10 Best Network Monitoring Tools in 2025

Network monitoring tools are essential for modern IT infrastructure, providing the visibility needed to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of an organization’s digital assets.

These solutions track the performance, availability, and health of all network devices, from routers and switches to servers and applications.

By providing real-time data, automated alerts, and detailed reports, these tools empower IT teams to proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate into business-critical outages.

In the fast-paced landscape of 2025, the demand for sophisticated network monitoring tools has never been higher. As businesses continue to embrace hybrid cloud environments, remote work, and complex, interconnected systems, the need for comprehensive and intelligent monitoring solutions becomes paramount.

The top tools on the market today go beyond simple uptime checks, leveraging advanced features like AI-powered analytics, automated network mapping, and deep-packet inspection to provide a complete and actionable view of network health.

This guide highlights the best network monitoring tools that meet the rigorous demands of today’s digital world.

How We Chose These Best Network Monitoring Tools

Our selection process for the best network monitoring tools of 2025 was guided by a commitment to accuracy and a deep understanding of what makes a product truly valuable to IT professionals. We analyzed a wide range of factors, including:

• Comprehensive Features: We prioritized tools that offer a broad suite of features, including real-time monitoring, automated device discovery, network mapping, customizable dashboards, and intelligent alerting.
• Performance and Scalability: The ability to handle large, complex, and distributed network environments was a key consideration. We looked for solutions that can scale with an organization’s growth without sacrificing performance or increasing complexity.
• Ease of Use: While feature-rich, the best tools are also intuitive and easy to deploy and manage. We evaluated user interfaces, setup processes, and the availability of clear documentation and support.
• User Reviews and Ratings: We heavily weighed feedback from real users on platforms like Gartner Peer Insights, G2, and TrustRadius to understand real-world experiences with each product’s functionality, support, and overall value.
• Innovation and Integration: We considered the tool’s ability to integrate with other IT management systems (e.g., ITSM, CI/CD pipelines) and its use of modern technologies like AI and machine learning to provide proactive insights and reduce alert fatigue.
• Pricing and Value: We examined pricing models, from free and open-source options to enterprise-level subscriptions, to ensure we provided a range of tools that offer strong value for businesses of all sizes and budgets.

Comparison Table: Top 10 Best Network Monitoring Tools in 2025

Feature	Real-time monitoring	Automated discovery	Network mapping	Cloud monitoring	AI-powered analytics	Customizable dashboards	Application monitoring	Open-source option	On-premise	SaaS
Datadog	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
SolarWinds	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Zabbix	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Paessler PRTG	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Freeware)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
ManageEngine OpManager	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
LogicMonitor	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Dynatrace	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Auvik	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Checkmk	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Free Edition)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Nagios	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Core)	✅ Yes	❌ No

1. Datadog

Specifications:

Datadog is a unified monitoring and analytics platform for large-scale applications and infrastructure.

Its network performance monitoring (NPM) module is a part of a larger observability platform. It is a SaaS-based solution with an agent-based architecture for data collection.

Reason to Buy:

Datadog’s strength lies in its ability to provide a unified, end-to-end view of your entire IT stack—from network to applications and cloud services.

The platform’s powerful correlation and machine learning capabilities make it easy to troubleshoot complex issues in hybrid and cloud-native environments.

Features:

Comprehensive, full-stack observability; AI-powered anomaly detection and alerting; Automated network discovery and topology mapping; Deep network flow and packet analysis; Extensive integrations with over 600 technologies;

Pros:

Single-pane-of-glass for all IT metrics; Exceptional for cloud and hybrid environments; Highly scalable and robust; Strong community and support;

Cons:

Can be costly as you scale; Steep learning curve for advanced features; Complex pricing model; Less focus on legacy network devices;

✅ Best For: Large enterprises and DevOps teams that need a comprehensive, cloud-native observability platform.

Official Website: Datadog

2. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)

Specifications:

SolarWinds NPM is a comprehensive on-premise and cloud-based network monitoring solution known for its robust features for large, complex networks.

It uses SNMP, WMI, ICMP, and NetFlow protocols for data collection.

Reason to Buy:

For organizations with a large on-premise network, SolarWinds NPM provides a deeply powerful and customizable solution.

Its NetPath feature for hop-by-hop analysis and PerfStack for performance correlation make it a go-to for root cause analysis.

Features:

Advanced fault and performance management; Intelligent alerts and customizable thresholds; Automated network device discovery and mapping; NetPath for visual network path analysis;Deep packet inspection for application traffic analysis;

Pros:

Extremely powerful and scalable; Excellent for large, enterprise-level networks; Comprehensive feature set; Highly customizable dashboards and reports;

Cons:

Can be expensive; Requires significant resources for on-premise deployment; Interface can feel dated; Complex to set up and maintain;

✅ Best For: Large, enterprise-level organizations with a complex, on-premise network infrastructure.

Official Website: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)

3. Zabbix

Specifications:

Zabbix is a free and open-source enterprise-class network monitoring solution.

It is known for its highly scalable architecture and extensive customization options. It supports a wide range of platforms and monitoring methods.

Reason to Buy:

Zabbix is the ideal choice for organizations that require a powerful, highly flexible, and cost-effective monitoring solution.

With zero licensing costs, it provides enterprise-grade features and the freedom to customize the platform to specific needs.

Features:

Agent-based and agentless monitoring; Distributed monitoring for large environments; Highly customizable alerts and triggers; Real-time monitoring and data visualization; API integration for a flexible ecosystem;

Pros:

Free and open-source with no licensing fees; Highly scalable for massive networks; Excellent for custom monitoring; Large and active community support;

Cons:

Requires strong technical skills to set up and maintain; The user interface can be less intuitive; No official vendor support without a paid contract; Can have a steep learning curve;

✅ Best For: IT teams and enterprises seeking a powerful, open-source, and highly customizable monitoring solution.

Official Website: Zabbix

4. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Specifications:

PRTG is a comprehensive, all-in-one monitoring solution that uses a sensor-based pricing model.

It can monitor networks, servers, applications, and more, offering both on-premise and cloud-based deployments.

Reason to Buy:

PRTG is an excellent option for businesses of all sizes, offering a flexible, sensor-based pricing model that scales with your needs.

Its easy-to-use interface and powerful mapping capabilities provide a holistic view of your entire IT infrastructure.

Features:

“Sensors” to monitor specific metrics on devices; Powerful customizable dashboards and maps; Automated discovery and network mapping; Multiple alerting methods (email, SMS, push); Free version for up to 100 sensors;

Pros:

Flexible and scalable sensor-based licensing; Comprehensive, all-in-one monitoring; Intuitive and user-friendly interface; Strong support for a wide range of devices;

Cons:

Sensor-based pricing can get complex; The free version has limitations; Can be overwhelming with too many sensors; Some advanced features may require additional configuration;

✅ Best For: SMBs and medium-sized businesses that need a flexible, all-in-one monitoring solution.

Official Website: Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

5. ManageEngine OpManager

Specifications:

ManageEngine OpManager is an integrated network management solution that provides real-time network monitoring, traffic analysis, and configuration management.

It is available for both on-premise and cloud deployments.

Reason to Buy:

OpManager is a strong contender for mid-size businesses and MSPs looking for a feature-rich and affordable solution.

It offers a balance of robust network monitoring capabilities, a user-friendly interface, and a competitive price point.

Features:

Real-time network and server monitoring; Layer 2 and Layer 3 network mapping; VoIP and WAN performance monitoring; Automated network device discovery; Customizable dashboards and reports;

Pros:

Affordable for SMBs and mid-market; All-in-one suite with diverse features; Easy to deploy and use; Strong reporting and alerting capabilities;

Cons:

Can have a learning curve for advanced settings; The user interface can feel slightly outdated; Scalability can be a concern for very large environments; Lacks some of the advanced AI features of competitors;

✅ Best For: Mid-sized businesses and IT teams seeking an affordable, feature-rich network management suite.

Official Website: ManageEngine OpManager

6. LogicMonitor

Specifications:

LogicMonitor is a SaaS-based, agentless, and AI-powered observability platform. It is designed for IT teams and MSPs to monitor on-premise, cloud, and hybrid infrastructures.

Reason to Buy:

LogicMonitor is perfect for organizations with complex, hybrid environments that need automated, AI-driven insights.

Its agentless architecture and seamless discovery make it quick to deploy and get a holistic view of your infrastructure.

Features:

Agentless and automated device discovery; AI-powered anomaly detection and alerting; Pre-built dashboards and reports; Real-time network, server, and cloud monitoring; Service-level monitoring and dependency mapping;

Pros:

AI-driven insights reduce alert noise; Excellent for hybrid and multi-cloud environments; Easy and fast deployment; Great customer support and modern UI.

Cons:

Can be expensive, especially for smaller teams; Less customizable than open-source tools; Billing structure can be complex; Requires a strong internet connection.

✅ Best For: MSPs and organizations with complex, hybrid cloud infrastructures.

Official Website: LogicMonitor

7. Dynatrace

Specifications:

Dynatrace is a comprehensive observability platform that provides full-stack monitoring, including network performance, using its OneAgent technology.

It is a SaaS-based solution with powerful AI and automation at its core.

Reason to Buy:

For enterprises that need to monitor their entire technology stack with a single, intelligent platform, Dynatrace is a top choice.

Its AI-powered Davis engine provides automatic root cause analysis, significantly reducing time to resolution.

Features:

Full-stack, end-to-end monitoring; AI-powered root cause analysis (Davis AI); Automatic dependency mapping; Real-time network performance monitoring; Synthetic and real user monitoring;

Pros:

Exceptional for complex, enterprise-level applications; The Davis AI engine is highly effective; Provides a unified view of all IT components; Automated deployment and configuration;

Cons:

Premium pricing makes it unsuitable for small businesses; Network-specific features are less robust than specialized tools; Can be complex for pure network monitoring; High agent costs;

✅ Best For: Large enterprises and DevOps teams requiring a comprehensive, AI-driven full-stack observability platform.

Official Website: Dynatrace

8. Auvik

Specifications:

Auvik is a cloud-based network monitoring and management solution designed specifically for MSPs and IT teams managing multiple sites.

It provides automated network discovery and mapping in real-time.

Reason to Buy:

Auvik is a great choice for IT teams and MSPs that need a simple, cloud-based solution for multi-site network management.

Its automated network mapping and fast deployment make it incredibly efficient for managing complex, distributed environments.

Features:

Automated network discovery and mapping; Real-time network inventory and visibility; Traffic analysis and performance monitoring; Automated configuration backup; Cloud-based platform with fast deployment;

Pros:

Excellent for multi-site and distributed networks; Very easy to set up and use; Real-time network mapping is a standout feature; Strong support for MSPs;

Cons:

Can be less customizable than on-premise solutions; Lacks some of the deep-packet analysis of competitors; Pricing can be confusing; May not have some of the enterprise-level features;

✅ Best For: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams managing multiple networks and sites.

Official Website: Auvik

9. Checkmk

Specifications:

Checkmk is a powerful, open-source monitoring solution with a commercial Enterprise Edition.

It excels in monitoring networks, servers, applications, and more. It offers a flexible and extensible architecture.

Reason to Buy:

Checkmk is a robust and flexible monitoring tool that bridges the gap between open-source flexibility and enterprise-grade features.

Its ability to monitor a wide range of devices with ease and its strong automation capabilities make it a solid choice for teams of all sizes.

Features:

Automated discovery and intelligent alerting; Scalable architecture for large environments; Highly customizable dashboards and visualizations; Extensive plugin support for various devices; Flexible deployment options (on-premise, cloud);

Pros:

Good balance of open-source and commercial features; Scalable and efficient; Easy to set up and manage; Flexible and extensible via custom checks;

Cons:

The free version has limitations; The user interface can be less polished; Requires some monitoring knowledge to configure properly; Community support can be hit-or-miss;

✅ Best For: Organizations that need a powerful and flexible open-source solution with the option for commercial support.

Official Website: Checkmk

10. Nagios

Specifications:

Nagios offers two primary products: Nagios Core (free and open-source) and Nagios XI (commercial). It is a highly customizable and flexible tool for monitoring IT infrastructure.

Reason to Buy:

Nagios is a classic and reliable choice, especially for teams that value flexibility and have the technical expertise to leverage its open-source core.

The extensive community-driven plugins allow for monitoring virtually anything.

Features:

Comprehensive host and service monitoring; Extensive plugin support for customization; Proactive alerting and notifications; A powerful web-based interface for management; Scalable and distributed monitoring architecture;

Pros:

Highly flexible and customizable; Large and active community; Nagios Core is completely free; Reliable and time-tested;

Cons:

Nagios Core has a steep learning curve; The user interface of Core is outdated; Requires significant manual configuration; Nagios XI is a paid product with a less modern UI;

✅ Best For: Linux administrators and organizations that need a highly customizable, open-source solution.

Official Website: Nagios