporting, scaling to millions of metrics.
Pros
- Highly scalable for large networks with proxy support and low-level discovery
- Extensive template library and flexible alerting/actions
- Completely free core with no metric or host limits
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial configuration
- Outdated web interface requiring customization
- High resource demands on the Zabbix server in massive deployments
Best For
Large enterprises and IT teams seeking robust, cost-free network monitoring and basic control automation.
Pricing
Core software is free and open-source; optional enterprise support and appliances start at ~$1,000/year.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseEnables fault and performance management across multi-vendor networks with automated discovery, workflows, and reporting.
Integrated Network Configuration Manager for automated backups, compliance tracking, and change detection across multi-vendor devices
ManageEngine OpManager is a comprehensive network monitoring and management solution that provides real-time visibility into network devices, servers, VMs, and applications. It offers automated discovery, performance monitoring, fault detection, bandwidth analysis, and configuration management to ensure optimal network health. With customizable dashboards, reports, and alerts, it helps IT teams proactively troubleshoot issues and maintain uptime across diverse environments.
Pros
- Extensive support for 10,000+ device types and protocols
- Integrated fault and performance management with advanced analytics
- Scalable licensing with modular add-ons for expanded functionality
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced configuration features
- Resource-intensive on the monitoring server for large deployments
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises and IT teams needing scalable, all-in-one network monitoring with strong configuration and fault management capabilities.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 10 devices; Standard edition starts at $395/year for 10 devices, with pricing scaling per device count; Enterprise bundles available.
WhatsUp Gold
enterpriseCombines network discovery, monitoring, mapping, alerting, and configuration management in a unified interface.
Real-time interactive network maps with drill-down layers for topology visualization and troubleshooting
WhatsUp Gold is a robust network monitoring and management platform designed for IT teams to gain real-time visibility into network devices, servers, applications, and cloud services. It features automated discovery, topology mapping, performance monitoring via SNMP, WMI, and other protocols, along with alerting, reporting, and troubleshooting tools. The software supports hybrid environments, including on-premises, virtualized, and cloud infrastructures, helping prevent downtime through proactive issue detection.
Pros
- Comprehensive automated network discovery and interactive mapping
- Extensive device and application support with customizable dashboards
- Powerful alerting, reporting, and capacity planning tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and advanced customization
- Pricing scales quickly for large networks with per-node licensing
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams managing complex hybrid networks who need detailed monitoring and mapping without enterprise-level overhead.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing with perpetual licenses starting at ~$2,000 for 50 devices or subscription options; scales per monitored node/element.
LogicMonitor
enterpriseSaaS-based observability platform providing automated network monitoring for hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures.
AIOps-powered Griffith platform for automated root cause analysis and intelligent alerting
LogicMonitor is a SaaS-based observability platform that delivers comprehensive monitoring for IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, applications, and cloud services. It excels in network control through automated device discovery, performance metrics collection, flow analysis (NetFlow, sFlow), and topology mapping for real-time visibility and troubleshooting. AI-powered insights enable predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and root cause analysis to proactively manage network health and performance.
Pros
- Robust network monitoring with flow analysis and topology mapping
- AI-driven anomaly detection and predictive alerting
- Scalable for hybrid/multi-cloud environments with extensive integrations
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller organizations
- Initial setup and collector deployment requires technical expertise
- More focused on monitoring than direct network configuration control
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex hybrid IT infrastructures needing advanced network observability and proactive management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $2-10 per monitored device/month depending on volume, features, and support level.
Datadog
enterpriseCloud-native monitoring service with network visibility, anomaly detection, and troubleshooting for distributed systems.
AI-powered Watchdog for automatic network issue detection and root cause analysis across the full stack
Datadog is a cloud-native observability platform with strong network monitoring capabilities, providing real-time visibility into network performance, traffic flows, device health, and anomalies across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It supports protocols like SNMP, NetFlow, sFlow, and integrates with cloud providers for end-to-end network insights, dashboards, and alerting. While excellent for monitoring and troubleshooting, it emphasizes observability over direct network configuration or automation control.
Pros
- Comprehensive network visibility with flow data and device monitoring
- Intuitive dashboards and AI-driven anomaly detection
- Seamless integrations with cloud and infrastructure tools
Cons
- High costs for large-scale or high-volume network monitoring
- Limited native support for direct network device configuration or orchestration
- Steep learning curve for advanced custom metrics and alerting
Best For
DevOps and IT teams in hybrid cloud environments seeking robust network observability and performance monitoring without deep control needs.
Pricing
Freemium tier available; Pro plans start at $15/host/month with network monitoring as an add-on (usage-based pricing can scale to $20K+/year for enterprises).
Auvik
specializedAutomates network mapping, monitoring, and inventory management tailored for MSPs and internal IT teams.
Real-time, automated network topology mapping that visualizes changes instantly
Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring and management platform that provides automated discovery, mapping, and real-time visibility into network infrastructure. It enables IT teams to monitor performance, track configurations, analyze traffic, and receive alerts for issues, streamlining troubleshooting and inventory management. While strong in observability, it offers limited direct control automation compared to full SDN solutions.
Pros
- Automated network discovery and real-time topology mapping
- Agentless deployment with intuitive dashboards
- Comprehensive alerting, reporting, and config backups
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with device count for small networks
- Limited advanced automation for proactive network control
- Some integrations and features require add-ons
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized enterprises needing hands-off network monitoring and basic management.
Pricing
Per-device subscription starting at ~$15/device/month (billed annually), with tiers for billable and non-billable devices.
Domotz
specializedRemote monitoring and management tool for networks, devices, and IoT with real-time alerts and technician access.
Zero-config remote toolbox providing secure access to devices via SSH, Telnet, RDP, and SNMP without needing VPNs.
Domotz is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management platform designed for IT professionals and MSPs to discover, monitor, and control networks from anywhere. It offers agent-based discovery of devices, real-time performance metrics, automated alerts, and secure remote access tools like SSH, RDP, and VNC. The platform excels in providing network topology maps, configuration backups, and integrations with ticketing systems for efficient troubleshooting.
Pros
- Rapid deployment with a single lightweight agent
- Comprehensive remote access and control toolbox
- Multi-channel alerting including SMS and voice calls
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional agents for large networks
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise competitors
- Free plan limited to one probe with basic features
Best For
MSPs and IT teams managing multiple remote sites who prioritize quick setup and remote troubleshooting over advanced analytics.
Pricing
Free for 1 probe; Pro starts at $35/month per probe + $15/extra probe; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The top three network control software tools each bring unique strengths, with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor leading as the clear winner, offering comprehensive real-time monitoring, alerting, and analytics. PRTG Network Monitor impresses with its intuitive sensor-based approach and tailored dashboards, while Nagios XI shines with enterprise-grade customization and advanced reporting, making them strong picks for diverse needs. Together, these tools redefine efficient network management, ensuring optimal performance and visibility across environments.
Ready to enhance your network management? Start with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor to leverage its robust capabilities and gain the control needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison