Quick Overview
- 1#1: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor - Comprehensive network performance monitoring with deep packet inspection, flow analysis, and customizable dashboards for proactive issue resolution.
- 2#2: PRTG Network Monitor - User-friendly network monitoring tool using sensors for bandwidth, device health, and performance metrics with real-time alerts.
- 3#3: Datadog Network Monitoring - Cloud-native platform providing unified visibility into network performance, traffic flows, and anomalies across hybrid environments.
- 4#4: ThousandEyes - End-to-end network intelligence platform for monitoring internet, WAN, and application performance from global vantage points.
- 5#5: ManageEngine OpManager - Affordable network monitoring solution tracking device availability, bandwidth usage, and performance metrics with fault management.
- 6#6: LogicMonitor - SaaS-based observability platform automating network discovery, monitoring, and performance analytics for IT infrastructure.
- 7#7: Zabbix - Open-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for networks, servers, and applications with scalable alerting and visualization.
- 8#8: Nagios XI - Powerful network monitoring system offering predictive analytics, capacity planning, and event management for IT environments.
- 9#9: Auvik - Cloud-based network management tool providing automated mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting for MSPs and enterprises.
- 10#10: Kentik - Network observability platform leveraging big data analytics for traffic analysis, anomaly detection, and performance optimization.
Tools were ranked based on key metrics including functional depth (such as deep packet inspection, automated analytics, and hybrid environment support), user experience, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring they cater to both small teams and large enterprises with diverse technical requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top network performance software tools, including SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, PRTG Network Monitor, Datadog Network Monitoring, ThousandEyes, ManageEngine OpManager, and more, to guide informed decisions. By analyzing key factors like scalability, user experience, and advanced features, the table helps identify the best fit for diverse network management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor Comprehensive network performance monitoring with deep packet inspection, flow analysis, and customizable dashboards for proactive issue resolution. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | PRTG Network Monitor User-friendly network monitoring tool using sensors for bandwidth, device health, and performance metrics with real-time alerts. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Datadog Network Monitoring Cloud-native platform providing unified visibility into network performance, traffic flows, and anomalies across hybrid environments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | ThousandEyes End-to-end network intelligence platform for monitoring internet, WAN, and application performance from global vantage points. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | ManageEngine OpManager Affordable network monitoring solution tracking device availability, bandwidth usage, and performance metrics with fault management. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | LogicMonitor SaaS-based observability platform automating network discovery, monitoring, and performance analytics for IT infrastructure. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Zabbix Open-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for networks, servers, and applications with scalable alerting and visualization. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Nagios XI Powerful network monitoring system offering predictive analytics, capacity planning, and event management for IT environments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Auvik Cloud-based network management tool providing automated mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting for MSPs and enterprises. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Kentik Network observability platform leveraging big data analytics for traffic analysis, anomaly detection, and performance optimization. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive network performance monitoring with deep packet inspection, flow analysis, and customizable dashboards for proactive issue resolution.
User-friendly network monitoring tool using sensors for bandwidth, device health, and performance metrics with real-time alerts.
Cloud-native platform providing unified visibility into network performance, traffic flows, and anomalies across hybrid environments.
End-to-end network intelligence platform for monitoring internet, WAN, and application performance from global vantage points.
Affordable network monitoring solution tracking device availability, bandwidth usage, and performance metrics with fault management.
SaaS-based observability platform automating network discovery, monitoring, and performance analytics for IT infrastructure.
Open-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for networks, servers, and applications with scalable alerting and visualization.
Powerful network monitoring system offering predictive analytics, capacity planning, and event management for IT environments.
Cloud-based network management tool providing automated mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting for MSPs and enterprises.
Network observability platform leveraging big data analytics for traffic analysis, anomaly detection, and performance optimization.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
enterpriseComprehensive network performance monitoring with deep packet inspection, flow analysis, and customizable dashboards for proactive issue resolution.
PerfStack™ intelligent alerting and timeline-based performance correlation across disparate data sources
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a leading network monitoring solution that automatically discovers, maps, and monitors network devices, interfaces, and performance metrics in real-time. It provides deep visibility into bandwidth usage, latency, packet loss, and device health through customizable dashboards, advanced alerting, and intelligent analytics. NPM enables IT teams to proactively troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and scale across complex enterprise environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive auto-discovery and polling of thousands of device types
- PerfStack for cross-correlating performance data across metrics and sources
- Highly scalable with robust reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations
- High resource consumption on the server side for large deployments
- Premium pricing that may not suit small networks
Best For
Enterprise IT teams and MSPs managing large, complex networks requiring deep performance insights and scalability.
Pricing
Perpetual licensing starts at ~$2,995 for 100 elements; scales by monitored elements (e.g., $10k+ for 500+); subscription options from $58/month per element bundle.
PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseUser-friendly network monitoring tool using sensors for bandwidth, device health, and performance metrics with real-time alerts.
