Side by side
Cacti vs Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
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 LinuxSelf-hostedWeb+1
Cacti combines network data collection, availability checks, graphing, and distributed polling in a self-hosted package. Plan for its listed software requirements and the stated advanced SNMPv3 limitation when using PHP SNMP.
Visit Cacti
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 MonitorThe facts
| Cacti | Paessler PRTG Network Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | PRTG 500: $200 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cacti.net | paessler.com |
| On network monitoring | #3 of 57 | #20 of 57 |
Cacti: what it does well
- Supports SNMP, ICMP, TCP, and UDP checks.
- Remote collectors cache data during network interruptions.
- Plugins can extend collection to other protocols.
- Available for Linux/Unix and Windows.
What to know first
- Requires MySQL, PHP, RRDtool, and Net-SNMP.
- Requires a PHP-capable web server.
- Advanced SNMPv3 options have a documented PHP SNMP limitation.
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 Cacti Alternatives to Paessler PRTG Network Monitor The whole list