Side by side
Big Sister vs NetLimiter
Both stand on network monitoring. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxWebWindows
Big Sister covers synthetic checks and traffic monitoring with a free plan and self-hosted operation. It fits teams that need those functions and can work without topology maps or additional alert channels.
Visit Big Sister Free plan Windows
NetLimiter combines detailed Windows traffic monitoring with speed controls, quotas, filters, and blocking rules. Its local data storage and remote administration broaden its use, while licensing and post-expiration restrictions should be considered.
Visit NetLimiterThe facts
| Big Sister | NetLimiter | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Web, Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bigsister.ch | netlimiter.com |
| On network monitoring | #30 of 55 | #26 of 55 |
Big Sister: what it does well
- Free plan is available
- Supports Linux, Windows, and web
- Includes synthetic checks
- Tracks traffic monitoring
- Sends email alerts
What to know first
- No topology maps
- Self-hosted deployment required
- Email is the listed alert channel
NetLimiter: what it does well
- Per-application and per-user bandwidth limits
- Real-time traffic charts
- Connection blocking with rule prompts
- Unlimited locally stored historical statistics
- Remote control of other installed machines
What to know first
- Windows-only software
- Standard license supports one device at a time
- New rules unavailable after trial or subscription expiry
- Statistics stop working in Restricted Mode
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