Network monitoring software is a tool that allows you to keep track of the activity and performance of your network. This can be an invaluable resource in identifying potential problems, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing the performance of your network. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large organization, having access to this type of software can help ensure that your network runs smoothly and efficiently.

There are a variety of different network monitoring tools available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that meets the specific needs of your organization. Some factors to consider include the size of your network, the type of traffic you need to monitor, and the level of detail you require. Network monitoring software can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, so it’s important to select a solution that fits your infrastructure.

With so many different options available, it can be overwhelming to try and choose the right network monitoring software for your needs. However, by taking the time to evaluate your requirements and compare the features of different solutions, you can find a tool that will help you keep your network running smoothly.

Top 5 Best Free Network Monitoring Software

  1. SolarWinds – Best overall
  2. Auvik – Best for remote system monitoring
  3. Datadog – Best for monitoring network traffic flows
  4. ManageEngine OpManager – Best for robust features
  5. HelpSystems Intermapper – Best for free version

1. SolarWinds – Best overall

PRICING: 30-day free trial available. Starts at $1,638.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a powerful and affordable network monitoring software that enables you to quickly detect, diagnose, and resolve network performance issues. This NPM provides you with comprehensive network visibility, allowing you to monitor your entire network infrastructure from a single platform.

With SolarWinds NPM, you can troubleshoot network problems in real time, quickly identify the root cause of performance issues, and efficiently resolve them.

Additionally, they provide you with useful network performance reports that help you make informed business decisions based on your network data. Overall, SolarWinds NPM is a powerful and easy-to-use network monitoring solution that can help you manage your entire network more effectively!

KEY FEATURES:

  • SNMP monitoring
  • Automatically discovers connected network devices
  • Network availability monitoring
  • Intelligent network maps with NetPath
  • WiFi heat maps tools
  • Performance analysis with alerts and reports system

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Best for large and enterprise businesses
  • Customize dashboard with drag and drop widgets
  • Incredible alerting features
  • Supports SNMP monitoring and packet analysis
  • Fantastic reporting system with templates available

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • May be too intense and expensive for smaller businesses

» MORE: Top Software for Neural Networks

2. Auvik – Best for remote system monitoring

PRICING: 14-day free trial available. Contact for quote.

Auvik is a network monitoring and management platform that allows IT professionals to remotely monitor and manage their networks. It provides real-time visibility into the health of your entire network, along with tools for automating issue resolution, improving efficiency, and reducing downtime in your infrastructure. Auvik’s approach to network management is designed to be fast and efficient, allowing you to focus on the services that keep your business running.

Auvik is designed for IT professionals who are working with networks of varying sizes and complexities. Whether you’re managing a small office network or a large enterprise, Auvik provides the tools needed to easily maintain and monitor your network. With Auvik’s real-time visibility, you can quickly identify and resolve issues before they cause downtime. And because Auvik is cloud-based, you can access your data and tools from anywhere, at any time.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Network mapping
  • Resource utilization options
  • Automate configuration backup & recovery
  • Simplified performance monitoring and troubleshooting
  • Automated setup
  • Access network from anywhere

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Cloud-based software, so IT professionals can monitor the network from anywhere
  • Automated network discovery, mapping, and inventory

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Pricing is not transparent

» MORE: Tools for Distributed Network Monitoring Software

3. Datadog – Best for monitoring network traffic flows

PRICING: 14-day free trial available. Free plans to $23/host/month

Datadog Network Performance Monitoring is a cloud-based solution that provides visibility into the health and performance of your network. It helps you troubleshoot issues and identify potential problems before they impact your business. With Datadog, you can monitor all aspects of your network, including latency, jitter, and packet loss. You can also set up alerts to notify you of potential problems. Datadog Network Performance Monitoring is a valuable tool for any business that relies on a network to operate.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Deep analysis of DNS performance
  • Watchdog feature allowing you to autonomously find anomalies
  • Live network mapping and protocol analysis
  • Alerts on performance thresholds (and adjusted with machine learning)
  • 500+ integrations
  • Forecast monitoring

REASONS TO BUY:

  • 500+ integrations
  • Out-of-the-box dashboards
  • Alert notifications through SMS, email, Slack, etc.
  • Cloud-based system
  • Monitoring for network devices through SNMP

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Pricing can get confusing, especially with all Datadog’s solutions

» MORE: Top Windows Software for Monitoring Networks

4. ManageEngine OpManager – Best for robust features

PRICING: Free trial available. Contact for a quote.

ManageEngine OpManager is a powerful network management tool that allows you to easily monitor your entire IT infrastructure. It provides real-time monitoring of all devices on your network, including servers, routers, switches, and more, so you can quickly detect and resolve issues before they cause serious problems. With extensive reporting features, flexible alerting options, and more, OpManager makes it easy to optimize your network performance and keep your business running smoothly. Whether you’re managing a small office or a large enterprise, OpManager is the ideal tool for monitoring your entire IT environment.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Network monitoring
  • Physical and virtual server monitoring
  • Wireless network monitoring
  • WAN monitoring
  • Cisco ACI monitoring
  • Storage monitoring
  • Network visualization
  • Fault management

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Over 200 customizable widgets to help you build the perfect dashboard and reports
  • Autodiscover feature to find, inventory, and map new devices
  • Smart alerts to reduce false positive
  • Email, SMS, and webhook alerting notifications
  • Integrates well with other ManageEngine products

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Since it has so many features you will need to spend some time to properly learn.
  • Price is not transparent

» MORE: Network Monitoring Software for Small Businesses

5. HelpSystems Intermapper – Best for free version

PRICING: 30-day free trial available. Free plan available. Contact for addition plan pricing.

HelpSystems Intermapper is a network monitoring and visualization tool that gives you a clear, real-time view of your entire network. It helps you quickly identify and resolve network problems, improve network performance, and avoid downtime. Intermapper also makes it easy to share your network map with others, so everyone can be on the same page.

With HelpSystems Intermapper, you can monitor all your devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and more while viewing real-time traffic graphs for each device. With HelpSystems Intermapper, you can also receive alerts via email or SMS and track historical data for performance trending.

Intermapper is free to use for individuals and smaller businesses, up to 5 devices, making it an affordable solution for anyone who wants to keep their network running

Whether you have a small network or a large complex one, HelpSystems Intermapper helps you stay on top of your network so you can focus on your business.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Automatic network mapping
  • Proactive network monitoring
  • Robust network management
  • Smart alerting
  • Network capacity planning
  • Informative dashboard views

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Doesn’t need a server to host. You can use a PC
  • Automated monitoring
  • Free version available

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Pricing for premium service is not transparent

» MORE: Top Software for Network Security Monitoring

References:

https://www.solarwinds.com/network-performance-monitor

https://www.auvik.com

https://www.datadoghq.com/

https://www.datadoghq.com/dg/monitor/network/network-new/

https://www.manageengine.com/network-monitoring/index-new.html

https://www.helpsystems.com/products/network-monitoring-software

https://www.helpsystems.com/products/network-monitoring-software/freemium