In the vast landscape of monitoring software, choosing between on-premises solutions and SaaS options can be daunting. Navigating from CPU metrics to managing vast data centers, these tools offer insights for everything—whether it's monitoring network traffic, and virtual machines, or diving deep into application performance monitoring (APM). Modern monitoring platforms accommodate varied operating systems, including iOS, and are enriched with automation, templates, thresholds, and SMS alerts for uptime concerns.
Features like dependency mapping, capacity planning, and virtualization are vital, with some preferring open-source tools and others seeking upgrades. At its core, the right infrastructure monitoring solution provides clarity on performance metrics, addressing major pain points like unexpected downtimes.
A monitoring tool is a software solution designed to oversee various aspects of systems, networks, and applications, continually checking for performance, health, and anomalies.
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Primarily used by IT professionals, network administrators, and DevOps teams, these tools provide real-time insights, ensuring optimal performance and swift issue resolution. Their primary purpose is to detect and notify potential problems before they escalate, enabling a proactive approach to system maintenance and troubleshooting.
Best Monitoring Tools Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Atera | From $79/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Dynatrace | From $21/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Datadog | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Nagios XI | From $1,995 | Website |
| Sensu | From $5/node/month | Website |
| Paessler PRTG | From $30/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Micro Focus SiteScope | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Prometheus | Prometheus is an open-source tool and, as such, is free to use. | Website |
| Observium | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Checkmk | From $25/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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Best Monitoring Tools Reviews
1 Atera
Best for integrated remote IT management
- Free trial available
- From $79/user/month (billed annually)
Rating: 5/5
Atera provides tools and platforms focused on delivering remote IT management solutions. With a strong emphasis on integration, it ensures IT departments can effectively oversee and maintain diverse technological landscapes from any location, making it a reliable choice for integrated remote IT management.
Why I Picked Atera: While sifting through various remote IT management tools, Atera's offerings resonated with me due to its commitment to providing comprehensive integrated solutions. My determination, after judging and comparing several platforms, is that Atera distinctly excels in its approach to remote IT management through integration.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of Atera include centralized IT asset monitoring, real-time system health tracking, and robust alert mechanisms. Moreover, its integrations span across a multitude of platforms, including major cloud service providers, popular OS systems, and leading IT operations platforms, ensuring cohesive operations regardless of the technology stack.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ATERA:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust alert mechanisms aid in proactive issue resolution.
- Compatibility with an expansive range of platforms and systems.
- Centralized monitoring of IT assets enhances oversight.
Cons:
- The absence of transparent pricing could deter potential users.
- The broad range of features might feel overwhelming without proper training.
- Might have a learning curve for those new to integrated management tools.
Best for AI-assisted anomaly detection
- 15-day free trial
- From $21/user/month (billed annually)
Rating: 4.5/5
Dynatrace is a performance monitoring tool designed to oversee the entirety of a digital ecosystem. Its sophisticated AI capabilities enable it to not only monitor but also proactively identify anomalies within a system.
This particular focus on AI-driven insights makes it especially suited for those in search of a solution for anomaly detection.
Why I Picked Dynatrace: In my search for monitoring solutions, Dynatrace captured my attention because of its pronounced emphasis on AI. The decision to select it was influenced by how its unique AI capabilities facilitate rapid anomaly detection, often preempting issues before they escalate.
My judgment, after comparing various tools, led me to believe that Dynatrace is unparalleled in its offering of AI-assisted anomaly detection.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Dynatrace offers real-time anomaly detection and root cause determination, attributes that are vital for quick issue resolution. It is full-stack monitoring, from applications to infrastructure, ensures comprehensive coverage. When it comes to integrations, Dynatrace ties in with cloud platforms, CI/CD tools, and major IT operations platforms, making it adaptable to varied IT environments.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DYNATRACE:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Rich integration environment with popular cloud and IT operation platforms.
- Comprehensive full-stack monitoring.
- Advanced AI capabilities for real-time anomaly detection.
Cons:
- The lack of transparent pricing can be a deterrent for some potential users.
- The vast array of features might require dedicated training sessions.
- Can be complex for users unfamiliar with AI-driven tools.
3 Datadog
Best for cloud-scale monitoring
- 14-day free trial
- From $15/user/month (billed annually)
Rating: 4.3/5
Datadog is a comprehensive monitoring and analytics platform that offers a unified view of IT infrastructure. Its emphasis on cloud-scale monitoring enables organizations to gain insights into their operations across various cloud environments. This close alignment with cloud-scale operations is what makes Datadog an optimal choice for such a purpose.
Why I Picked Datadog: In my process of selecting a tool for this list, Datadog consistently emerged as a top contender. I judged its capabilities based on its specialized approach to cloud-centric monitoring, which is not commonly seen in other tools.
This specific focus led me to determine that Datadog is indeed the best for those requiring cloud-scale monitoring solutions.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Datadog is known for its real-time performance dashboards, which can be tailored to display metrics, traces, and logs. Additionally, its anomaly detection can proactively identify issues before they impact users.
In terms of integrations, Datadog supports over 400 integrations, including but not limited to AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Azure, Slack, and Docker.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DATADOG:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Proactive anomaly detection helps in early issue identification.
- Supports a wide array of integrations for maximum compatibility.
- Tailored dashboards provide a comprehensive view of operations.
Cons:
- Some users may face a learning curve in the beginning.
- Pricing can become substantial for larger teams.
- Might be over-complex for small-scale operations.
Best for comprehensive infrastructure monitoring
- 30-day free trial + Free plan available up to 7 nodes
- From $1,995
Rating: 4.6/5
Nagios XI is a powerful tool designed to monitor all facets of an IT environment. From network devices to applications, it offers in-depth insights into the health and performance of resources.
Why I Picked Nagios XI: The journey of choosing Nagios XI over others came from a rigorous comparison and evaluation of its prowess in infrastructure monitoring. I determined that while many tools excel in certain aspects, Nagios XI stands out in its holistic view of IT environments. Its reputation as a leader in the monitoring space solidified my opinion, making it clear that it's best suited for those requiring extensive infrastructure insights.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Nagios XI offers a centralized monitoring solution that includes customizable dashboards, ensuring every piece of your infrastructure doesn't go unnoticed. The tool’s auto-discovery feature simplifies the process of adding new components to the monitoring realm. On the integration front, Nagios XI offers compatibility with a plethora of third-party solutions, allowing businesses to combine their monitoring with other essential IT operations tools.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NAGIOS XI:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive community support and well-documented resources.
- Robust alerting mechanisms that ensure timely notifications.
- Comprehensive monitoring capabilities spanning numerous infrastructure types.
Cons:
- Some essential features necessitate the installation of additional plugins.
- The user interface may seem a tad outdated compared to contemporary tools.
- Can be complex to set up for monitoring newcomers.
Sensu offers an advanced monitoring solution tailored to adapt and align with diverse IT workflows. It stands apart with its ability to mold according to the unique needs and monitoring scenarios of different environments. When considering the attribute of flexibility in the monitoring domain, Sensu immediately emerges as the frontrunner.
Why I Picked Sensu: In my process of selecting the most adaptable monitoring tool, Sensu's dynamism truly resonated with me. I judged multiple tools on parameters like adaptability, customizability, and workflow alignment.
Sensu’s emphasis on crafting custom monitoring workflows, along with its promise to mold itself according to the end user's requirements, reinforced my belief that it’s the best for those who prioritize flexibility in their monitoring solutions.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of Sensu's standout features is its 'pipelines' which allow users to define how to handle events, providing unparalleled customization. Additionally, the Sensu Go runtime environment helps in easily deploying the Sensu agents and backends, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
When it comes to integrations, Sensu boasts a rich collection, including compatibility with popular tools like Grafana, InfluxDB, and Slack, enhancing its capacity for notifications and data visualization.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SENSU:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong community backing ensures continuous improvements and updates.
- Offers an array of plugins for extended functionalities.
- Exceptional adaptability to various monitoring workflows.
Cons:
- Requires dedicated time for setup to ensure tailored monitoring.
- The interface, though functional, may lack the polish of some newer tools.
- Might come off as complex for beginners.
Best for customizable network monitoring solutions
- Free plan available (up to 100 PRTG sensors)
- From $30/user/month (billed annually)
Paessler PRTG is designed as a comprehensive network monitoring tool that offers businesses the flexibility to adjust and adapt based on their unique requirements. Recognizing the distinct network complexities different organizations face, its design ensures customizable monitoring, making it the prime choice for those seeking tailored network solutions.
Why I Picked Paessler PRTG: My journey in selecting network monitoring tools led me to Paessler PRTG due to its robust adaptability in the field. Through determining and comparing various tools, I've judged that its distinct edge lies in its customizable features.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Paessler PRTG stands out with features like auto-discovery of devices, real-time map designing, and comprehensive reporting mechanisms. It integrates effectively with common systems such as Windows, Linux, and SNMP devices, ensuring a wide range of coverage for various network environments.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PAESSLER PRTG:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad integration capabilities support various IT environments.
- Real-time map designing aids in visualization and network topology understanding.
- Comprehensive auto-discovery simplifies the initial setup.
Cons:
- A lack of transparent pricing can make budget planning challenging.
- Some businesses might find it over-equipped for small-scale operations.
- The vast array of features might be complex for beginners.
Best for agentless application monitoring
- Pricing upon request
Micro Focus SiteScope provides robust monitoring solutions for businesses, with a keen focus on applications. The agentless nature of SiteScope offers easy monitoring without the complexity of deploying agents.
Why I Picked Micro Focus SiteScope: Selecting tools isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about judging their efficacy in real-world scenarios. Among the plethora of options, I chose SiteScope because of its unique agentless approach to monitoring applications. This feature makes it stand out, ensuring there’s no added overhead or performance hindrance on the monitored systems.
Moreover, when considering its capability in agentless application monitoring, it became clear that SiteScope was the best for businesses that need uncomplicated, yet efficient, application insights.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Micro Focus SiteScope boasts over 100 out-of-the-box monitors for diverse applications, servers, and services. Its centralized view provides an understanding of the entire IT environment.
As for integrations, SiteScope smoothly connects with popular platforms like Micro Focus Operations Bridge, ServiceNow, and other Micro Focus solutions, facilitating consolidated monitoring and management.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MICRO FOCUS SITESCOPE:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile integration options with popular platforms and services.
- A broad range of built-in monitors for various applications and services.
- Agentless monitoring ensures no overhead on applications.
Cons:
- Some advanced features might be nested deep in settings, making them hard to find.
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors.
- Might require a steeper learning curve for newcomers.
Best for real-time alerting and multi-dimensional data collection
- Not applicable
- Prometheus is an open-source tool and, as such, is free to use.
Prometheus is an open-source monitoring solution renowned for its efficient real-time alerting capabilities. It not only excels in tracking metrics but also shines in multi-dimensional data collection, ensuring that organizations can assess their systems comprehensively.
Given its prowess in these areas, it is clear why Prometheus stands out for those seeking robust real-time alerting combined with advanced data collection.
Why I Picked Prometheus: During my exploration of monitoring tools, I determined Prometheus to be an exemplar in real-time alerting. I compared various tools, and Prometheus consistently surfaced as distinct, especially with its unique multi-dimensional data collection model.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Prometheus introduces a powerful querying language, PromQL, which allows users to extract insightful analytics from their data. Its pull-based model is another notable feature, offering flexibility in how data gets collected.
On the integration front, Prometheus pairs with Grafana, which is ideal for visualizing the collected data. Moreover, it integrates well with systems like Kubernetes, ensuring that modern infrastructures are supported.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROMETHEUS:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The open-source nature ensures continuous community-driven improvements.
- Supports multi-dimensional data models for comprehensive insights.
- Robust real-time alerting mechanisms.
Cons:
- Integration with some third-party tools might necessitate additional plugins or middleware.
- Some might find the pull-based model challenging to adapt to.
- Might require a steep learning curve for newcomers.
Observium specializes in providing a detailed view into the health of network and server hardware. By focusing on the intricacies of hardware health, this monitoring tool offers professionals a precise gauge of their infrastructure's physical wellness, making it particularly apt for ensuring optimal network and server performance.
Why I Picked Observium: In my quest for the best monitoring tools, Observium emerged as a standout choice, especially when assessing network and server hardware health. After comparing several solutions, Observium's dedicated approach toward hardware health is unparalleled.
From my perspective, for those placing a premium on understanding the nitty-gritty of their network and server health, Observium is the top pick.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Observium boasts an auto-discovery feature that identifies devices across a network, making the initial setup process simpler. Additionally, its fine-tuned alerting system is tailored for hardware health, ensuring timely notifications for any anomalies.
