Paessler PRTG Database Monitoring

Overview

PRTG monitors Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Azure SQL Database, AWS RDS, and ODBC/ADO-compatible databases. That range makes it a practical fit for organizations that need a common monitoring approach across several database types. It is less compelling for a small, database-only setup if the sensor cap leaves little room for the checks required.

Monitoring is sensor-based, so the number of checks—not simply the number of databases—shapes the edition a team needs. PRTG Network Monitor is offered as a Windows download, while PRTG Hosted Monitor provides a cloud-based deployment option.

Key features

Queries, performance, and availability

Teams can run custom SQL queries at configured intervals and map returned values to monitoring channels. This flexibility can cover database-specific conditions beyond standard sensors, though it requires someone to configure and maintain those queries. Sensors measure complete-request time separately from query execution time, both in milliseconds, giving teams two useful timings rather than a single blended measure.

PRTG can monitor connection timeouts, authentication failures, service interruptions, and errors validated by queries. Azure SQL Database and AWS RDS sensors collect metrics through Azure Monitor and AWS CloudWatch APIs without an agent on the database host. That avoids installing an agent on those hosts, while still relying on the respective cloud monitoring APIs.

Alerts and backup checks

Threshold alerts can be sent by email, SMS, push notification, syslog, or webhook. The scan interval is configurable for each sensor; Paessler recommends five minutes for production database monitoring. Backup completion can be checked using custom queries against backup history tables or file timestamps. Those checks are possible, but they need query-level configuration rather than being a turnkey backup monitor.

Pricing

PRTG is freemium, with a free edition and a 30-day trial of PRTG Network Monitor. The trial offers full access, is free, and requires no credit card. Paid subscriptions include access to the latest version and email support through Paessler's support ticket system.

The free edition is suited to a small environment or an initial deployment, but its 100-sensor ceiling can constrain teams tracking several databases and their surrounding infrastructure. PRTG 500 starts at 200.00 USD per year, billed per month paid annually, and is the entry paid tier; each higher plan raises the sensor and approximate device allowance for larger deployments. The paid plans are annual commitments, so teams should size their expected checks before choosing a tier.

Platforms

PRTG is available on Android, iOS, self-hosted deployment, the web, and Windows. The Windows download and cloud-hosted option provide distinct deployment routes; the platform range also gives teams mobile and browser access.

Who it's for

PRTG is best suited to teams that already use or want PRTG Network Monitor for infrastructure and database monitoring together, particularly where several database engines or cloud services need coverage. Custom queries make it adaptable to database-specific checks, and separate timing measures help distinguish request delays from query execution. Teams needing highly tailored backup checks should account for the configuration work, while those with only a handful of checks may find the paid sensor tiers more capacity than they need.

Pros and cons

• Broad database coverage: supports major relational engines, Azure SQL Database, AWS RDS, and ODBC/ADO-compatible databases, useful in mixed environments.
• Flexible query monitoring: custom SQL results can feed monitoring channels, allowing checks tailored to local needs.
• Useful timing distinction: request time and query execution time are reported separately in milliseconds.
• Several alert channels: threshold notifications can reach email, SMS, push, syslog, or webhooks.
• Sensor caps require planning: even the free edition is capped at 100 sensors, so teams must match monitoring scope to a tier.
• Backup monitoring needs setup: completion checks rely on configured queries or file timestamps, not a ready-made workflow.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse Database Monitoring.

• Guance Container Monitoring is worth considering if its free allowance of up to 10 hosts, 10,000 metric series per day, and 10 million log records per day with seven-day rolling retention better matches a container-focused monitoring need.
• Dynatrace Kubernetes Monitoring may suit teams seeking Kubernetes monitoring with an hourly per-pod consumption rate instead of PRTG's sensor-based database tiers.
• Grafana Cloud Application Observability is an option for teams that prefer a free host-hours allowance and a pay-as-you-go Pro plan priced per host hour.
• MySQL is the more direct choice for teams focused on MySQL itself, with a free Community Edition and related database components.
• DBmarlin is another database monitoring option with a free Starter plan.
• ManageEngine Applications Manager may be a better fit for teams monitoring a small set of applications or servers under its free allowance of up to five.
• New Relic Kubernetes Monitoring is an alternative for teams comparing Kubernetes monitoring with a free plan and paid annual commitments.
• Percona Monitoring and Management is an alternative free database monitoring option; installation infrastructure may involve separate costs.

Verdict

Choose PRTG when you want database monitoring across varied engines integrated with broader infrastructure checks, and can size the sensor allowance to your needs. Its query flexibility, separate performance timings, and multiple alert routes are strong reasons to shortlist it. Look elsewhere if you want backup checks without query configuration or if the annual sensor tiers are a poor fit for a smaller monitoring footprint.