Quick Overview
- 1#1: Zabbix - Open-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for servers, workstations, networks, and applications with alerting and visualization.
- 2#2: PRTG Network Monitor - Versatile monitoring tool using sensors to track servers, workstations, bandwidth, and devices with customizable maps and reports.
- 3#3: Datadog - Cloud-based platform for real-time monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, logs, and infrastructure metrics.
- 4#4: Nagios XI - Commercial monitoring system for servers, workstations, networks, and services with advanced dashboards and predictive analytics.
- 5#5: SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor - Comprehensive tool for monitoring server performance, applications, virtualization, and workstation health with templated monitoring.
- 6#6: Checkmk - Agentless and agent-based monitoring for IT infrastructure including servers, workstations, clouds, and containers.
- 7#7: ManageEngine OpManager - Unified network and server monitoring software for workstations, performance metrics, fault management, and configuration.
- 8#8: Dynatrace - AI-powered observability platform for automatic monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, and full-stack environments.
- 9#9: New Relic - Observability platform providing infrastructure monitoring for servers, workstations, cloud, and application performance.
- 10#10: NinjaOne - Remote monitoring and management tool for servers, workstations, patching, and endpoint security across hybrid environments.
We selected these tools based on their robust feature sets, proven track records, intuitive usability, and strong value, ensuring they cater to varied monitoring requirements from small to large-scale environments.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading server and workstation monitoring tools—such as Zabbix, PRTG Network Monitor, Datadog, Nagios XI, SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor, and others—to equip readers with insights into their features, capabilities, and suitability for various infrastructure needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zabbix Open-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for servers, workstations, networks, and applications with alerting and visualization. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | PRTG Network Monitor Versatile monitoring tool using sensors to track servers, workstations, bandwidth, and devices with customizable maps and reports. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Datadog Cloud-based platform for real-time monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, logs, and infrastructure metrics. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Nagios XI Commercial monitoring system for servers, workstations, networks, and services with advanced dashboards and predictive analytics. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor Comprehensive tool for monitoring server performance, applications, virtualization, and workstation health with templated monitoring. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Checkmk Agentless and agent-based monitoring for IT infrastructure including servers, workstations, clouds, and containers. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | ManageEngine OpManager Unified network and server monitoring software for workstations, performance metrics, fault management, and configuration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Dynatrace AI-powered observability platform for automatic monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, and full-stack environments. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | New Relic Observability platform providing infrastructure monitoring for servers, workstations, cloud, and application performance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | NinjaOne Remote monitoring and management tool for servers, workstations, patching, and endpoint security across hybrid environments. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
Open-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for servers, workstations, networks, and applications with alerting and visualization.
Versatile monitoring tool using sensors to track servers, workstations, bandwidth, and devices with customizable maps and reports.
Cloud-based platform for real-time monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, logs, and infrastructure metrics.
Commercial monitoring system for servers, workstations, networks, and services with advanced dashboards and predictive analytics.
Comprehensive tool for monitoring server performance, applications, virtualization, and workstation health with templated monitoring.
Agentless and agent-based monitoring for IT infrastructure including servers, workstations, clouds, and containers.
Unified network and server monitoring software for workstations, performance metrics, fault management, and configuration.
AI-powered observability platform for automatic monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, and full-stack environments.
Observability platform providing infrastructure monitoring for servers, workstations, cloud, and application performance.
Remote monitoring and management tool for servers, workstations, patching, and endpoint security across hybrid environments.
Zabbix
enterpriseOpen-source enterprise-class monitoring solution for servers, workstations, networks, and applications with alerting and visualization.
Low-level discovery and templating system that automatically detects and configures monitoring for dynamic IT environments like virtual machines and cloud instances
Zabbix is an enterprise-class, open-source distributed monitoring solution that provides comprehensive real-time monitoring of servers, workstations, networks, cloud services, and applications. It collects and analyzes millions of metrics, offers advanced alerting, customizable dashboards, and automation features for proactive IT management. With support for agent-based and agentless monitoring, auto-discovery, and scalable architecture, it's designed to handle environments from small setups to massive deployments.
Pros
- Highly scalable for monitoring millions of metrics across distributed environments
- Extensive customization with templates, triggers, and over 10,000 community integrations
- Completely free open-source core with no licensing costs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced configuration
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Requires significant resources for very large-scale deployments without optimization
Best For
Large enterprises and IT teams managing complex server and workstation fleets who need a powerful, customizable, and cost-free monitoring solution.
Pricing
Free open-source edition; paid enterprise support from Zabbix SIA starts at around $1,500/year per server.
PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseVersatile monitoring tool using sensors to track servers, workstations, bandwidth, and devices with customizable maps and reports.
Sensor-based architecture enabling hyper-customizable, metric-specific monitoring across diverse IT assets
PRTG Network Monitor by Paessler is a comprehensive IT monitoring solution that excels in tracking servers, workstations, networks, and applications using a flexible sensor-based architecture with over 250 sensor types. It supports agentless monitoring via SNMP, WMI, and SSH for Windows and Linux systems, covering metrics like CPU, memory, disk usage, services, and processes. Features include auto-discovery, customizable maps, real-time alerts via email/SMS/push notifications, and detailed reporting for proactive maintenance.
