Quick Overview
- 1#1: Datadog Synthetic Monitoring - Simulates real user interactions across web apps, APIs, and browsers from global vantage points to proactively monitor performance and availability.
- 2#2: New Relic Synthetics - Creates scripted browser and API tests from multiple locations worldwide to detect functional and performance issues before users notice.
- 3#3: Dynatrace Synthetic Monitoring - Delivers AI-powered synthetic tests for full-stack applications, simulating user journeys to ensure optimal digital experience globally.
- 4#4: ThousandEyes - Provides network and application synthetic monitoring with global agents to test connectivity, routing, and end-user performance.
- 5#5: Checkly - Enables code-based synthetic monitoring using Playwright and Puppeteer for realistic browser and API checks with instant alerting.
- 6#6: SpeedCurve - Monitors real-user and synthetic web performance metrics like Core Web Vitals from global locations with visual filmstrips and alerts.
- 7#7: Catchpoint - Offers comprehensive synthetic testing for websites, APIs, and networks from a massive global agent network to optimize digital experiences.
- 8#8: Site24x7 Synthetic Monitoring - Performs scripted website, browser, API, and mobile app monitoring from 100+ global locations with detailed performance analytics.
- 9#9: Uptrends - Executes synthetic checks for uptime, performance, and transactions across web, mobile, API, and voice from 200+ test locations worldwide.
- 10#10: Dotcom-Monitor - Delivers customizable synthetic monitoring for websites, apps, and APIs from 30+ global data centers with real browsers and alerting.
Tools were ranked based on feature depth (e.g., global coverage, test types), performance accuracy, usability (including customization and alerting), and overall value, ensuring relevance across diverse organizational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading synthetic monitoring tools, including Datadog Synthetic Monitoring, New Relic Synthetics, Dynatrace Synthetic Monitoring, ThousandEyes, Checkly, and more, to highlight their key features, capabilities, and use cases. It equips readers with insights to identify the right tool for addressing specific monitoring needs, such as real-user simulation, multi-cloud coverage, or network latency tracking.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Datadog Synthetic Monitoring Simulates real user interactions across web apps, APIs, and browsers from global vantage points to proactively monitor performance and availability. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | New Relic Synthetics Creates scripted browser and API tests from multiple locations worldwide to detect functional and performance issues before users notice. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Dynatrace Synthetic Monitoring Delivers AI-powered synthetic tests for full-stack applications, simulating user journeys to ensure optimal digital experience globally. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | ThousandEyes Provides network and application synthetic monitoring with global agents to test connectivity, routing, and end-user performance. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Checkly Enables code-based synthetic monitoring using Playwright and Puppeteer for realistic browser and API checks with instant alerting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | SpeedCurve Monitors real-user and synthetic web performance metrics like Core Web Vitals from global locations with visual filmstrips and alerts. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Catchpoint Offers comprehensive synthetic testing for websites, APIs, and networks from a massive global agent network to optimize digital experiences. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Site24x7 Synthetic Monitoring Performs scripted website, browser, API, and mobile app monitoring from 100+ global locations with detailed performance analytics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Uptrends Executes synthetic checks for uptime, performance, and transactions across web, mobile, API, and voice from 200+ test locations worldwide. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Dotcom-Monitor Delivers customizable synthetic monitoring for websites, apps, and APIs from 30+ global data centers with real browsers and alerting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
Simulates real user interactions across web apps, APIs, and browsers from global vantage points to proactively monitor performance and availability.
Creates scripted browser and API tests from multiple locations worldwide to detect functional and performance issues before users notice.
Delivers AI-powered synthetic tests for full-stack applications, simulating user journeys to ensure optimal digital experience globally.
Provides network and application synthetic monitoring with global agents to test connectivity, routing, and end-user performance.
Enables code-based synthetic monitoring using Playwright and Puppeteer for realistic browser and API checks with instant alerting.
Monitors real-user and synthetic web performance metrics like Core Web Vitals from global locations with visual filmstrips and alerts.
Offers comprehensive synthetic testing for websites, APIs, and networks from a massive global agent network to optimize digital experiences.
Performs scripted website, browser, API, and mobile app monitoring from 100+ global locations with detailed performance analytics.
Executes synthetic checks for uptime, performance, and transactions across web, mobile, API, and voice from 200+ test locations worldwide.
Delivers customizable synthetic monitoring for websites, apps, and APIs from 30+ global data centers with real browsers and alerting.
Datadog Synthetic Monitoring
enterpriseSimulates real user interactions across web apps, APIs, and browsers from global vantage points to proactively monitor performance and availability.
End-to-end test orchestration with automatic correlation to RUM, APM, logs, and infrastructure metrics in a single platform
Datadog Synthetic Monitoring is a comprehensive solution for proactive testing of websites, APIs, and applications using scripted synthetic tests executed from 100+ global locations. It supports HTTP, browser, TCP, and multistep tests with advanced assertions, screenshots, and video recordings for detailed debugging. Seamlessly integrated with Datadog's full observability platform, it correlates synthetic data with real-user monitoring, metrics, logs, and traces for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Extensive test types including API, browser multistep, and TCP with powerful assertions
- Global network of 100+ locations for accurate, low-latency monitoring
- Deep integration with Datadog ecosystem for unified alerting and dashboards
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with high test volume or locations
- Steep learning curve for complex multistep browser scripting
- Limited no-code options compared to some specialized tools
Best For
Enterprise teams requiring scalable, globally distributed synthetic monitoring integrated with full-stack observability.
Pricing
Usage-based at $5 per 10,000 test runs/month after free tier (10,000 runs); bundled in Pro ($15/host/month) and Enterprise plans.
New Relic Synthetics
enterpriseCreates scripted browser and API tests from multiple locations worldwide to detect functional and performance issues before users notice.
Highly customizable Node.js scripted browser tests that replicate sophisticated user interactions across real browsers.
New Relic Synthetics is a powerful synthetic monitoring solution that simulates user interactions with websites, APIs, and applications from over 200 global locations to proactively detect performance issues and downtime. It offers flexible test types including scripted browser tests using Node.js, API endpoint checks, ping monitors, and certificate validations, all integrated seamlessly with New Relic's full observability platform. This enables correlation of synthetic data with real-user monitoring, APM, and infrastructure metrics for comprehensive insights.
Pros
- Extensive global monitoring locations (200+) for accurate worldwide coverage
- Advanced scripting capabilities with Node.js for complex, multi-step user journeys
- Deep integration with New Relic's APM, logs, and infrastructure observability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for custom scripting, less ideal for beginners
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive at high volumes
- Overkill for teams not leveraging the full New Relic ecosystem
Best For
Enterprises with complex, distributed applications needing integrated full-stack observability and advanced synthetic testing.
Pricing
Generous free tier (10 monitors, limited executions); usage-based paid pricing at $0.30 per 1,000 execution minutes, included in New Relic platform ingest billing.
Dynatrace Synthetic Monitoring
enterpriseDelivers AI-powered synthetic tests for full-stack applications, simulating user journeys to ensure optimal digital experience globally.
Davis AI for automated root cause analysis correlating synthetic failures to infrastructure and real-user data
Dynatrace Synthetic Monitoring is a comprehensive solution within the Dynatrace observability platform that proactively simulates user interactions to monitor website, application, and API performance from global vantage points. It supports HTTP requests, full browser tests with JavaScript scripting, mobile app testing, and API validations to detect issues before they affect real users. Integrated with AI-powered analytics via Davis AI, it correlates synthetic data with real user monitoring (RUM) and infrastructure metrics for root cause analysis.
Pros
- Extensive test types including scripted browser monitors and API checks with global locations
- Seamless integration with full-stack observability and AI-driven anomaly detection
- Private synthetic locations for secure, internal testing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced scripting and configuration
- Pricing tied to full Dynatrace platform, expensive for standalone synthetic use
- Complex consumption-based model requires careful planning
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, distributed applications needing end-to-end observability and proactive monitoring.
Pricing
Consumption-based via Dynatrace host units or full-stack licensing; synthetics included in platform pricing starting at enterprise levels (contact sales for quotes, typically $20K+ annually).
ThousandEyes
enterpriseProvides network and application synthetic monitoring with global agents to test connectivity, routing, and end-user performance.
Full network path visualization tracing issues from endpoint to origin across ISP hops
ThousandEyes is a leading synthetic monitoring platform that delivers end-to-end visibility into digital experiences by simulating user interactions from a global network of over 200 cloud agents and thousands of endpoint agents. It performs active tests for web applications, APIs, networks, and voice services, providing metrics on availability, performance, and path analysis to detect issues proactively. Acquired by Cisco, it excels in correlating synthetic data with real-user and network telemetry for comprehensive observability.
Pros
- Extensive global vantage points for realistic multi-location testing
- Advanced network path visualization and BGP monitoring
- Seamless integrations with Cisco tools and third-party platforms
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing with custom quotes
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration
- Limited options for small teams or simple use cases
Best For
Large enterprises and DevOps teams managing complex, global applications requiring deep network and application performance insights.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $15,000+ annually based on agents, tests, and data retention.
Checkly
specializedEnables code-based synthetic monitoring using Playwright and Puppeteer for realistic browser and API checks with instant alerting.
Playwright-powered browser checks for end-to-end, visual, and scripted user journey monitoring
Checkly is a powerful synthetic monitoring platform designed for monitoring websites, APIs, and web applications through HTTP checks, scripted browser tests, and multi-step user journeys. It leverages real browsers via Playwright for realistic end-to-end testing from global locations, providing uptime, performance, and error insights. Developers benefit from a code-first approach with Git integration, CLI tools, and seamless DevOps workflows for reliable alerting and incident response.
Pros
- Highly customizable code-based checks using Playwright for realistic browser monitoring
- Global checkpoints and fast alerting with rich integrations (Slack, PagerDuty, GitHub)
- CLI and Git workflow for infrastructure-as-code monitoring
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with check volume, potentially expensive for high-scale use
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers due to scripting focus
- Dashboard and reporting less polished compared to enterprise leaders
Best For
Development and DevOps teams managing modern web apps who value scriptable, code-driven synthetic monitoring.
Pricing
Free plan (10k check runs/month); paid plans start at $7/month (100 checks), with usage-based billing up to Enterprise custom pricing.
SpeedCurve
specializedMonitors real-user and synthetic web performance metrics like Core Web Vitals from global locations with visual filmstrips and alerts.
Filmstrip View, offering a frame-by-frame visual timeline of page rendering to pinpoint visual and interactive bottlenecks
SpeedCurve is a powerful web performance monitoring platform specializing in synthetic monitoring, running automated tests from real browsers and devices across 50+ global locations to benchmark Core Web Vitals and other key metrics. It provides detailed insights through unique visualizations like Filmstrip View and Cascade waterfalls, helping teams identify bottlenecks and enforce performance budgets. The tool integrates RUM data with synthetics for a holistic view and supports CI/CD workflows for proactive optimization.
Pros
- Exceptional visualization tools like Filmstrip and Cascade for deep performance analysis
- Global testing from real devices with frequent updates to match browser releases
- Robust performance budgeting and alerting tied to Core Web Vitals
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume testing, less ideal for small budgets
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom scripting
- Primarily focused on web page loads rather than broad API or app monitoring
Best For
Web development teams and DevOps engineers prioritizing front-end performance optimization and Core Web Vitals compliance at scale.
Pricing
Free for open-source projects; Pro plans start at $115/month (1,000 tests/month), scales to Enterprise custom pricing based on test volume and retention.
Catchpoint
enterpriseOffers comprehensive synthetic testing for websites, APIs, and networks from a massive global agent network to optimize digital experiences.
Vanguard network – the world's largest purpose-built synthetic monitoring infrastructure with hyper-local vantage points for unmatched accuracy.
Catchpoint is a leading digital experience monitoring platform that excels in synthetic monitoring, simulating user interactions from a vast global network of vantage points to proactively identify performance issues in websites, APIs, and applications. It provides detailed diagnostics, root cause analysis, and combines synthetics with real user and network monitoring for comprehensive visibility. Ideal for enterprises needing precise, location-specific insights into digital performance worldwide.
Pros
- Extensive global Vanguard network with over 500 locations for accurate, geo-specific testing
- Advanced scripting capabilities for complex multi-step synthetic tests and custom validations
- Deep integration with RUM, network performance, and third-party tools for holistic observability
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing that's prohibitively expensive for SMBs
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring training
- Limited self-service options and no public free tier
Best For
Large enterprises with global digital footprints needing granular synthetic monitoring and performance diagnostics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request, typically starting at several thousand dollars per month based on monitoring scope and locations.
Site24x7 Synthetic Monitoring
enterprisePerforms scripted website, browser, API, and mobile app monitoring from 100+ global locations with detailed performance analytics.
140+ global vantage points enabling precise, location-specific synthetic monitoring and SLA validation.
Site24x7 Synthetic Monitoring is a robust solution within the Site24x7 platform that simulates real-user interactions to monitor website and application performance from over 140 global locations. It supports a wide range of monitor types, including HTTP/HTTPS, full-page browser checks, REST API, FTP, and DNS, delivering metrics on uptime, response times, throughput, and error rates. The tool provides customizable dashboards, alerting via multiple channels, and historical trend analysis to help teams proactively identify and resolve issues.
Pros
- Over 140 global monitoring locations for accurate worldwide performance insights
- Wide variety of synthetic monitor types including browser transactions and API endpoints
- Seamless integration with RUM, infrastructure, and log management for full observability
Cons
- Feature-rich interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Advanced reporting and customization options are limited compared to top competitors
- Customer support response times can vary, especially on lower-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized IT teams seeking cost-effective, all-in-one synthetic monitoring integrated with broader infrastructure observability.
Pricing
Free plan with limited monitors; paid tiers start at $9/month (Starter, 10 monitors) up to Enterprise (custom pricing).
Uptrends
specializedExecutes synthetic checks for uptime, performance, and transactions across web, mobile, API, and voice from 200+ test locations worldwide.
Real-browser transaction monitoring from 230+ global locations, enabling accurate simulation of complex user journeys
Uptrends is a robust synthetic monitoring platform that proactively tests website and application performance, availability, and functionality from over 230 global checkpoints. It offers a wide range of test types, including HTTP(S), page speed, full-page checks, API endpoints, and multi-step transaction monitoring using real browsers. The tool provides detailed analytics, real-time alerts via multiple channels, and seamless integrations for comprehensive visibility into user experience worldwide.
Pros
- Extensive global network of 230+ monitoring locations for accurate worldwide testing
- Advanced transaction monitoring with scripted real-browser tests
- Comprehensive alerting, reporting, and integrations with tools like Slack, PagerDuty, and Jira
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional tests and advanced features
- Complex transaction scripting may require a learning curve
- Limited options for very small teams or perpetual free usage
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and enterprises needing globally distributed synthetic monitoring for web apps and APIs with detailed transaction validation.
Pricing
Starts at €5.40 per uptime check/month (annual billing), with plans like Pro and Business offering more tests and features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Dotcom-Monitor
specializedDelivers customizable synthetic monitoring for websites, apps, and APIs from 30+ global data centers with real browsers and alerting.
Real-browser transaction monitoring from 30+ global vantage points simulating complex user journeys
Dotcom-Monitor is a robust synthetic monitoring platform that performs continuous checks on websites, applications, and APIs from over 30 global locations to measure availability, performance, and user experience. It supports various test types including HTTP(S), full-page browser tests, scripted transactions, and functional monitoring using real browsers. The tool delivers actionable insights through customizable dashboards, real-time alerts, and detailed reporting to help teams detect and resolve issues proactively.
Pros
- Extensive global network of 30+ monitoring locations for accurate worldwide testing
- Advanced scripted transaction monitoring with real browsers
- Comprehensive alerting, SLA reporting, and integrations with tools like Slack and PagerDuty
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing is quote-based with less upfront transparency
- Steeper learning curve for complex script creation
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing detailed global synthetic monitoring for complex web applications and transactions.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $200/month for basic plans, scales with tests, locations, and features (free 30-day trial available).
Conclusion
The top synthetic monitoring tools showcase robust performance, with Datadog Synthetic Monitoring leading as the top choice for its global simulation of user interactions across web apps, APIs, and browsers. New Relic Synthetics excels in scripted tests from multiple locations, while Dynatrace Synthetic Monitoring impresses with AI-powered full-stack user journey simulations, each offering unique strengths for diverse needs. While specific requirements may lead to different preferences, Datadog’s comprehensive approach makes it a standout option for proactive digital performance management.
Take control of your digital experience—explore Datadog Synthetic Monitoring today to detect and resolve issues before they affect users.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison