Side by side

Argus Monitor vs Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Both stand on hardware monitoring software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Argus Monitor

Free plan Windows

Argus Monitor combines detailed fan controls with hardware and storage monitoring for Windows. A 30-day evaluation is listed, followed by licenses from $16.45 a year.

Visit Argus Monitor

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5

PRTG combines on-premises infrastructure monitoring with alerts, reports, dashboards, and an API. Check sensor needs and the single-license-per-server limit when choosing a plan.

Visit Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

The facts

	Argus Monitor	Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	1-year renewal: $11.95 a year	PRTG 500: $200 a year
Plans published	5	6
Maker	Argus Monitor	Not published
Website	argusmonitor.com	paessler.com
On hardware monitoring software	#16 of 58	#29 of 58

Argus Monitor: what it does well

Fan control supports curves, profiles, and rate limits.
Monitors nearly all available HDDs and SSDs through S.M.A.R.T.
A fully functional 30-day evaluation is available.
Each listed license supports two concurrent installations.
No subscription is required.

What to know first

Supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 22H2 or later.
RGB controls are limited to supported hardware.
Each additional active installation adds a fee.

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor: what it does well

More than 250 preconfigured sensors
Customizable alerts and scheduled reports
API for monitoring data and custom features
Free iOS and Android monitoring apps

What to know first

Mobile apps do not support cluster setups
License sizes cannot be combined on one server
Paid plans start at $200/mo billed annually

Alternatives to Argus Monitor Alternatives to Paessler PRTG Network Monitor The whole list