Pros
- Extensive library of 250+ sensors for granular server and workstation monitoring
- Auto-discovery and interactive maps for visualizing infrastructure dependencies
- Flexible alerting, reporting, and mobile app support for on-the-go management
Cons
- Sensor-based licensing model can escalate costs for large-scale deployments
- Core server can be resource-intensive with high sensor counts
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and clustering
Best For
IT administrators in mid-sized to large organizations needing scalable monitoring for hybrid server and workstation environments alongside networks.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 sensors; paid plans start at $1,899 for 500 sensors, scaling to $14,399 for 5,000 sensors or unlimited options with clustering.
Datadog
enterpriseCloud-based platform for real-time monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, logs, and infrastructure metrics.
Unified observability platform combining metrics, traces, logs, and synthetics in a single pane of glass
Datadog is a comprehensive cloud observability platform that monitors servers, workstations, applications, and infrastructure across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It collects metrics, traces, logs, and events via lightweight agents, providing real-time dashboards, AI-driven alerts, and deep insights into performance bottlenecks. With extensive integrations for over 600 services, it enables proactive monitoring and troubleshooting for DevOps teams managing dynamic workloads.
Pros
- Hundreds of integrations for seamless monitoring of diverse environments
- Powerful AI-powered anomaly detection and Watchdog insights
- Customizable, real-time dashboards and alerting for quick issue resolution
Cons
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive at scale
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations and custom metrics
- Agent management overhead in very large deployments
Best For
DevOps and IT teams in mid-to-large enterprises managing complex, cloud-native servers and workstations requiring unified observability.
Pricing
Free tier for up to 5 hosts; Pro starts at $15/host/month (billed annually); scales with metrics, logs, and custom usage; Enterprise custom.
Nagios XI
enterpriseCommercial monitoring system for servers, workstations, networks, and services with advanced dashboards and predictive analytics.
Nagios Exchange community plugin library enabling monitoring of over 5,000 devices, services, and applications out-of-the-box
Nagios XI is a comprehensive IT monitoring platform built on the open-source Nagios Core, providing real-time visibility into servers, workstations, networks, applications, and cloud services. It features customizable dashboards, predictive analytics, and automated alerting to detect issues before they impact operations. The solution supports thousands of plugins for extensibility, making it suitable for monitoring diverse infrastructures, with advanced reporting and capacity planning tools included.
Pros
- Vast plugin ecosystem for monitoring virtually any IT component
- Scalable for enterprise environments with high customization
- Strong alerting, reporting, and predictive analytics capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex configuration
- Dated user interface compared to modern competitors
- Pricing can escalate quickly for large-scale deployments
Best For
Experienced IT teams managing complex, hybrid server and workstation environments that require deep customization and extensibility.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $1,995 for 100 nodes (Standard edition); higher tiers like Premium ($2,495+) and Enterprise add features; annual support required.
SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor
enterpriseComprehensive tool for monitoring server performance, applications, virtualization, and workstation health with templated monitoring.
1,200+ vendor-certified application monitoring templates for out-of-the-box deployment
SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor (SAM) is a robust monitoring solution designed for tracking the performance, availability, and health of servers, applications, and infrastructure components. It offers over 1,200 pre-built templates for monitoring popular applications like SQL Server, Exchange, and Java apps across Windows, Linux, and Unix environments. SAM provides real-time alerting, customizable dashboards, and detailed reporting to help IT teams proactively manage hybrid IT setups.
Pros
- Extensive library of 1,200+ application monitoring templates
- Scalable for large enterprise environments with strong alerting
- Deep integration with other SolarWinds products like NPM
Cons
- High licensing costs that scale with monitored elements
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Resource-intensive on monitoring servers
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing comprehensive server and application performance monitoring in complex, hybrid environments.
Pricing
Subscription-based, licensed by monitors/elements; starts at ~$2,595/year for 100 monitors, with costs increasing based on scale.
Checkmk
enterpriseAgentless and agent-based monitoring for IT infrastructure including servers, workstations, clouds, and containers.
Agent Bakery for effortlessly creating, testing, and deploying custom monitoring agents tailored to specific needs
Checkmk is a powerful open-source IT monitoring platform derived from Nagios, designed for comprehensive monitoring of servers, workstations, networks, applications, and cloud infrastructure. It provides agent-based and agentless monitoring with real-time metrics, logs, performance data, and event correlation through an intuitive web interface. Key strengths include automatic host discovery, customizable dashboards, and a massive library of over 2,000 ready-to-use checks for detailed visibility into IT environments.
Pros
- Extensive library of 2,000+ pre-built checks and plugins for broad coverage
- Highly scalable with support for thousands of hosts and advanced automation
- Free Raw Edition offers enterprise-grade features without licensing costs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced customization
- Resource-intensive on the monitoring server for very large deployments
- Some premium features and support require Enterprise Edition subscription
Best For
IT teams in mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, detailed monitoring for diverse server and workstation environments.
Pricing
Raw Edition is free and open-source; Enterprise Edition starts at ~€600/year for small sites, with pricing scaling based on hosts/services monitored.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseUnified network and server monitoring software for workstations, performance metrics, fault management, and configuration.
Advanced 3D rack views and Layer 2 topology maps for visual infrastructure dependency mapping
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust network, server, and workstation monitoring solution that delivers real-time visibility into performance metrics such as CPU, memory, disk space, processes, and services across Windows, Linux, and virtual environments. It features fault detection, performance trending, customizable dashboards, and automated alerting to help IT teams proactively manage infrastructure health. With support for agentless monitoring via SNMP, WMI, and CLI, it scales from small setups to enterprise deployments, including hybrid cloud monitoring.
Pros
- Comprehensive monitoring of servers, workstations, VMs, and networks with 2000+ metrics
- Intuitive web-based dashboards and automated reports
- Scalable architecture with workflow automation and integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and advanced setup
- Pricing escalates quickly for large device counts and add-ons
- Resource-intensive on the monitoring server in massive environments
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams managing diverse server and workstation fleets alongside network infrastructure.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 devices; paid editions start at ~$245/year for 10 devices, scaling per device/monitor with Standard (~$395), Professional (~$595), and Enterprise options.
Dynatrace
enterpriseAI-powered observability platform for automatic monitoring of servers, workstations, applications, and full-stack environments.
Davis Causal AI for automated, context-aware root cause detection and remediation suggestions
Dynatrace is an AI-powered observability platform that delivers full-stack monitoring for servers, applications, cloud infrastructure, and user experiences. It automatically instruments environments with OneAgent for deep visibility into host metrics, processes, logs, network traffic, and dependencies. Ideal for server and workstation monitoring, it provides real-time insights, anomaly detection, and automated root cause analysis across hybrid setups.
Pros
- AI-driven Davis engine for precise root cause analysis
- Seamless OneAgent deployment with auto-discovery
- Comprehensive coverage of servers, containers, and endpoints
Cons
- High cost unsuitable for SMBs
- Steep learning curve for complex configurations
- Agent can be resource-intensive on endpoints
Best For
Enterprise teams handling large-scale hybrid cloud and on-prem server/workstation fleets needing proactive, AI-enhanced monitoring.
Pricing
Consumption-based on ingested data or hosts; starts at ~$0.10/hour per host unit, with enterprise plans from $21/host/month.
New Relic
enterpriseObservability platform providing infrastructure monitoring for servers, workstations, cloud, and application performance.
Full-stack entity correlation linking server metrics to application performance traces for faster troubleshooting
New Relic is a comprehensive observability platform that excels in monitoring servers and infrastructure, using lightweight agents to track CPU, memory, disk, network, and process metrics in real-time. It supports workstation monitoring through host agents, providing visibility into endpoint performance alongside cloud and container environments. The platform correlates infrastructure data with application traces and logs for root-cause analysis, enhanced by customizable dashboards and AI-powered insights.
Pros
- Rich set of infrastructure metrics and real-time telemetry
- Powerful correlation of server data with apps and logs
- Scalable for hybrid/multi-cloud environments with strong alerting
Cons
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive at scale
- Steep learning curve for full platform customization
- Less specialized for pure workstation/desktop endpoint management
Best For
DevOps and IT teams in mid-to-large enterprises managing complex server fleets and needing integrated observability.
Pricing
Freemium with 100 GB/month free tier; usage-based beyond that (~$0.30/GB ingested) plus per-host or feature add-ons.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRemote monitoring and management tool for servers, workstations, patching, and endpoint security across hybrid environments.
Integrated automated patching directly triggered from monitoring alerts
NinjaOne is a robust remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform tailored for IT professionals to oversee servers, workstations, and endpoints across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. It provides real-time monitoring of CPU, memory, disk usage, and network performance, coupled with proactive alerting and automated remediation. The tool excels in patch management, software deployment, and remote access, enabling efficient maintenance without on-premises infrastructure.
Pros
- Intuitive, centralized dashboard for quick insights
- Strong automation for patching and scripting
- Reliable multi-platform support and alerting
Cons
- Pricing scales expensively for large fleets
- Reporting lacks deep customization options
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools
Best For
MSPs and mid-sized IT teams managing distributed servers and workstations who need an easy-to-deploy, all-in-one monitoring solution.
Pricing
Per-device subscription starting at $3/device/month for monitoring, up to $7/device/month for full RMM features; custom quotes, no contracts, billed monthly or annually.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools represent a range of powerful solutions, with Zabbix emerging as the top choice, offering enterprise-class monitoring with alerting and visualization. PRTG Network Monitor stands out for its versatile sensor-based tracking and customizable maps, while Datadog excels as a cloud-based platform for real-time infrastructure monitoring. Each tool caters to distinct needs, making the top three strong contenders depending on priorities like open-source flexibility or cloud integration.
Explore the top-ranked Zabbix to experience comprehensive server and workstation monitoring, or dive into PRTG or Datadog to find the ideal fit for your environment.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison