Quick Overview
- 1#1: PRTG Network Monitor - Delivers comprehensive real-time monitoring of networks, devices, bandwidth, and applications using over 250 customizable sensors.
- 2#2: ManageEngine OpManager - Monitors network performance, faults, availability, and configurations with alerting and reporting for small business IT.
- 3#3: Auvik - Automates network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting tailored for SMBs and MSPs.
- 4#4: NinjaOne - RMM platform providing network device monitoring, patch management, and remote access for small business efficiency.
- 5#5: Atera - All-in-one RMM and PSA tool with network discovery, monitoring, and automation for SMB IT management.
- 6#6: Domotz - Cloud-based remote network monitoring, alerting, and access designed for technicians and small teams.
- 7#7: Zabbix - Open-source enterprise-class solution for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud services.
- 8#8: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor - Scalable network monitoring with performance metrics, deep packet inspection, and intelligent alerting.
- 9#9: LogicMonitor - SaaS-based unified observability platform for monitoring IT infrastructure, networks, and applications.
- 10#10: Datadog - Cloud-native monitoring and analytics service for networks, infrastructure, logs, and application performance.
We selected and ranked these tools based on key metrics such as feature robustness (including real-time monitoring, alerting, and automation), ease of use, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring they meet the unique demands of small business IT environments.
Comparison Table
Small businesses depend on efficient network monitoring to maintain connectivity, and selecting the right software requires careful evaluation. This comparison table details popular tools like PRTG Network Monitor, ManageEngine OpManager, Auvik, NinjaOne, Atera, and others, analyzing their features, usability, and cost. Readers will discover which solution best fits their operational needs and budget.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PRTG Network Monitor Delivers comprehensive real-time monitoring of networks, devices, bandwidth, and applications using over 250 customizable sensors. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | ManageEngine OpManager Monitors network performance, faults, availability, and configurations with alerting and reporting for small business IT. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Auvik Automates network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting tailored for SMBs and MSPs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | NinjaOne RMM platform providing network device monitoring, patch management, and remote access for small business efficiency. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Atera All-in-one RMM and PSA tool with network discovery, monitoring, and automation for SMB IT management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Domotz Cloud-based remote network monitoring, alerting, and access designed for technicians and small teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Zabbix Open-source enterprise-class solution for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud services. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 8 | SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor Scalable network monitoring with performance metrics, deep packet inspection, and intelligent alerting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 9 | LogicMonitor SaaS-based unified observability platform for monitoring IT infrastructure, networks, and applications. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 6.7/10 |
| 10 | Datadog Cloud-native monitoring and analytics service for networks, infrastructure, logs, and application performance. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 6.9/10 |
Delivers comprehensive real-time monitoring of networks, devices, bandwidth, and applications using over 250 customizable sensors.
Monitors network performance, faults, availability, and configurations with alerting and reporting for small business IT.
Automates network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting tailored for SMBs and MSPs.
RMM platform providing network device monitoring, patch management, and remote access for small business efficiency.
All-in-one RMM and PSA tool with network discovery, monitoring, and automation for SMB IT management.
Cloud-based remote network monitoring, alerting, and access designed for technicians and small teams.
Open-source enterprise-class solution for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud services.
Scalable network monitoring with performance metrics, deep packet inspection, and intelligent alerting.
SaaS-based unified observability platform for monitoring IT infrastructure, networks, and applications.
Cloud-native monitoring and analytics service for networks, infrastructure, logs, and application performance.
PRTG Network Monitor
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive real-time monitoring of networks, devices, bandwidth, and applications using over 250 customizable sensors.
Sensor-based architecture with 250+ specialized sensors for monitoring virtually any IT metric out-of-the-box
PRTG Network Monitor is an all-in-one IT infrastructure monitoring solution from Paessler that tracks networks, bandwidth, servers, devices, applications, and cloud services using a flexible sensor-based system with over 250 sensor types. It features auto-discovery, real-time dashboards, interactive maps, and customizable alerts to ensure proactive issue detection and resolution. Designed for scalability, it suits small businesses with a generous free edition while offering perpetual licenses for growth.
Pros
- Extensive library of 250+ pre-built sensors for comprehensive monitoring
- Scalable from free tier (100 sensors) to enterprise levels with perpetual licensing
- Intuitive web-based interface with auto-discovery, maps, and reporting
Cons
- Sensor-based licensing can become costly as monitoring needs expand
- Requires a Windows server for on-premises installation
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom sensors and configurations
Best For
Small businesses needing robust, scalable network monitoring with a free starting point and no ongoing subscription fees.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 sensors; paid perpetual licenses start at $1,749 for 500 sensors, with optional annual maintenance.
ManageEngine OpManager
enterpriseMonitors network performance, faults, availability, and configurations with alerting and reporting for small business IT.
3-in-1 monitoring (fault detection, performance metrics, and configuration changes) with automated workflows and recovery actions
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust network monitoring tool designed to provide real-time visibility into the health and performance of network devices, servers, switches, routers, and firewalls. It offers fault detection, performance trending, bandwidth analysis, configuration management, and customizable dashboards for proactive issue resolution. For small businesses, it scales efficiently from basic to advanced monitoring needs with built-in reports, alerts, and integrations.
Pros
- Extensive support for 2000+ device types and multi-vendor environments
- Layered monitoring including fault, performance, and configuration management
- Free edition for up to 10 devices with scalable paid plans
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated and cluttered for beginners
- Advanced features like IP address management require add-ons
- Initial setup and customization can have a moderate learning curve
Best For
Small businesses with 10-250 devices seeking affordable, scalable network monitoring with strong fault detection and reporting.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 devices; paid plans start at $245/year for 10 devices (Standard), $345/year (Professional), scaling per additional monitors.
Auvik
specializedAutomates network discovery, mapping, monitoring, and troubleshooting tailored for SMBs and MSPs.
Automated, real-time interactive network topology mapping
Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring and management platform designed to automatically discover, map, and monitor network devices in real-time. It provides IT teams with detailed topology visualizations, performance alerts, configuration backups, and traffic analysis to quickly identify and resolve issues. For small businesses, it simplifies network oversight without requiring agents or extensive setup, making it suitable for distributed or multi-site environments.
Pros
- Automated network discovery and interactive topology mapping
- Agentless monitoring with real-time alerts and troubleshooting
- Configuration backups and detailed traffic analytics
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with network size
- Higher tiers needed for advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Small businesses with multiple sites or MSP-managed networks seeking automated visibility and management.
Pricing
Usage-based tiers (Essentials, Professional, Elite) starting at ~$150/month for small networks, scaled by devices and billable users.
NinjaOne
enterpriseRMM platform providing network device monitoring, patch management, and remote access for small business efficiency.
Seamless multi-OS patch management with automated deployment and compliance reporting from a single console
NinjaOne is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform that provides comprehensive network monitoring, endpoint management, and IT automation for small businesses and MSPs. It offers real-time alerts, performance tracking for devices, servers, and networks, along with automated patching, scripting, and remote access tools. This all-in-one solution helps IT teams proactively maintain infrastructure without on-premises hardware.
Pros
- Robust real-time monitoring and alerting for networks and endpoints
- Powerful automation with scripting and patch management across OS platforms
- Intuitive unified dashboard for quick remote access and management
Cons
- Per-device pricing can become expensive as the network grows
- Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
- Limited built-in reporting customization for complex needs
Best For
Small businesses with 50-500 devices needing an all-in-one RMM tool for proactive network monitoring and IT automation.
Pricing
Per-device pricing starts at $4/device/month (Professional, billed annually) up to $7/device/month (Enterprise); free trial available.
Atera
enterpriseAll-in-one RMM and PSA tool with network discovery, monitoring, and automation for SMB IT management.
Pay-per-technician model with unlimited endpoints and built-in AI co-pilot for automated scripting
Atera is a cloud-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform designed for MSPs and small IT teams, offering real-time network and device monitoring, automated alerting, patching, and remote access capabilities. It simplifies IT management by integrating ticketing, scripting, and reporting into a single dashboard, making it suitable for monitoring small business networks across multiple endpoints. With AI-powered automation, it helps detect issues like downtime, performance bottlenecks, and security threats proactively.
Pros
- Unlimited endpoints per technician for scalable monitoring
- User-friendly interface with quick deployment
- Integrated AI scripting and automation for efficient issue resolution
Cons
- Pricing model based on technicians rather than devices limits flexibility for solo users
- Advanced reporting and customization require higher tiers
- Occasional latency in alerts for very large networks
Best For
Small MSPs or IT departments managing networks for multiple small businesses with limited staff.
Pricing
Starts at $99/technician/month (Professional plan) up to $159 (Elite); unlimited devices, billed annually.
Domotz
specializedCloud-based remote network monitoring, alerting, and access designed for technicians and small teams.
Integrated Remote Access Toolbox for secure, on-demand device control and troubleshooting
Domotz is a cloud-based, agentless network monitoring platform tailored for remote oversight of IT infrastructure, automatically discovering and mapping devices like routers, switches, servers, and WiFi access points. It delivers real-time alerts, performance metrics, bandwidth monitoring, and integrated remote access tools for quick troubleshooting. Designed for small businesses and MSPs, it supports multi-site management with mobile apps for on-the-go visibility.
Pros
- Agentless setup with fast auto-discovery
- Powerful remote access and troubleshooting toolbox
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile app
Cons
- Free tier limited to one agent
- Advanced reporting requires higher plans
- Customization options could be deeper
Best For
Small businesses and MSPs needing simple, remote monitoring of distributed networks without agents.
Pricing
Free Starter (1 agent); Pro $35/mo (50 devices, annual); Enterprise custom scaling.
Zabbix
otherOpen-source enterprise-class solution for monitoring networks, servers, virtualization, and cloud services.
Unlimited scalability with no restrictions on monitored hosts or users
Zabbix is a mature, open-source network monitoring solution that tracks the performance and availability of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, virtual machines, cloud services, and applications. It provides real-time alerting, customizable dashboards, automated discovery, and detailed reporting to help prevent downtime. With support for thousands of devices and integrations, it's designed for scalability from small setups to enterprise environments.
Pros
- Completely free open-source with no host or user limits
- Highly scalable and supports extensive integrations and auto-discovery
- Powerful alerting, visualization, and historical data analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring technical expertise for setup
- Outdated web interface can feel clunky and overwhelming
- Limited official support unless purchasing paid services
Best For
Small businesses with dedicated IT staff needing robust, cost-free monitoring for growing networks.
Pricing
Free open-source core; optional paid support and appliance starting at ~$1,000/year.
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
enterpriseScalable network monitoring with performance metrics, deep packet inspection, and intelligent alerting.
PerfStack™ for cross-correlating metrics from multiple sources in interactive troubleshooting timelines
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a powerful, enterprise-grade tool that delivers real-time monitoring of network devices, bandwidth usage, and performance metrics across routers, switches, servers, and VMs. It features customizable dashboards, automated alerts, and topology mapping for quick issue identification and resolution. While highly scalable, it's particularly strong for detailed diagnostics in complex setups.
Pros
- Comprehensive device and performance monitoring
- Highly customizable dashboards and reports
- Advanced alerting and troubleshooting tools
Cons
- High cost prohibitive for very small teams
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Resource-intensive on hosting server
Best For
Small businesses with dedicated IT staff managing moderately complex networks needing deep visibility and scalability.
Pricing
Perpetual licensing starts at ~$2,700 for 100 elements plus annual maintenance (~20-30%); subscription from ~$1,400/year.
LogicMonitor
enterpriseSaaS-based unified observability platform for monitoring IT infrastructure, networks, and applications.
LogicModules: Vast library of pre-built, vendor-certified monitoring templates for rapid deployment across diverse IT assets
LogicMonitor is a cloud-based infrastructure monitoring platform that provides comprehensive visibility into networks, servers, applications, and cloud services through automated discovery and AI-driven analytics. It excels in collecting metrics, logs, and traces to detect anomalies, predict issues, and enable root cause analysis for IT teams. Designed for scalability, it supports over 2,000 technologies out-of-the-box via pre-configured LogicModules, making it suitable for hybrid environments.
Pros
- Automated device discovery and topology mapping
- AI-powered anomaly detection and AIOps capabilities
- Extensive pre-built monitoring modules for 2000+ technologies
Cons
- High pricing with custom quotes and minimum commitments
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Overkill for very small networks with basic needs
Best For
Growing small businesses with complex, hybrid IT environments needing scalable, enterprise-level monitoring.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$20-50 per device/month with annual commitments; no public tiers, requires sales quote.
Datadog
enterpriseCloud-native monitoring and analytics service for networks, infrastructure, logs, and application performance.
Agentless network discovery that maps and monitors devices without software installation
Datadog is a comprehensive cloud observability platform that delivers real-time monitoring for infrastructure, applications, networks, and logs. In network monitoring, it tracks device performance, traffic patterns, bandwidth usage, and latency with agentless discovery for quick setup across hybrid environments. It stands out by correlating network metrics with app traces and logs for faster issue resolution, though it's often more suited to scaling operations than basic small business needs.
Pros
- Powerful network visibility with flow monitoring and device health tracking
- Customizable dashboards and AI-powered alerts
- Seamless integrations with 500+ tools and cloud providers
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly beyond small business budgets
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations
- Overkill for simple network monitoring without complex stacks
Best For
Small businesses with hybrid or cloud networks needing unified observability as they grow.
Pricing
Starts at $15/host/month for infrastructure (annual); Network Monitoring add-on ~$5/device/month; free tier limited, 14-day trial.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal network monitoring software for small businesses requires careful consideration, and this review underscores standout options. PRTG Network Monitor claims the top spot, delivering a blend of comprehensive, real-time monitoring and customization. ManageEngine OpManager and Auvik follow closely, each offering unique strengths to suit diverse operational needs, ensuring businesses can find a solution that aligns with their specific goals.
Don’t miss out—begin with PRTG Network Monitor to unlock its powerful, all-encompassing features and enhance your network’s performance and reliability.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