Unique sensor-based architecture enabling hyper-granular, mix-and-match monitoring across 250+ technologies
PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive IT infrastructure monitoring solution that tracks network performance, bandwidth usage, device availability, servers, applications, and cloud services using over 250 sensor types. It features automatic discovery, real-time dashboards, interactive maps, and customizable alerting to provide proactive insights and minimize downtime. Designed for scalability, it supports on-premises, hosted, and cluster deployments for businesses of all sizes.
Pros
- Extensive library of 250+ sensors for detailed monitoring of virtually any IT component
- Intuitive web-based interface with customizable maps and reports
- Strong auto-discovery and scalability for growing networks
Cons
- Sensor-based licensing model can become costly at scale
- Core server is resource-intensive for very large deployments
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise IT teams requiring granular, all-in-one network performance monitoring with high customization.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 sensors; perpetual licenses start at ~$1,800 for 500 sensors plus annual maintenance (~20%), or subscription options; unlimited sensors ~$16,000 perpetual.
Datadog Network Monitoring
enterpriseCloud-native platform providing unified visibility into network performance, traffic flows, and anomalies across hybrid environments.
Network APM correlation linking flows to application traces for root-cause analysis
Datadog Network Monitoring delivers full-stack observability for networks, tracking device health, traffic flows, and performance metrics across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments. It uses agentless SNMP polling, flow ingestion (NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX), and integrates with APM for correlating network issues to application performance. Features like interactive network maps, anomaly detection, and BGP routing monitoring enable proactive troubleshooting and optimization.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Datadog's full observability platform
- Real-time flow analysis and end-to-end tracing correlation
- Scalable autodiscovery for thousands of devices and interfaces
Cons
- High pricing scales quickly with usage
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Agent or flow collector deployment adds overhead
Best For
Enterprises with complex, multi-cloud networks needing unified monitoring alongside apps and infrastructure.
Pricing
Usage-based; Pro starts at $15/host/month (includes basic network), Network Monitoring add-on ~$5/interface/month; Enterprise at $23/host/month.
ThousandEyes
enterpriseEnd-to-end network intelligence platform for monitoring internet, WAN, and application performance from global vantage points.
Internet Intelligence module for real-time visibility into global internet routing, outages, and peering issues
ThousandEyes is a leading network intelligence platform that delivers end-to-end visibility into network, application, and user experience performance across clouds, CDNs, ISPs, and SaaS services. It leverages a global network of over 200 vantage points and endpoint agents to run synthetic tests, capturing real-world data for proactive issue detection and root cause analysis. The solution provides intuitive dashboards, alerting, and integrations to help enterprises maintain optimal digital experiences in hybrid environments.
Pros
- Extensive global vantage points for accurate, location-specific monitoring
- Comprehensive end-to-end visibility including BGP and DNS insights
- Robust alerting, analytics, and integrations with ITSM tools
Cons
- High pricing suitable mainly for enterprises
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited focus on pure on-premises environments
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-cloud and internet-dependent networks needing deep external performance visibility.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts at ~$10,000/year for basic plans, with enterprise tiers scaling based on agents and tests.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseAffordable network monitoring solution tracking device availability, bandwidth usage, and performance metrics with fault management.
Advanced fault management with root cause analysis and correlated views
ManageEngine OpManager is a comprehensive network monitoring solution designed for real-time visibility into network performance, faults, and configurations across devices, servers, and applications. It automates device discovery and mapping, tracks key metrics like bandwidth utilization, latency, CPU/memory usage, and provides customizable dashboards, reports, and alerts. With add-ons for configuration management and workflow automation, it supports scalable monitoring for IT environments of varying sizes.
Pros
- Extensive monitoring for networks, servers, and virtualization
- Powerful reporting and customizable dashboards
- Scalable with strong alerting and automation capabilities
Cons
- Dated user interface in some areas
- Resource-intensive for very large deployments
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution for network performance monitoring and fault management.
Pricing
Free edition for up to 10 devices; Professional starts at $395/year for 10 devices, with per-device scaling and perpetual options available.
LogicMonitor
enterpriseSaaS-based observability platform automating network discovery, monitoring, and performance analytics for IT infrastructure.
LM Envision: AI-driven network observability with automated topology mapping and dynamic baselining for predictive performance insights.
LogicMonitor is a SaaS-based observability platform that delivers comprehensive monitoring for network performance, infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments. It automates device discovery, tracks key metrics like bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and supports flow protocols such as NetFlow and sFlow for deep traffic analysis. With AI-driven anomaly detection and alerting, it enables proactive network management and root cause analysis across hybrid setups.
Pros
- Robust network monitoring with flow analysis and synthetic testing
- AI-powered insights via LM Envision for quick issue resolution
- Scalable, agentless deployment for hybrid and multi-cloud environments
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small teams or low-volume monitoring
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations and dashboards
- Limited out-of-box integrations compared to specialized network tools
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing unified monitoring for complex, hybrid networks with strong AIOps capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$19/device/month (billed annually), scaling with monitored resources and features.
Zabbix
specializedOpen-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for networks, servers, and applications with scalable alerting and visualization.
Distributed proxy architecture for secure, scalable monitoring of remote sites without VPNs or firewall exposure
Zabbix is an enterprise-class open-source monitoring solution designed for tracking network performance, server health, applications, and cloud services across large IT environments. It collects metrics like bandwidth usage, latency, packet loss, and device availability via protocols such as SNMP, ICMP, and agent-based polling. The platform provides real-time dashboards, historical graphing, automated alerting, and predictive analytics to ensure optimal network performance and quick issue resolution.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Highly scalable with proxy support for distributed networks
- Rich auto-discovery, templating, and over 10,000 community templates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- Outdated user interface requiring customization for modern appeal
- Resource-intensive on high-scale deployments without tuning
Best For
Technical teams in large enterprises needing deeply customizable, cost-free monitoring for complex network infrastructures.
Pricing
Free open-source core; paid Zabbix Cloud starts at $30/month per host and enterprise support is custom-priced.
Nagios XI
enterprisePowerful network monitoring system offering predictive analytics, capacity planning, and event management for IT environments.
Vast exchange of over 5,000 community plugins enabling unparalleled customization for specific network performance metrics
Nagios XI is a robust, enterprise-grade monitoring platform that provides comprehensive network performance monitoring through SNMP, ICMP, and flow-based protocols like NetFlow and sFlow. It tracks key metrics such as bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and device health, delivering customizable dashboards, alerting, and reporting for proactive issue resolution. Built on the open-source Nagios Core, the XI edition adds a user-friendly web interface, predictive analytics, and capacity planning tools to optimize network operations.
Pros
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for deep network monitoring customization
- Scalable for large enterprise environments with multi-site support
- Powerful reporting and alerting capabilities for performance trends
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and plugin management
- Web interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Higher cost for smaller deployments with node-based licensing
Best For
Large enterprises with diverse IT infrastructures seeking highly customizable network performance monitoring.
Pricing
Starts at $1,995 for Standard Edition (100 nodes), $2,995 for Enterprise (100 nodes); scales with additional nodes and optional modules.
Auvik
enterpriseCloud-based network management tool providing automated mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting for MSPs and enterprises.
Dynamic, interactive network topology maps that auto-update with changes and drill down to troubleshooting details
Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring and management platform that automatically discovers devices, maps topologies, and provides real-time visibility into network performance metrics like bandwidth usage, latency, and device health. It excels in agentless deployment, configuration backups, and traffic analysis, making it suitable for distributed environments. The tool supports MSPs with multi-tenant capabilities and integrates with PSA and ticketing systems for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Automatic, real-time network discovery and topology mapping
- Agentless setup with quick deployment
- Strong alerting, reporting, and multi-tenant support for MSPs
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with network size and device count
- Limited advanced analytics compared to specialized tools
- Occasional discovery inaccuracies in complex or hybrid environments
Best For
MSPs and IT teams managing multiple remote or distributed networks who prioritize ease of setup and visual monitoring over deep packet inspection.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on sites/devices; starts at ~$12-15 per device/month across Essentials, Performance, and Advanced tiers.
Kentik
enterpriseNetwork observability platform leveraging big data analytics for traffic analysis, anomaly detection, and performance optimization.
Petabyte-scale real-time flow analytics with infinite scalability and no sampling
Kentik is a cloud-native network observability platform that delivers real-time visibility into network traffic, performance, and security across hybrid, multi-cloud, and on-premises environments. It ingests massive volumes of flow data (NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX), BGP, and metadata, using big data analytics for anomaly detection, capacity planning, and troubleshooting. The platform enables proactive network optimization through customizable dashboards, AI-driven insights, and advanced querying capabilities.
Pros
- Handles petabyte-scale data ingestion and real-time analytics for enterprise-grade networks
- Comprehensive integrations with cloud providers, SDN, and security tools
- Powerful AI/ML for anomaly detection and root cause analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex querying and setup
- Pricing is opaque and scales with data volume, costly for smaller orgs
- UI can feel overwhelming for casual users
Best For
Large enterprises with complex hybrid networks needing deep traffic forensics and performance monitoring at massive scale.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on data ingest volume and features; typically starts at $20,000-$50,000 annually for mid-tier deployments.
Conclusion
The top 3 tools each deliver exceptional value, with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor emerging as the top choice due to its comprehensive features and proactive issue resolution. PRTG Network Monitor follows with its user-friendly design and robust real-time alerts, while Datadog Network Monitoring stands out for its cloud-native versatility in hybrid environments. Together, they represent the best of network performance software, catering to varied needs from enterprise to user-focused solutions.
Don't miss out on optimizing your network—start with SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, the top-ranked tool for reliable, proactive performance management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison