7 Best Network Security Monitoring Software Of 2024

Network security monitoring is important for everyone in the digital age. Network security monitoring tools allow you to view and monitor your network, analyzing data and detecting any suspicious behavior around your data, allowing you to greatly improve your reaction time if a hacker ever threatens your network. Oftentimes, organizations can go months without realizing they’ve been hacked, making themselves more and more vulnerable and giving away more and more information. A powerful tool will prevent a hacker from hacking into your network and alert you of suspicious activity, so you can protect yourself against unwanted threats. We compiled a comprehensive list of some of the best network security monitoring tools, so you can find the best option for your needs and budget.

Top 7 Best Network Security Monitoring Software Tools

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor – best comprehensive option
Auvik – best automations
ManageEngine OpManager – best for simple monitoring
Datadog – best solution for monitoring all types of network data
PRTG – best for first-time network security monitor software users
Progress WhatsUp Gold – best visuals
LogicMonitor – best for hybrid cloud monitoring

1. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor – best comprehensive option

PRICING:

Plans start at $1,638 (one-year license)

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is one of the most popular solutions on the market/ Network Performance Monitor uses SNMP (simple network management protocol) to monitor the devices on your network. SolarWinds automatically detects devices on your network, so there are no surprises. Users can then use the dashboard to monitor both the ability and performance of these devices. The interface is highly customizable, so users can create dashboards, charts, and reports that best suit their needs. The product is intuitive and simple to use for people that have experience in the network monitoring world, but may be difficult to use for beginners in the area.

KEY FEATURES:

Alerts when problems arise
SNMP monitoring
Automatically discovers connected network devices

REASONS TO BUY:

Highly customizable tool suitable for most users

REASONS TO AVOID:

Steep learning curve for beginners

» MORE: Best Small Business Network Monitoring Software

2. Auvik – best automations

PRICING:

Contact Auvik for pricing

Auvik is a cloud-based system that offers network discovery and mapping, as well as automations to monitor and identify changes in your network. During setup, collectors are installed on your system, so the entire process is fully-automated. The network monitoring measures all metrics against a series of thresholds. Once one of those thresholds is surpassed, you get an alert. Expand your capabilities with Auvik’s third-party integrations. On their website you can take a full virtual tour of the software, so you can determine if the software is right for you. If you’re still unsure. Auvik offers a free 14-day trial.

KEY FEATURES:

Automated setup
Network mapping
Alerts for automated monitoring

REASONS TO BUY:

Automated tool that makes monitoring and detecting errors in network a breeze

REASONS TO AVOID:

Not many customization options

» MORE: Top Software for Monitoring Networks Remotely

3. ManageEngine OpManager – best for simple monitoring

PRICING:

Contact ManageEngine for a quote

ManageEngine OpManager is a network security monitoring software that tracks the performance and health of devices, servers, routers, and switches on your network in real-time. It can also track and analyze network traffic, constantly looking for disruption in the pattern. Users get to customize dashboards with 200+ widgets to create a monitoring experience unique to their needs. A bonus is that OpManager comes with pre-configured network monitor device templates, making set-up simple and quick. Quick text and email alerts make it so users are always one-step ahead when it comes to security.

KEY FEATURES:

Pre-configured network monitor device templates
SMS alerts
Autodiscovery

REASONS TO BUY:

An all-in-one tool great for users who want a simple system

REASONS TO AVOID:

Steep learning curve

» MORE: Software for Monitoring Network Traffic

4. Datadog – best solution for monitoring all types of network data

PRICING:

Free limited plan, paid plans start at $15/ mo (per user)

Datadog is a cloud-based monitoring system that tracks devices and network traffic flows. With Datadog you can also monitor the performance and health of all your third-party apps, an important feature with the ever-growing list of app integrations in the workforce. Datadog makes it easy to explore and analyze all log data. Oftentimes, logs are too time-consuming to analyze, so teams have to throw out some data to focus on a few data logs. With Datadog’s Logging without Limits, it is simple to analyze all data logs, so no data ever has to go untouched.

KEY FEATURES:

APM
Logging without Limits
Live network mapping

REASONS TO BUY:

An affordable end-to-end solution that lets user take control of all of their network data

REASONS TO AVOID:

Free plan is very limited

» MORE: Top Software for Neural Networks

5. PRTG – best for first-time network security monitor software users

PRICING:

Licenses start at $1,600 (per year)

PRTG is a well-known network security monitoring device. Through PRTG, all devices, systems, application, and network traffic is displayed in an easy to read hierarchical view, granting access to performance and alerts. A stand-out feature of PRTG is that users can monitor everything from a simple to use mobile app. PRTG has automations that automatically track and monitor devices on your system, so there are never any surprises. The interface is simple and straightforward to use for new users.

KEY FEATURES:

Mobile app
Autodiscovery for devices

REASONS TO BUY:

Easy-to-use system that covers all the bases, great for first-timers

REASONS TO AVOID:

One of the more expensive options on this list

» MORE: Tools for Distributed Network Monitoring Software

6. Progress WhatsUp Gold – best visuals

PRICING:

Contact WhatsUp Gold for pricing

WhatsUp Gold uses SNMP to track the devices and activity on networks. It gives users the ability to troubleshoot issues before they arise and cause problems in the user experience. It also allows users to monitor the performance and activity of their IT environment. WhatsUp Gold has an interactive map that users can utilize to easily assess the performance of the entire network. The interactive map provides information about the status of network devices, which allows users to quickly react to unwanted activity if it arises. WhatsUp Gold provides an array of reports, charts, and graphs, so users can visually understand their network and data.

KEY FEATURES:

Interactive Map
Acts as an SNMP manager
Analytics and reporting

REASONS TO BUY:

An easy-to-use tool that provides visual interpretations of your data

REASONS TO AVOID:

Free trial only lasts two weeks, which may not be enough time to determine if it fits in with your needs

» MORE: Software for Network Monitoring at No Cost

7. LogicMonitor – best for hybrid cloud monitoring

PRICING:

Contact LogicMonitor for pricing

LogicMonitor is an automated cloud-based SaaS tool that gives users full visibility of their network. Users have the ability to track health, performance, monitor history and reports, and set up alerts via email or text to notify users of potential problems that arise, and solve them even before they begin to affect the health of the network and data. LogicMonitor is equipped with a customizable dashboard, so users are always up-to-date on the latest happenings on their network. LogicMonitor also offers great visual reporting features.

KEY FEATURES: