Side by side

MRTG 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.

MRTG

Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWeb+1

Choose MRTG if you need a free, self-hosted way to graph network traffic or other SNMP data, with long-range views and configurable webpages. Windows users also need a current copy of Perl.

Visit MRTG

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

	MRTG	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	oss.oetiker.ch	paessler.com
On network monitoring	#13 of 57	#20 of 57

MRTG: what it does well

Creates traffic graphs for four time ranges, from daily to twelve-month views.
Retains relevant traffic data for two years without log growth.
Can monitor 200 or more links, according to its documentation.
Includes automatic configuration and setup tools.
Supports SNMPv2c 64-bit counters and RRDtool hooks.

What to know first

Windows installation requires a current copy of Perl.
Deployment is self-hosted.
No free trial is offered.

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 MRTG Alternatives to Paessler PRTG Network Monitor The whole list