Side by side
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor vs SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor
Both stand on network performance monitoring software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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 Free trial Self-hostedWebWindows
NPM combines device monitoring with path analysis, alerts, wireless visibility, and capacity forecasts. Consider its self-hosted deployment and starting price when assessing whether it fits your network environment.
Visit SolarWinds Network Performance MonitorThe facts
| Paessler PRTG Network Monitor | SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | PRTG 500: $200 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | paessler.com | solarwinds.com |
| On network performance monitoring software | #8 of 24 | #18 of 24 |
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
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor: what it does well
- Tracks response time, packet loss, bandwidth, and hardware health.
- NetPath shows routes hop by hop.
- Includes customizable and dependency-aware alerts.
- Wireless monitoring includes Cisco access point heat maps.
- Offers a fully functional 30-day trial without a credit card.
What to know first
- No free plan is listed.
- Pricing starts at $2,829.
- PerfStack metric comparison requires integration with other Orion modules.
Alternatives to Paessler PRTG Network Monitor Alternatives to SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor The whole list