As for integrations, Observium supports a vast array of network devices and server hardware, and it pairs well with SNMP-enabled devices, extending its monitoring capabilities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OBSERVIUM:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Rich set of graphs and reports for detailed insights.
- Comprehensive auto-discovery tool for effortless device recognition.
- Tailored specifically for network and server hardware monitoring.
Cons:
- Limited customizability compared to other monitoring tools.
- The interface can be perceived as cluttered by some users.
- Might be considered over-specialized for broader IT monitoring needs.
10 Checkmk
Best for unified monitoring solutions
- Free plan available + 30-day free trial
- From $25/user/month (billed annually)
Rating: 4.7/5
Checkmk is a powerful monitoring platform that enables IT professionals to efficiently manage their entire hybrid IT infrastructure. Offering a scalable and flexible approach, Checkmk provides real-time insights into networks, servers, cloud environments, applications, and services. Its intuitive design and extensive customization options make it a popular choice for organizations seeking to optimize their IT operations and ensure system reliability.
Plus, Checkmk enables monitoring on-premise and cloud infrastructure. Checkmk can be deployed on a native Linux server (on-premise), on a VM, as a container image, or directly from AWS and Azure marketplaces.
Why I Picked Checkmk:As a monitoring tool, Checkmk excels in providing detailed and customizable monitoring capabilities. It allows users to monitor a wide array of devices and services with high precision, offering extensive metrics and alerts to ensure system performance and availability. Its strength lies in its ability to adapt to complex and dynamic IT environments, offering both comprehensive coverage and deep insights.
Checkmk Standout Features and Integrations
Featuresinclude a unique, lightweight, and powerful core that offers high efficiency in data processing and alerting; ultra-scalable and distributed data processing architecture, which can handle millions of metrics from thousands of devices without significant performance impact; and an extensive plugin ecosystem, allowing users to extend monitoring capabilities to virtually any device or application with custom or community-developed plugins. They also offer distributed monitoring for tracking and analyzing the performance and reliability of software across multiple locations or environments to ensure quality assurance.
Integrationsinclude Nagios, DataDog, ntop, Grafana, Prometheus, LDAP/Active Directory, Jira, PagerDuty, and Slack.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHECKMK:
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities with diverse systems.
- Predictive analytics reduce false alert instances.
- Comprehensive monitoring in a single platform.
- Strong community support
- Scalable and distributed architecture
- Comprehensive monitoring capabilities
- Easy extensibility
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance for optimal performance.
- Some users might find the dashboard slightly overwhelming.
- Might present a steep learning curve for beginners.
- Potential overhead for smaller networks
- Steep learning curve for new users
Other Notable Monitoring Tools
Below is a list of additional monitoring tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. They are definitely worth checking out.
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Best for application performance insights
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Best for complete network management
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Good for real-time system performance troubleshooting
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Good for cloud-based infrastructure monitoring
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Good for deep application performance insights
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Good for real-time error tracking across applications
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Good for large-scale infrastructure data analytics
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Good for scalable and extensible monitoring
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Good for hybrid cloud infrastructure management
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Good for time series data collection and visualization
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Microsoft System Center Operations Manager
Good for large enterprise IT environment oversight
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Good for virtual and hybrid IT environment insights
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Good for holistic server and website monitoring
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SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor
Good for combined server and application health tracking
-
Good for active network mapping and alerts
- Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools
- Network Monitoring Software
- Issue Tracking Software
Selection Criteria For Choosing Monitoring Tools
Over the years, I've come across a myriad of tools designed for infrastructure monitoring. It's a domain where precision, reliability, and accessibility are paramount. I've tested each of these tools, delving deep into their features, performance, and overall usability. While there are many contenders, only a few met the stringent standards required for top-tier monitoring. In my evaluation, I kept the following key criteria in mind:
Core Functionality
- Real-time monitoring: Ability to provide live updates on system health and performance.
- Alert mechanisms: Immediate notifications for system anomalies or failures.
- Scalability: Support for growing IT environments, be it more devices, systems, or users.
- Multi-platform compatibility: Monitoring capabilities across various OS, devices, and applications.
Key Features
- Historical data analysis: Storing past data to help identify patterns or recurrent issues.
- Customizable dashboards: Personalizing interfaces to show metrics that are most pertinent to a user or team.
- Integration capabilities: Easy connection with other IT management tools or platforms.
- Role-based access controls: Ensuring that users can only access the data and tools pertinent to their job role.
- Automated discovery: Identifying new devices or applications added to the network without manual input.
Usability
- Intuitive navigation: Logical and clean layout that allows users to find features and data without an extensive search.
- Interactive visualizations: Graphs, charts, and other visual tools that update in real time and can be adjusted to display different metrics.
- Mobile access: A responsive design or dedicated mobile app to allow monitoring on the go.
- Knowledge base & training: A comprehensive resource library or training program to assist in onboarding and troubleshooting.
- Dedicated support: Accessible customer support to assist with setup, troubleshooting, or queries.
Most Common Questions Regarding Monitoring Tools
What are the benefits of using monitoring tools?
Monitoring tools provide numerous advantages for businesses and IT teams:
- Proactive Problem Solving: They allow teams to detect and address issues before they escalate, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Optimized Performance: By analyzing system performance, businesses can fine-tune their infrastructure for optimal operation.
- Cost Savings: With timely detection of issues, companies can avoid costly outages and reduce maintenance expenses.
- Enhanced Security: Monitoring tools can detect suspicious activities, ensuring swift action against potential security threats.
- Data-Driven Decisions: They provide valuable insights and data that can guide strategic IT decisions.
How much do these monitoring tools typically cost?
The cost of monitoring tools can vary widely based on features, scalability, and the target market. Some tools are priced as low as $10/user/month, while enterprise-grade solutions can go well beyond $1000/month.
What are the common pricing models for monitoring tools?
Monitoring tools typically follow one of these pricing models:
- Subscription-Based: Monthly or yearly fees, often based on the number of users, devices, or metrics monitored.
- Perpetual Licensing: A one-time upfront fee with optional maintenance or update costs.
- Usage-Based: Pricing is determined by the actual usage, such as the amount of data processed or the number of alerts generated.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
While prices vary, for most small to medium-sized businesses, monitoring tools can range from $20 to $200/user/month. Enterprise-grade solutions or tools with specialized features might cost significantly more.
Which is the cheapest monitoring tool on the list?
Netdata, with its open-source version, is among the most cost-effective solutions on the list. However, they also offer paid versions with extended features.
Which is the most expensive software listed?
Tools like AppDynamics and VMware Aria Operations, designed for larger enterprises with complex needs, often come with a higher price tag compared to other solutions.
Are there any free monitoring tool options?
Yes, some tools like Netdata and Graylog offer free versions, though they might have limited features compared to their paid counterparts.
Why is there such a wide range in pricing among these tools?
The pricing disparity often stems from the target market, feature set, scalability, and brand positioning of the tool. While some tools cater to smaller businesses with limited needs, others are designed for large enterprises requiring comprehensive monitoring solutions.
Summary
Selecting the right monitoring tool is an essential task that greatly impacts a business's IT operations and overall efficiency. The vast range of options, from open-source solutions like Netdata to enterprise-grade platforms like AppDynamics, caters to various needs, making the choice potentially overwhelming.
But by carefully assessing the core functionalities, key features, and usability criteria specific to the use case, companies can pinpoint the tool that aligns best with their operational demands.
Key Takeaways
- Determine core needs: Before diving into the multitude of monitoring tools available, clearly identify the core functionalities required for your specific use case. Not every tool will be a perfect fit, so understanding your needs will narrow down the options considerably.
- Evaluate usability and support: Beyond features, consider the user experience and support provided by the monitoring tool. Role-based access, intuitive interfaces, and a robust learning library can significantly affect the tool's effectiveness in your environment.
- Understand pricing models: Monitoring tools offer diverse pricing structures, from subscription-based to usage-based models. By recognizing which pricing model aligns with your budget and operational needs, you can avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure the tool remains cost-effective in the long run.
What Do You Think?
While I've endeavored to cover a comprehensive range of the best monitoring tools in this guide, the tech landscape is vast and ever-evolving. If you believe there's a standout tool that deserves a mention or has personal experiences with other noteworthy solutions, please share your insights. Your recommendations and feedback will enrich this guide and help others in their search for the perfect monitoring tool.
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