As your company scales and requires improved infrastructure to maintain operating efficiency, one tool you don’t want to overlook is network performance monitoring technology. This software keeps track of the activity and overall health of your company’s routers, connection, firewalls, and servers, often helping troubleshoot problems before they even cause disruption. Although there is an overwhelming number of products available on today’s crowded market, we’ve selected some of the industry’s most reliable tools to keep your business running smoothly.
Top Seven Best Network Performance Monitoring Solutions
- SolarWinds– Best Overall Network Performance Monitoring
- Datadog– Best for Cloud Network Performance Monitoring
- NinjaOne– Best for Remote Network Performance Monitoring
- ManageEngine– Best for Options and Enhancements
- Auvik– Best for No Limits
- Checkmk – Best One Stop Shop
- Domotz– Best for Basics
1. SolarWinds – Best Overall Network Performance Monitoring
PRICING: Subscriptions start at $1,638 billed on an annual basis in one, three, or five-year terms. The option to purchase a license is also available.
SolarWinds is undoubtedly one of our era’s industry leaders for network performance monitoring services. Their software, while pricy, is renowned for its scalability and reliability in maintaining control over complex network operations, especially for large enterprises.
KEY FEATURES:
- Network monitoring for multiple vendors
- Integration with NetPath and PerfStack for simple troubleshooting
- Intelligent alert system enables pattern recognition within network events
REASONS TO BUY:
- Comprehensive dashboard displaying health of all network components
- Free trial
- Advanced bandwidth usage reporting and monitoring
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Cost may be prohibitive for smaller businesses
- Integrates exclusively with other SolarWinds products
2. Datadog– Best for Cloud Network Performance Monitoring
PRICING: Free version and two paid tiers either $18 or $27 per host per month. Annual subscription and bulk discounts available.
Datadog brands itself as a cloud-scale network performance monitoring tool for development, security, and operations teams. While it definitely performs well as a network monitor, its bread and butter is cloud-based monitoring. An attractive interface and many opportunities for customization make Datadog a strong contender in the field.
KEY FEATURES:
- Filter feature allows you to organize and manage similar errors
- Logs analysis and real-time logging
REASONS TO BUY:
- Free trial for paid versions
- Extremely flexible billing options, even on an hourly basis
- Strong dashboard visualization provides transparency into all incidents
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Learning curve is steep with lack of resources to help acclimate to the user experience
- Not optimized for network hardware or routers
- No automatic device detection
3. NinjaOne – Best for Remote Network Performance Monitoring
PRICING: Fully custom pricing model based on a monthly per-device subscription structure. Requesting a quote is required.
NinjaOne’s network performance monitoring software is part of a web of broader IT solutions providing a holistic service to enterprises both small and large. Referring to its tools as RMM or remote monitoring and management, the company boasts that you can manage everything you need from a single-pane-of-glass system, giving you the peace of mind that your networks are being securely monitored.
KEY FEATURES:
- Custom alert management system for Windows and Mac, servers, cloud, and network devices
- Maintenance mode ensures alarm system only triggers true errors
- TeamViewer allows admin staff to connect remotely for troubleshooting work
REASONS TO BUY:
- Free trial
- Resource center offers helpful information as well as extensive blog content. Unlimited customer training also available.
- Strong international scope for global growth
REASONS TO AVOID:
- No support for Apple and Android devices
4. ManageEngine– Best for Options and Enhancements
PRICING: Device-based license model with either an indefinite or monthly subscription. The cheapest perpetual license for 10 devices at the Standard level is $95.
ManageEngine has a full suite of network performance monitoring solutions within its OpManager solution. Although their per-device pricing may appear affordable, things can quickly add up with all the additional enhancements offered. OpManager nevertheless is an excellent on-premise solution for many businesses seeking state-of-the-art network performance monitoring.
KEY FEATURES:
- Network and server monitoring
- Data center management
- Network configuration management
REASONS TO BUY:
- Rapid implementation following easy installation process
- Customizable user interface
- Free demo to test all key features prior to committing
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Requires a separate application for cloud-based management
- Automatic multiple device setup can be hit or miss across disparate networks
5. Auvik– Best for No Limits
PRICING: Free to start and pricing kicks in once you choose a plan that works for you. Custom quote offered between Essentials and Performance tiers starting at $150 per month.
What really sets Auvik apart from the other market players is its focus on unlimited everything. There are no boundaries surrounding the amount of support you can ask for, the endpoints, network sites, or even users with either of their plan options.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cloud-based remote management
- Automatic device configuration backups, comparisons, and restorations
- Shared collector mode for connection among different locations
REASONS TO BUY:
- No maintenance fees
- Integrations available with other helpful third-party tools like ticketing and documentation
- Installation in a matter of minutes
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Not compatible with all devices
- Customer support ticketing system can cause resolution delays
6. Checkmk – Best One Stop Shop
PRICING: Free version available as well as 30-days free for Enterprise version, which begins at $150 per month.
Checkmk is really trying to do it all when it comes to network performance monitoring, and reviews show that they are doing it all pretty well. The solution is one of the top options on the market today offering comprehensive monitoring capabilities with a hybrid infrastructure as well as exceptional flexibility to monitor a variety of devices. Checkmk is definitely a product to consider carefully as you shop for the right fit.
KEY FEATURES:
- Hybrid infrastructure allows for both on-premise and cloud-based monitoring
- Detailed network traffic dashboard
- Smart alert system
REASONS TO BUY:
- Over 2,000 plug-ins to select for integration purposes
- Customization of source code in Python is available if desired
- Powerful scaling capabilities
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Complex user interface can present a steep learning curve
7. Domotz– Best for Basics
PRICING: $21 per month per site
As the final pick of performance monitoring solutions, Domotz earns its spot due to its mastery of the basics. While there are no unique features to boast of, sometimes you don’t need the fanciest gadget to get the job done.
KEY FEATURES:
- Automated device discovery and remote access connection
- Automatic security scans across all devices
- Extensive integrations for both hardware and software
REASONS TO BUY:
- Free trial available to try features before committing
- Quick and easy installation process
- Easy to cancel if needed
REASONS TO AVOID:
- No per-device report generators
- Cost structure can price out smaller enterprises
References and Links
- https://www.solarwinds.com/network-performance-monitor
- https://www.trustradius.com/products/solarwinds-network-performance-monitor/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
- https://www.datadoghq.com/pricing/
- https://www.getapp.com/it-management-software/a/datadog/reviews/
- https://www.trustradius.com/products/ninjaone/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons#reviews
- https://financesonline.com/pros-cons-of-manageengine-opmanager-analysis-of-a-leading-it-management-platform/
- https://www.auvik.com/features/
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/auvik-profile/reviews/
- https://checkmk.com/