PRTG vs. other monitoring software:
Tests and comparisons with other tools
Independent test results for network monitoring software
PRTG alternatives such as Nagios, WhatsUp Gold, and SolarWinds
A direct comparison
of alternatives
Alternatives to PRTG – An overview of other tools
How well do you really know PRTG? 3 major advantages at a glance
One tool for your entire network
Devices, applications, bandwidth: PRTG keeps an eye on everything. And that’s important, because just one malfunctioning switch can cause disruptions – and require hours of troubleshooting. A clear advantage of PRTG over “smaller” alternatives.
All-in-one monitoring
Notification system, reports, and of course, all sensors: with PRTG, all monitoring features are included. You can even monitor Cisco devices with our tool. With other monitoring software, you usually have to pay for such features.
Flexible licensing model
Want to start small? Good idea! Thanks to our flexible licensing model, you can upgrade whenever you please. Each PRTG license comes with a certain number of sensors. You pay for exactly what you need to monitor your network.
Why this company chose PRTG instead of ManageEngine and SolarWinds:
“We used OpManager for a couple of years, and also evaluated Solarwinds and Nimsoft, but I wanted to see if there was anything better on the market. In terms of price-performance ratio, it does everything we need it to.”
Alex Malinov, Head of IT, Fulham FC.
Of course we think PRTG is great,
but what do independent sites have to say?
ITPro Review 2022
“In all, when it comes to on-premises monitoring solutions, PRTG Network Monitor is very hard to beat. It provides a terrific range of sensor options for both local devices and cloud services, along with plenty of monitoring facilities, yet it’s easy to manage, and comes with a simple, affordable pricing scheme that’s perfect for SMBs.”
PC Magazine Review 2020
“As long as you understand what kind of infrastructure you need to monitor and you don’t mind the licensing structure, PRTG is a powerful and even user friendly product. While the feature set can be a bit overwhelming, IT pros will find it hard to run out of options.”
IT BRIEF Review 2017
“With PRTG the possibilities are endless. Recognising this, Paessler have set up PRTG Scriptworld a site where users can share scripts they have created in an open-source setting. The possibilities are endless, as are the ways users can utilise the data collected.”
Alternatives to PRTG –
An overview of other tools
PRTG vs. Nagios
“Nagios” is one name you’re likely to come across during your search. Nagios is open-source network monitoring software that provides for basic network monitoring.
Many of our customers switched from Nagios to PRTG because of the reliability and usability of our tool – which have been proven in countless tests.
PRTG vs. Cacti
Cacti is a free network monitoring tool. It queries then converts data into graphs using RRDtool. Cacti is often used to monitor traffic and bandwidth. However, Cacti can’t compete with PRTG when it comes to taking a closer look at traffic, monitoring the network around the clock, and being immediately notified in the event of errors.
PRTG vs. SCOM
System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) is part of the Microsoft System Center product family. Based on the installation of agents, it manages and monitors the health and performance of computer systems, services, devices, and applications. Management Packs that you must buy additionally expand the monitoring offering, which is more specialized in Microsoft applications.
FAQ – PRTG and alternative tools
2. Do I need any special knowledge to use PRTG?
PRTG is used by full-time IT managers and system administrators. These workers use our software to monitor their entire IT infrastructure and be alerted in the event of problems. As a result, the tool is equipped with numerous helpful features. Our knowledge base contains thousands of tips on how to use them. At many companies, the infrastructure is built with devices from several different manufacturers, many of which have their own specifications. What makes our tool unique is its compatibility with all the biggest manufacturers, including Dell, Cisco, and HPE.
3. What are the free alternatives to PRTG?
PRTG is also available in a free basic version. This version comes with reports, the alarm feature, and 100 sensors that never expire. However, if you’re a private user, then PRTG is probably not the right software for you.
This IT team switched from Nagios to PRTG
“I recommend anyone to use PRTG. I learned of PRTG through a teammate in 2011, who had already worked with the tool and I liked it so much, I brought it to Central 24 Horas.”
Gustavo Albuquerque, solutions engineer at Central 24 Horas
Create innovative solutions with Paessler’s partners
Partnering with innovative vendors, Paessler unleashes synergies to create
new and additional benefits for joined customers.
ScriptRunner
With ScriptRunner, Paessler integrates a powerful event automation platform into PRTG Network Monitor.
Discover more monitoring insights and stories
Solutions for all your monitoring needs
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Combining the broad monitoring feature set of PRTG with IP Fabric’s automated network assurance creates a new level of network visibility and reliability.