# 9 Best Free Network Monitoring Software 2026 | Capterra

> Learn about and compare the 9 best free Network Monitoring software in 2026. Understand the pros and cons and cost of each tool to narrow your choices.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/network-monitoring-software/s/free

---

# Best Free Network Monitoring Software in 2025

Last updated on September 15, 2025

Written by [David Jani](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/david-jani/)

Writer

Edited by [Parul Sharma](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/parul-sharma/)

Editor

A free [network monitoring system](https://www.capterra.com/network-monitoring-software/) allows smaller companies or those on tighter budgets to adopt a platform without paying for a subscription. This provides firms with features such as real-time monitoring, incident notification, and network mapping and reporting on a trial or permanent basis before upgrading to a paid system as they scale. 

To pick a suitable free network monitoring system with either a free plan or free trial, we’ve listed our top-ranked systems, the features users prioritize most, and the key benefits uncovered by our research, advisors, and insights from over 3,245 recent reviews and a list of 248 free products.[\[1\]](#footnotes)

## 9 best free or free trial network monitoring software

[

ManageEngine OpManager

](#8afe34e5-8f8f-4934-a203-a6d200b5007e)

Highly rated for Customer Support

4.5 (274)

[

Site24x7

](#318c9969-a6b3-4cd2-8f74-a6d200b696d4)

Highly rated for Functionality

4.7 (347)

[

New Relic

](#f002a227-500a-4ce9-a0c0-a6d200b556c0)

Highly rated for Ease of Use

4.5 (195)

[

PRTG

](#8dc6899c-293b-4c99-98d0-a6d200b5f2c4)

Highly rated for Value for Money

4.6 (255)

[

Datadog

](#26a4979f-0a09-4cc5-bdc7-a6d200b37696)

Highly rated for Alerts/Notifications

4.6 (360)

[

Atera

](#60b517b6-f6f5-4480-b945-a6d200b2cab2)

Highly rated for Real-Time Monitoring

4.5 (448)

[

Zabbix

](#9db34a41-2c67-4060-8c7f-a6d200b7a22f)

Highest Rated

4.7 (111)

[

Splunk Enterprise

](#a1e13c35-d8e5-4615-8cb5-a6d200b6ba1a)

Highly rated for Network Analysis

4.6 (261)

[

NinjaOne

](#a9c83307-dacf-4f3d-85db-a7c4005a0803)

Highly rated for Server Monitoring

4.7 (288)

[Explore our full Network Monitoring solutions](https://www.capterra.com/network-monitoring-software/)

## How we picked the software on this list

All the tools listed below were chosen based on independent research and user feedback as of November 2024. To qualify, each tool had to show essential features, be relevant to users across industries, offer either a forever free plan or free trial, have equal to or more than 20 user reviews, and an overall rating of 4 and above. 

All products in this list are organized by availability type, with forever free versions presented first, followed by free trial offerings, with solutions in each group ordered by overall rating from our verified reviews.

* * *

[### Zabbix](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/)

[4.7 (111)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/reviews/)

Highest Rated

Highest Rated

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/)

Starting Price:

$50.00

Other,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Server Monitoring

Based on 20 reviews

User rating:

AM

73% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Zabbix is a free and open-source monitoring solution for networks, servers, databases, apps, and more. It can deliver notifications via SMS, email, and other methods. Zabbix’s detailed dashboards provide businesses of all sizes with a detailed overview of their IT infrastructure with real-time monitoring to address issues promptly. Among the most popular free network monitoring tools on Capterra, Zabbix is the highest rated, with a 4.7/5 overall rating and more than 80 reviews.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Alerts/Notifications**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5 and appreciate Zabbix's alerts and notifications capabilities. They report that the tool provides necessary plugins to create alerts for chat applications and pager duty. Users value the granularity and delegation options for alerts, including different agents and priorities. They find the alerts reliable and crucial for taking corrective actions. Reviewers feel confident in Zabbix's ability to send alerts to any service, which was a significant factor in their choice of the product.

Pros & Cons

DG

Dawson G.

Hospital & Health Care, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Theres an absolute ton of templates that make the "cost of entry" quite low for the tranditional things you may want to monitor (CPU, Memory, Networking, etc) but allows for monitoring things that may be more complex as well."

VM

Vedran M.

Information Technology and Services, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Im a Zabbix fan and I use it at my work for professional purposes and also in free time for DIY IoT projects."

AZ

Amir Z.

Information Technology and Services, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Database structure. When i need to combine e.g. metrics from same interface alias, utilization etc... its real pain in the ass to get thousands of interfaces and all their metrics in one place."

SW

Sam W.

Airlines/Aviation, 5,001-10,000 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Maintaining Zabbix in and of itself is more challenging, as a self hosted service, it is on the administrator to find modules or templates and these do not always work."

Pricing

Zabbix is released under the AGPLv3 license and is completely free.

[Learn more about Zabbix pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

Zabbix integrates with IT infrastructure for monitoring purposes. The Zabbix website has a full list of supported integrations.

[Learn more about Zabbix](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/)

* * *

[4.6 (255)](https://www.capterra.com/p/21581/PRTG-Network-Monitor/reviews/)

Highly rated for Value for Money

Highly rated for Value for Money

Starting Price:

$179.00

Usage Based,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Server Monitoring

Based on 62 reviews

User rating:

MP

65% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

PRTG is a comprehensive monitoring tool that supports many popular monitoring protocols, such as SNMP, NetFlow, and WMI. Its user-friendly interface gives IT teams a real-time look into network health and performance. PRTG’s support for a wide range of network hardware and services has made it the highest-rated for ease of use out of the most popular free network monitoring tools on Capterra, with a 4.4/5 rating. It also had a 4.6/5 overall rating based on more than 240 reviews.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Customizable alerts and notifications**

Reviewers appreciate PRTG's customizable alerts and notifications, rating this feature 4.8 out of 5. They highlight the variety of notification methods, including SMS, email, push notifications, and browser alerts. Users report that alerts can be acknowledged and can generate tickets within the integrated ticket system. They find the notifications timely and critical for rapid issue resolution. Reviewers indicate that PRTG's alerting capabilities are essential for monitoring server and network status, ensuring they are informed immediately of any issues, which helps in maintaining service uptime and performance.

**Network analysis**

Users rate this feature 4.5 out of 5. They report that PRTG's network analysis capabilities provide valuable insights into network health and performance. They appreciate the historical data storage, which aids in planning and troubleshooting. Reviewers highlight the ability to monitor network usage, detect bottlenecks, and analyze traffic patterns. They find the real-time and historical graphs helpful for understanding network utilization and identifying issues. Users also mention the usefulness of SNMP and NetFlow for detailed bandwidth consumption analysis, contributing to effective network management and optimization.

**Server monitoring**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.1 out of 5. They indicate that PRTG's server monitoring capabilities are comprehensive and essential for maintaining server health. They appreciate the ability to monitor hardware, operating systems, and applications from a single dashboard. Users report that PRTG provides detailed insights into server performance, including CPU, memory, and disk usage. They find the pre-configured templates and numerous sensors helpful for quick and easy setup. Reviewers highlight the importance of server monitoring for detecting anomalies and ensuring smooth operation of critical business services.

Pros & Cons

Joe D.

Banking, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"It offers the service for free to 100 sensors, which also makes this a great product if you are in a small-medium business company. "

KP

Krunal P.

Information Technology and Services, 10,001+ employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"PRTG captures a big picture overview of an organization's entire infrastructure, the good and the bad which creates a reliable source for users who are seeking for monitoring purposes."

Rabindra k.

Computer & Network Security, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"The UI, while functional, feels a bit dated compared to some newer monitoring tools; it takes some getting used to"

MR

Mathieu R.

Gambling & Casinos, 5,001-10,000 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"The interface can feel overloaded with information at times, which may be overwhelming for new users."

Pricing

PRTG’s free version supports up to 100 network aspects, which include servers, applications, sensors, and other infrastructure that can be monitored. The entry-level pricing plan can monitor up to 500 aspects for $2,149 annually. Support for up to 1,000 network aspects costs $3,899 annually, and pricing is available for even larger networks.

[Learn more about PRTG pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/21581/PRTG-Network-Monitor/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

PRTG integrates with a wide range of hardware and software for real-time monitoring.

[Learn more about PRTG](https://www.capterra.com/p/21581/PRTG-Network-Monitor/)

* * *

[4.5 (195)](https://www.capterra.com/p/118128/New-Relic/reviews/)

Highly rated for Ease of Use

Highly rated for Ease of Use

Starting Price:

Not provided by vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Performance Metrics

Based on 5 reviews

User rating:

SM

61% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

The cloud-based observability platform New Relic provides a unified solution for monitoring IT infrastructure and application performance. It provides detailed performance metrics in customizable dashboards that businesses can tailor to their unique needs. New Relic offers simple integration with all kinds of tech stacks, making it a versatile tool for system administrators and developers. Out of the most popular free network monitoring tools, New Relic is the highest rated for ease of use, with a 4.5/5 overall rating based on more than 180 reviews.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Real-Time monitoring**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.9 out of 5 and appreciate New Relic's real-time monitoring capabilities. They highlight the tool's ability to provide instant visibility into application performance and infrastructure health, enabling proactive issue detection. Users report that it monitors key metrics, triggers alerts, and captures comprehensive data in real time. They find the customizable dashboards helpful for real-time visualizations and data-driven decisions. Reviewers indicate that New Relic's real-time monitoring is scalable and efficient, handling large-scale deployments with minimal latency and aiding in trend tracking and optimization planning.

**Monitoring**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.8 out of 5. They indicate that New Relic's monitoring capabilities provide real-time visibility into the performance and health of applications, infrastructure, and websites. They appreciate the comprehensive monitoring of performance metrics, error rates, user interactions, and system behavior. Users find the customizable dashboards and visualizations helpful for tailoring the monitoring experience. They also highlight the integration with alerts and notifications for proactive issue detection. Reviewers feel that the user-friendly interface and the ability to create synthetics and NRQL queries enhance the monitoring experience.

**Performance metrics**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.7 out of 5. They highlight the value of New Relic's performance metrics in optimizing system efficiency and scalability. They report that it provides comprehensive visibility into key performance indicators like response times, throughput, error rates, and user interactions. Users appreciate detailed insights into system performance, including transaction times and database or API call durations. They find the customizable dashboards useful for monitoring relevant metrics and identifying areas for improvement. Reviewers indicate that these metrics help enhance user experience and optimize website performance.

Pros & Cons

CT

Clara T.

Telecommunications, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"I appreciate how New Relic’s dashboards display live performance for our billing apps, allowing me to identify slowdowns that could cause a lag in financial reporting."

RP

Ruchika P.

Financial Services, 10,001+ employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"I like how New Relic provides deep visibility into applications and infrastructure through one unified platform."

RP

Ruchika P.

Financial Services, 10,001+ employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"The incidents do not auto resolve instantly specially for process monitoring. When there are same alerts from different conditions it is not smart enough to not open a separate incident."

rm

rahul m.

Retail, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"sometimes custom visualizations such as 'pathpoint' are prone to bugs and Not available to view."

Pricing

New Relic’s free version processes 100 GB of data per month. Businesses that need more than that must request pricing from New Relic.

[Learn more about New Relic pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/118128/New-Relic/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Jira** is a project management and issue-tracking tool that can sync problem reports and incident data with New Relic.
    
-   **Amazon S3** is a scalable cloud storage solution that can be monitored by New Relic.
    
-   **Amazon RDS** is a cloud-based database service that can be monitored by New Relic.
    

[Learn more about New Relic](https://www.capterra.com/p/118128/New-Relic/)

* * *

[4.5 (274)](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/reviews/)

Highly rated for Customer Support

Highly rated for Customer Support

Starting Price:

$95.00

Flat Rate,

Per Year

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Server Monitoring

Based on 100 reviews

User rating:

NS

56% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

ManageEngine OpManager is a network management and monitoring tool that helps businesses keep an eye on system health and performance. It can automate routine maintenance tasks for a long list of IT hardware and services. Optional modules help businesses customize ManageEngine OpManager to their environments. Among the most popular free network monitoring tools on Capterra, ManageEngine OpManager is the highest rated for customer support with a 4.6/5 rating. It also has an overall 4.6/5 rating based on more than 120 reviews.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Server monitoring**

Reviewers appreciate ManageEngine OpManager's robust server monitoring capabilities and rate this feature 4.5 out of 5. They highlight the ability to track CPU, memory, storage, and network utilization in real-time, allowing for proactive maintenance. Users report that the software provides immediate alerts for anomalies and failing systems, helping to prevent outages. They find it easy to set up without needing to install agents on every server. Additionally, reviewers value the comprehensive monitoring of various platforms and the convenience of receiving quick email notifications if issues arise.

Pros & Cons

Oagile M.

Banking, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: Less than 6 months

"With OpManager the tracking of IT asset like severs, switches, routers, firewalls is made easy together with virtualized infrastructure in real time providing a high level of security and also provide alerts well on time no need to make server morning health checks manually."

Atul S.

Information Technology and Services, 501-1,000 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"What I like most about ManageEngine OpManager is its easy deployment and user-friendly interface, along with powerful SNMP-based monitoring that provides real-time visibility into network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and servers."

Atul S.

Information Technology and Services, 501-1,000 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"What I like least about ManageEngine OpManager is that the initial setup and advanced configuration can be complex, especially in large environments, and the user interface feels somewhat outdated compared to newer tools."

BW

Bobby W.

Government Relations, 5,001-10,000 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Getting the share to work with a NAS and the necessary credentials can be hard to get working, and if something happens the rebuild is all or nothing to get going."

Pricing

ManageEngine OpManager’s free version can monitor up to three network devices. The standard and professional editions support up to 25 devices, but businesses should request a quote to ensure they get the required features for their needs.

[Learn more about ManageEngine OpManager pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Slack** is a messaging and collaboration app that can display real-time alerts from OpManager in chat channels.
    
-   **Jira** is a project management and issue-tracking tool that can sync incident data with OpManager.
    
-   **Microsoft Teams** is a collaboration platform that can receive alerts from OpManager.
    

[Learn more about ManageEngine OpManager](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/)

* * *

[4.7 (347)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/reviews/)

Highly rated for Functionality

Highly rated for Functionality

Starting Price:

$10.00

Flat Rate,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Server Monitoring

Based on 57 reviews

User rating:

76% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Site24x7 monitors websites, servers, business applications, and network hardware in a simplified, user-friendly interface. It supports various network devices and servers to provide businesses of all types with a comprehensive solution. Among the most popular free network monitoring tools on Capterra, Site24x7 is the highest rated for functionality with a 4.7/5 rating and more than 270 reviews.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Real-time monitoring**

Reviewers appreciate Site24x7's real-time monitoring capabilities, rating this feature 4.9 out of 5. They find it essential for identifying issues quickly, preventing downtime, and maintaining service reliability. Users report that it helps in tracking server health, resource status, and infrastructure availability. They highlight the ability to create dashboards and receive notifications, which aids in proactive incident management. They also value the integration with SMS for alerts, making it useful regardless of location. Some users mention occasional failures but overall find it efficient and user-friendly.

**Alerts and notifications**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.8 out of 5. They indicate that Site24x7's alerts and notifications are critical for timely issue resolution. They appreciate the ability to receive alerts via email, SMS, and phone calls, ensuring no alerts are missed. Users highlight the customization options for setting thresholds and alert types, which help in managing infrastructure effectively. They find the alerts reliable, though some mention occasional false positives. Integration with third-party tools and the mobile app for real-time alerts are also valued by users.

**Real-time notifications**

Users give this feature a rating of 4.8 out of 5. They report that Site24x7's real-time notifications are vital for immediate response to issues. They appreciate the prompt alerts via email and SMS, which help in maintaining server and website uptime. Reviewers highlight the usefulness of the mobile app for receiving accurate and timely notifications. They find that real-time notifications enable fast actions and prevent downtime, ensuring business operations run smoothly. Some users note minor delays but generally find the notifications reliable and essential.

Pros & Cons

AJ

Akshay J.

Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Site24x7 for its comprehensive, all-in-one monitoring capabilities, which offer deep visibility into servers, networks, applications, and cloud environments from a single, intuitive dashboard."

CL

Carlos Salvador L.

Consumer Services, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: I used a free trial

"It is a very useful tool that can not only be integrated into the Zoho environment but also into your website and servers, and has many channels to inform you of incidents with your services in addition to allowing you to manage and customize many things to your liking."

sm

swapnil m.

Computer Networking, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"some of the parameters give alert and notifi9cation very late like windows update. when server is in reboot state , and when it came up, windows monitor shows down."

Alex S.

Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"Setting up complex synthetic scripts for mobile app monitoring can be time-consuming and requires a bit of a learning curve to get the configuration exactly right."

Pricing

Site24x7’s free version supports up to five network monitors. The PRO Infra plan offers a free 30-day trial, and pricing starts at $17 per month for up to five monitors. Businesses that need to monitor more services can request a quote.

[Learn more about Site24x7 pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Slack** is a messaging and collaboration tool that can display alerts from Site24x7.
    
-   **Microsoft Teams** is a collaboration app that can deliver notifications from Site24x7.
    
-   **Zapier** is a no-code development platform that developers can use to build workflows based on Site24x7 alerts.
    

[Learn more about Site24x7](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/)

* * *

[### Datadog](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/)

[4.6 (360)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/reviews/)

Highly rated for Alerts/Notifications

Highly rated for Alerts/Notifications

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/)

Starting Price:

$15.00

Other,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Dashboard

Based on 8 reviews

User rating:

AG

61% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Datadog is a comprehensive monitoring solution that provides detailed network health and performance analytics. It offers log analysis with rich visualization tools, making tracking performance and identifying issues easy. Among the most popular free network monitoring tools, Datadog was the most requested by Capterra users looking for alerts and notification management. Based on more than 250 reviews, it has an overall rating of 4.6/5.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Alerts and notifications**

Reviewers appreciate Datadog's robust alerts and notifications capabilities, rating this feature 4 out of 5. They highlight the ability to receive alerts via mobile devices, email, SMS, and integrations with platforms like Slack. Users report that Datadog provides notifications for various events, including errors, threats, and security escalations. They find the customization options for notifications valuable, although some wish for even more customization. Reviewers mention that setting up alerts is easy and helpful for monitoring websites, logs, and Kubernetes clusters. However, some note occasional data ingestion delays impacting alerts.

Pros & Cons

TW

Tobias W.

Information Technology and Services, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"The wide range of services and excellent customer care from customer succes. If you compare it to other competitors, Datadog offers a better one stop show and one single pane of glass"

RV

Rakhi V.

Information Technology and Services, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"The log management ..APM to infrastructure monitoring , they all make it a well-rounded solution for teams that need full-stack observability in one place."

OL

Omri L.

Entertainment, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"some areas are too vague, no reply on issues like metric rate changes by time window, custom metrics insights, APM changes, pricing structure."

YK

Yury K.

Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"The biggest drawback is the relatively slow pace at which issues are addressed, along with the incomplete and sometimes inconsistent implementation of OpenTelemetry compatibility."

Pricing

The free version of Datadog monitors up to five hosts and retains metrics for one day. The Pro plan starts at $18 per host per month and retains metrics for 15 months.

[Learn more about Datadog pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Bitbucket** is a collaborative coding tool that integrates with Datadog so developers can visualize how code changes impact performance.
    
-   **Amazon S3** is a cloud storage platform that can be monitored by Datadog.
    
-   **Amazon RDS** is a cloud-based database service that can be monitored by Datadog.
    

[Learn more about Datadog](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/)

* * *

[### Splunk Enterprise](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/)

[4.6 (261)](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/reviews/)

Highly rated for Network Analysis

Highly rated for Network Analysis

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/)

Starting Price:

Not provided by vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Patch Management

Based on 3 reviews

User rating:

VS

64% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Splunk Enterprise is a versatile platform for collecting, monitoring, and visualizing logs, and other machine-generated data. Its analytical tools detect anomalies in real time, allowing businesses to react promptly to potential problems. Of the most popular free network monitoring tools on Capterra, Splunk Enterprise was the most requested by users looking for network analysis. Based on more than 240 verified user reviews, it has a 4.6/5 overall rating.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Log collection**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.9 out of 5 and appreciate Splunk Enterprise's log collection capabilities. They report that it is easy to set up log collection from numerous sources and integrates seamlessly with tools like UiPath Orchestrator. Users find the ability to sift through logs and export them quickly valuable. They also highlight that once endpoints are configured, the system runs smoothly. They say the use of OpenTelemetry enhances the ease of use, making log collection efficient and straightforward.

**Alerts/Notifications**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and indicate that Splunk Enterprise's alerts and notifications are highly flexible and customizable. They appreciate the ability to tune alerts to reduce false positives and integrate with platforms like Slack and PagerDuty. Users find setting up custom notifications straightforward and beneficial for real-time server monitoring. They say the system helps in identifying threats and vulnerabilities, and the email reporting feature, which allows sending data as attachments, saves time and effort.

**Real-Time monitoring**

Users rate this feature 4.8 out of 5 and report that Splunk Enterprise's real-time monitoring is essential for security and quick issue resolution. They find it effective for monitoring critical information and acting swiftly. Reviewers appreciate the real-time data display from logs and events, noting its importance for minimizing business risks. They say the system provides almost instant alerts, which is crucial for addressing threats and information use across the board. They also mention its effectiveness compared to other products in the market.

Pros & Cons

SS

Stefano S.

Information Technology and Services, Self-employed

Used the software for: Less than 6 months

"Splunk is a great platform widely used for log collecting and management but also for implementing some security tools necessary for hardening the cyber security of your company."

CC

Christine C.

Arts and Crafts, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"What I liked most about Splunk Enterprise is its powerful real-time search and analytics."

vp

ville p.

Computer & Network Security, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: I used a free trial

"High and Unpredictable Costs, Steep Learning Curve, High Administrative Overhead, Performance Degradation at Scale"

Suraj D.

Computer Software, 5,001-10,000 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"Splunk integration is complicated and need expert advise."

Pricing

Splunk Enterprise offers a free trial. Businesses interested in purchasing Splunk Enterprise can request a quote.

[Learn more about Splunk Enterprise pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Microsoft Excel** is a spreadsheet application that can view data exported from Splunk Enterprise.
    
-   **Google Workspace** is a cloud-based productivity platform that can be monitored by Splunk Enterprise.
    
-   **Microsoft 365** is an online productivity suite that can be monitored by Splunk Enterprise.
    

[Learn more about Splunk Enterprise](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/)

* * *

[### Atera](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/)

[4.5 (448)](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/reviews/)

Highly rated for Real-Time Monitoring

Highly rated for Real-Time Monitoring

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/)

Starting Price:

$129.00

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Server Monitoring

Based on 21 reviews

User rating:

SB

64% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Atera is an IT management platform for small-and-midsize-businesses. It can remotely monitor nearly any network resource and automate incident reporting, patch management, and other system admin tasks. Among the most popular free network monitoring tools on Capterra, Atera was the most requested by users looking for real-time monitoring features. It also has a 4.6/5 overall rating with more than 400 verified reviews.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Real-time notifications**

Reviewers appreciate Atera's Real-Time Notifications capability, rating this feature 4.5 out of 5. They find it valuable for addressing time-sensitive tasks immediately, reducing downtime, and improving customer service. Users report that the notifications are faster via the mobile app compared to email. They indicate that setting up and configuring notification rules is user-friendly. They also highlight the integration with machines, allowing proactive responses. However, some users mention they have not yet fully configured the notifications to their needs.

**Patch management**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.4 out of 5. They highlight Atera's Patch Management capabilities as helpful for maintaining security and system uptime. They appreciate the automated patching and the ability to manage updates easily. Users report that it supports Windows updates effectively and allows for adding hot fixes with minimal interference to production. However, some reviewers mention the need for improvements in handling OEM updates and timely security definition updates. They also note that it integrates well with their existing systems.

**Remote access/control**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5. They find Atera's Remote Access/Control capabilities beneficial for managing devices across multiple locations. They appreciate the integration with third-party tools like Splashtop, AnyDesk, ScreenConnect, and TeamViewer. Users report that it saves time and resources by allowing remote issue resolution without travel. They indicate that it supports multiple devices and is easy to deploy. However, some users mention occasional connectivity issues and limitations with Splashtop. They value the flexibility to use different remote access software.

Pros & Cons

JH

James H.

Business Supplies and Equipment, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"Atera helped me pull together IT asset data, support tickets, and system activity in one place, which made it easier to prepare internal reports and track progress on compliance tasks."

Ganapathi G H.

Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"Patch management feature across OS platforms, Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, and third party application is very good and also it works on agent based so you can save hug capex"

AK

Alison K.

Marketing and Advertising, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"In addition, the file transfer functionality within Atera is lacking in that I wish to send a file without initiating a full remote session and thus disturbing the user."

BR

Bradley R.

Information Technology and Services, 501-1,000 employees

Used the software for: Less than 6 months

"Reporting and customization felt somewhat limited, and there were times where we had to work around the platform instead of it fitting into our processes. As we scaled, those gaps became more noticeable."

Pricing

Atera offers a 30-day free trial. The Professional plan costs $169 per technician per month. The Expert tier adds advanced features for larger businesses and costs $229 per technician per month.

[Learn more about Atera pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **TeamViewer Remote** is a screen-sharing and support tool that integrates with Atera for remote troubleshooting.
    
-   **QuickBooks Online** is a cloud accounting platform that managed service providers can integrate with Atera for billing management.
    
-   **Xero** is a cloud-based accounting solution that service providers can integrate with Atera for invoice and tax management.
    

[Learn more about Atera](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/)

* * *

[### NinjaOne](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/)

[4.7 (288)](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/reviews/)

Highly rated for Server Monitoring

Highly rated for Server Monitoring

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/)

Starting Price:

Not provided by vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Server Monitoring

Based on 17 reviews

User rating:

SB

78% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

NinjaOne is a remote monitoring platform designed for IT departments and managed service providers. In addition to its monitoring capabilities, NinjaOne also offers scripting for patch management and other remote control features. NinjaOne can onboard server fleets with preconfigured settings, ensuring new network resources come online ready for monitoring.  Out of the most popular free network monitoring tools on Capterra, NinjaOne was the most requested by users looking for server monitoring. It has a 4.8/5 overall rating and more than 230 reviews.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Alerts/Notifications**

Reviewers rate NinjaOne's alerts/notifications feature 5 out of 5. They report that the system handles a wide range of alerts and monitoring functions, making it important to ensure smooth support operations. Users appreciate the email alert system for allowing them to see relevant information without unnecessary notifications. They say that the alerts can easily create tickets and send them to their channels, providing valuable insights with less interaction.

**Automatic patch deployment**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.9 out of 5. They highlight NinjaOne's automatic patch deployment capabilities. They find it very easy to set up rules to update computers and servers, which increases productivity and maintenance. Users report that NinjaOne vets updates well and offers multiple scheduling options. They say the ability to automatically patch security updates is a dream come true, helping ensure client machines are up to date and saving time for IT admins.

**Patch management**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.7 out of 5. They indicate that NinjaOne's patch management capabilities are highly valuable. They report that all device patching done through NinjaOne saves countless hours and allows them to focus on other tasks. They appreciate the advanced options for automatic and manual approval and find it easy to configure and roll out patches. They mention that NinjaOne handles Windows patches perfectly, although Linux server patching is not possible. They also note the flexibility of scripts and integration with InTune.

Pros & Cons

NO

Nelson O.

Financial Services, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"The user interface is clear and user, friendly, so monitoring devices, running scripts, software deployments and checking alerts can all be done very simply, without having to search through menus."

JK

Joe K.

Civil Engineering, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"It helps me and my team manage the health of remote machines, administer software, fix issues, track/log problems, and report on the overall well-being of the company's infrastructure."

ER

Ethan R.

Financial Services, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Occasional issues where users with deteriorating internet connections will lock up the remote access tools, even when the internet quality has imporved."

EK

Eric K.

Computer Networking, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"I have a few clients that have NAS's on their network, however I really don't have a great way of backing them up (apart from replicating the data to a local machine)."

Pricing

NinjaOne offers a 14-day free trial, and pricing is available via a customized quote.

[Learn more about NinjaOne pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Slack** is a messaging and collaboration platform that can display NinjaOne alerts.
    
-   **TeamViewer Remote** is a screen-sharing and support tool that can integrate with NinjaOne for troubleshooting.
    
-   **ConnectWise ScreenConnect** is a remote troubleshooting app that integrates with NinjaOne for screen sharing.
    

[Learn more about NinjaOne](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/)

* * *

## Top free network monitoring software at a glance

Vendor

Highly rated

Starting Price

[ManageEngine OpManager](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/)[4.5 (274)](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/reviews/)

Customer Support

$95.00

Per Year

[Site24x7](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/)[4.7 (347)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/reviews/)

Functionality

$10.00

Per Month

[New Relic](https://www.capterra.com/p/118128/New-Relic/)[4.5 (195)](https://www.capterra.com/p/118128/New-Relic/reviews/)

Ease of Use

$10.00

[PRTG](https://www.capterra.com/p/21581/PRTG-Network-Monitor/)[4.6 (255)](https://www.capterra.com/p/21581/PRTG-Network-Monitor/reviews/)

Value for Money

$179.00

Per Month

[Datadog](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/)[4.6 (360)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/reviews/)

Alerts/Notifications

$15.00

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/)

[Atera](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/)[4.5 (448)](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/reviews/)

Real-Time Monitoring

$129.00

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/144309/Atera/)

[Zabbix](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/)[4.7 (111)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/reviews/)

Highest Rated

$50.00

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/)

[Splunk Enterprise](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/)[4.6 (261)](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/reviews/)

Network Analysis

Not provided by vendor

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/94317/Splunk/)

[NinjaOne](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/)[4.7 (288)](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/reviews/)

Server Monitoring

Not provided by vendor

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/184229/NinjaOne/)

Explore our 266 Network Monitoring solutions[Browse Directory](https://www.capterra.com/network-monitoring-software/)

## Our methodology

Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information and verified user ratings and reviews as of November 2024.

To be considered for this list, products had to:

-   Appear in the [Capterra Shortlist for Network Monitoring](https://www.capterra.com/network-monitoring-software/shortlist/).
    
-   Show evidence of offering required functionality for a given software category as demonstrated by publicly available sources, such as the vendor’s website.
    
-   Offer either a forever free version or a free trial period.
    
-   In certain cases, depending on the market, we may expand the criteria for selection of products based on our market insights to ensure we’re providing the best options for buyers. 

We took the highest-rated products in each of the listed parameters a product is “best for” unless that product already appeared on our list. In these cases, we feature the next highest-rated product. 

In our descriptions of each featured product, we include the following details: 

**Most valued features:** Our research team analyzed verified network monitoring software reviews on Capterra to identify each product’s highest-rated features (among features with at least five reviews). We then summarized user sentiment using real reviews for each feature. Please note: Some of the highest-rated features for a given product may not be included in its free version. 

**Review excerpts selection**: Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, sentiment, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar.

**Popular integrations:** We identified integrations from our internal database and selected products considered as “most popular” based on how often they were cited by users as integrating with products in the category.

## What is network monitoring software?

Companies use [network monitoring system](https://www.capterra.com/network-monitoring-software/)s to analyze and manage all of the computer systems and networks operated within a business’s IT infrastructure. These tools facilitate the smooth running of network machines and routing devices. Usually, these systems boast a mix of core features such as alerts and notifications, network mapping, performance metrics, and real-time monitoring.

Network monitoring tools can also effectively integrate with other platforms, such as [cybersecurity software](https://www.capterra.com/cybersecurity-software/), [cloud storage](https://www.capterra.com/cloud-storage-software/), and [IT service management (ITSM)](https://www.capterra.com/itsm-software/) systems, to help firms consolidate their IT infrastructure.

## Common types of free network monitoring software

Network monitoring systems typically offer two ‘free’ options to users: freemium versions or free trials. Some providers may offer both of these options. This usually gives users the chance to use a basic version of a product or take advantage of limited free trials of its paid-for versions.

### Freemium versions (free version with limited features)

Freemium or forever-free versions of network monitoring software give users access to the most basic features to manage network traffic. However, they usually restrict the number of devices (or ports and sensors) that can be monitored, operating systems (OS) that can be used on the network, the number of users who can access the platform, and other key elements.

In many cases, installing free open-source network monitoring systems can also be more complicated or technical. These options usually have more limited customer service options compared to paid versions. This usually means free systems can only be used effectively if there are staff with technical know-how on hand to manage them.  

Nevertheless, freemium network monitoring options can prove very practical for newer companies with available technical expertise or more established but still small firms looking to cut back on some of their technology overheads. On Capterra, we list 112 network monitoring products that are available on a freemium basis, so there are plenty of options to choose from when selecting a free system.  

### Free trial options (limited time free access)

Free trial options for network monitoring software allow users to try out a paid subscription tier for around 14 to 30 days at no cost. These options give interested firms all the features available with the paid-for version throughout their duration.

A free trial version of a network monitoring system is best for a firm that is seriously considering upgrading to a paid subscription offered by a vendor before committing to a purchase. Capterra lists 233 network monitoring products with a free trial option. 

Using a free trial before making a final purchase decision can be a highly influential differentiator. In our 2025 Tech Trends Survey we discovered that 62% of IT security users involved in software buying use product trials as their ultimate decision-maker.[\[2\]](#footnotes)

## Features included with free network monitoring software

A network monitoring tool offers core features of real-time network monitoring, customizable alerts and notifications, performance tracking, and network mapping. However, when selecting a free network monitoring tool it is vital to check that the desired features needed are included without a paid subscription or upgrade.

Below, we’ve listed some of the standard features that will usually be offered by free network monitoring systems, along with our user reviews analysis on the key functionality that matters most to software buyers: 

### Core features available with free network monitoring software

-   **Real-time monitoring:** Track activity and network traffic as it happens. 95% of software reviewers rate this feature as highly important.
    
-   **Basic notifications:** Receive alerts by email or app notifications when anomalies are detected. 92% of software reviewers rate this feature as highly important.
    
-   **Basic analytical performance tracking:** Analyze data collected from network traffic to assess performance. 80% of software reviewers rate this feature as highly important.
    
-   **Network visualization:** Observe the key components and nodes that make up the network via mapping visualization tools.
    

### Common features of free network monitoring software

-   **Limited server monitoring:** Track activity on server systems to optimize device performance. 84% of software reviewers rate this feature as highly important.
    
-   **Simple dashboards:** Create analytical dashboards based on data collected from monitoring activity.
    
-   **Remediation management:** Identify issues occurring on the network and execute actions to restore systems to working use and fix errors. 

### Features ‘not’ typically included with free network monitoring software

-   **Dedicated customer support:** Free network monitoring systems usually don’t offer dedicated user support, meaning firms have to be able to tackle potential issues and set up on their own. Support is usually among the tool’s most valued features, receiving positive feedback from users, and receiving an average sentiment score of 4.2 out of 5.
    
-   **Configuration management:** Using a free network monitoring platform may restrict users from managing the configuration of their systems and servers at a network level. This may require users to adjust configuration settings for each device individually.
    
-   **Machine learning features:** Free network monitoring platforms may put their machine learning, enhanced analytical, or detection capabilities behind their paywalls.
    
-   **Customization options:** Free versions of network monitoring tools may restrict customization options. This means users can only interact with preset dashboards, reports, and notifications.
    

## Benefits of using free network monitoring software

Administrators use network monitoring software to keep tabs on their network stability, identify areas of improvement, track sensors and servers that make up the network, and scan for potential breaches and unauthorized traffic. Free tools can provide many of these key functionalities, albeit in a more limited capacity than paid equivalents 

Some of the key benefits that free network monitoring tools can offer administrators include the following:

-   **Improve network performance:** Real-time monitoring of network traffic and systems allows admins to get a clear picture of how their network is performing. This in turn helps identify potential bottlenecks in the system or areas that need to be improved so that optimizations can be made across the network by IT staff. 
-   **Monitor for security threats:** Another benefit of monitoring and tracking a network is that it becomes easier to spot potential security incidents at their earliest stages. Network monitoring tools can identify unusual devices accessing network traffic and alert administrators, allowing them to apply fixes or remove access from the threat.
    
-   **Data reports and analytics:** Network monitoring tools can collect data on network performance and visualize it for administrators. This makes it simpler to create status reports and assess information on key performance indicators (KPIs).
    

## What to look for in free network monitoring software 

To get the best fit for your organization it helps to carefully evaluate free network monitoring options before starting a trial or demonstration. When choosing a suitable free platform there are a few key factors to consider:

### Number of devices you want to connect

One of the big limitations of free network monitoring systems is the number of devices that can be monitored. These may be set as low as 10 servers or sensors or up to around 100, depending on the provider. Having a clear view of how many devices are necessary for your monitoring activity can help you choose a provider that can accommodate your capacity to get the most value from a free plan.

### Hidden costs and fees

Some features provided may be free up to a certain capacity, such as the number of users who can access the system or the number of devices connected. Past that point, there may be additional billable charges, either through paid add-ons or charges for going over capacity. 

### Upgrade pathways

When you decide to use a free network monitoring platform it is best to use one that can accommodate your needs as you scale. Consider solutions that clearly show their paid tier options, so you have a good idea of the likely costs and plan ahead for when it comes time to upgrade.  

### User reviews

Whether you pay for a new network monitoring system or not, it is important to assess the options carefully using user reviews to understand how features and provider track records compare across different options. It can help to look for recurring keywords in reviews that refer to features users value most such as deployment, implementation, and team support. On Capterra, there are 410 products for network monitoring with verified user reviews to help assess these choices.

## How to choose free network monitoring software

When planning to select the ideal free network monitoring software from the many options available, it is vital the final selection matches your business goals and growth plans. We’ve listed three tips that can help you make that decision:

### 1\. Assess the basic requirements

Start by carefully assessing your business's current situation. Before beginning the selection process, consider your firm's technology setup and the technical expertise of your IT team. This is especially important for free network monitoring systems, as many lack the customization options and support available with paid-for upgrades. They can also be trickier to install.

You should also consider how the choice of platform fits with your growth plans and current situation. As you add more sensors, servers, and machines to your network, you are more likely to need to upgrade to a paid subscription to overcome limitations on the number of hardware devices you can monitor. Considering these factors ahead of time can help avoid potential roadblocks to growth and momentum as your business expands.

### 2\. Weigh-up options based on features and integration options

Does your network require specific features from a product, or is there any existing software used within your business that you’d want to integrate into a monitoring platform? These are important questions you need to ask when considering options for free network monitoring software. When choosing between systems look carefully at the features offered, especially the reporting and analytics, the types of notification systems available to users, and dashboards that can be accessed in the basic freemium versions.   

### 3\. Shortlist the options

It can be prohibitively time consuming to carefully test and assess the many hundreds of available free network monitoring tools on the market. Our research shows that during the selection process for a new software tool, IT software users find it beneficial to shortlist between 1-4 possible products for more in-depth analysis during a buyer’s journey. Furthermore, our data shows that 41% of IT security software users find reviews the most influential source of information when conducting formal research into shortlisted options.[\[2\]](#footnotes)  

Use the [Capterra Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/network-monitoring-software/shortlist/), [comparison tools](https://www.capterra.com/resources/capterra-software-comparison-tool/), and verified user reviews to identify the top options. Whilst conducting this research it's best to focus on the feedback from software users that specifically refer to both freemium and free trials of paid systems.

## Limitations using free network monitoring software

There are usually a few key limitations that users of free network monitoring software may come across:

-   Restrictions on the number of devices that can be monitored
    
-   Caps on user seats for team members
    
-   Limited customer support options or vendor assistance
    

Aside from these common restrictions, configuring and running a free network monitoring platform can also prove more time-consuming and hands-on. This is because free versions may not have the same automation or cross-network administration controls that paid versions offer. Furthermore, open-source and free versions can also prove more manual and tricky to install.

The lack of network-wide configuration options can also prove risky for businesses. Improperly set up devices can make firms more susceptible to cyberattacks. In fact, our research shows that 39% of IT professionals experienced data breaches in the last 12 months for this very reason.[\[3\]](#footnotes)

## When to consider free vs paid network monitoring software

Using free network monitoring software can be a great starting point for newer firms or startups with fewer network devices to manage and tighter budgets. This can help set up basic network infrastructure monitoring in a cost-effective way.  

However, as your business grows the restrictions and limitations of a free network monitoring tool may become more apparent. When this time comes, it may help to upgrade to a paid-for subscription level.

Consider upgrading to paid solutions once you: 

-   Need to manage a wider range of network devices
    
-   Wish to apply configuration management at a network level
    
-   Require more customizations for alerts or dashboards
    
-   Want to use automation for workflows and notifications
    
-   Have a need for more dedicated customer support.
    

As one systems administrator highlights in our reviews: “There are a lot of different things you can monitor, prebuilt templates, and even custom things that you can build. Having a free product helps a lot to see if it's what you need in your environment. However, I wish AD logon integration was included in the free version instead of 1 shared account.”[\[1\]](#footnotes) Using a free plan initially can make starting network monitoring tasks cheaper and easier, however, it’s important to remember that paid features can be worth the eventual expenditure.

## What is the cost to upgrade from free network monitoring software to a paid package?

There are a few ways that you can upgrade from a free network monitoring software plan to incorporate more premium paid features. Product providers offer paid upgrades either via monthly or annual subscriptions, or one-time licenses. Additionally, users may also expand on the set of features available via paid add on packages with some software providers.[\[4\]](#footnotes)

-   **Entry-level** plans are usually priced between $1 and $2 per user per month. Basic pricing plans usually include all the features of a free plan plus the ability to monitor more devices, more integration options, and access to basic customer support.
    
-   **Mid-tier** plans commonly range from $3 - $16 per user and will add features such as more advanced alert systems, automation, and customizations for dashboards and reporting.
    
-   **Higher-end** premium or enterprise-level plans usually start from $17 per user. These provide the highest capacity for network devices and are suited to much bigger companies managing potentially thousands of systems. They also offer the most advanced levels of dedicated customer support.
    

## FAQs

How can I monitor traffic on my network for free?

Free and open-source network monitoring software can be used to monitor network traffic. These basic systems come with essential tools for network monitoring such as real-time monitoring, notifications and alerts, basic data reporting features, and network visualization.

How do I monitor my whole network traffic?

A network monitoring software system can monitor all traffic on your network. These tools allow administrators to visualize all the devices on a network, monitor traffic for performance and security purposes, and collect and analyze data.

Are there free network monitoring software?

Yes, there are many examples of free and open-source network monitoring software that can be run at no cost. For instance, Capterra lists 112 products that are available for freemium use.

What should I monitor in my network?

You should consider monitoring various elements of a computer network. Some examples include tracking system devices, performance measurement, system capacity, anomaly detection, and signs of potential breaches.

Why do I need network monitoring?

Network monitoring is an essential IT practice for businesses. It optimizes network performance, prevents potential security breaches, and ensures network hardware remains in good working order.

How can I monitor my WiFi traffic for free?

It is possible to use a free or open-source network monitoring tool to monitor WiFi network traffic. This will allow you to see all the IPs of devices on the network and track the status of network traffic.

Which is the most common tool used for network monitoring?

There are many common tools used for network monitoring. Some of the free options that stand out most to Capterra users are [Zabbix](https://www.capterra.com/p/135902/Zabbix-Monitoring-Solution/), which receives the highest average overall rating (4.8 out of 5), [PRTG](https://www.capterra.com/p/21581/PRTG-Network-Monitor/), which is rated the best in terms of value for money and [New Relic](https://www.capterra.com/p/118128/New-Relic/) which receives the best ranking for ease of use.

Is PRTG still free?

Yes, [PRTG](https://www.capterra.com/p/21581/PRTG-Network-Monitor/) offers a forever free version that allows users to monitor up to 100 sensors on a network. This freeware version is popular with users as our feedback shows that PRTG receives the highest average rating (4.4 out of 5) and the most overall reviews for a free network monitoring tool from Capterra reviewers.

What are the types of network monitoring software?

There are several key types of network monitoring. These include the following types of monitoring as defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO):

-   **Performance:** Track the overall execution of all the elements on the network
    
-   **Configuration:** Setting controls across all devices on the system to configure settings.
    
-   **Accounting:** The tracking of anomalies in usage across the business to plan around resource availability.
    
-   **Security:** Defining security protections and monitoring for unauthorized access to the network.
    
-   **Fault:** The ability to detect faults in the network infrastructure, so they can be quickly resolved, minimizing downtime.
    

**Sources**

1.  **Capterra reviews data:** Capterra reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. [Read the complete methodology.](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology)
    
2.  **Capterra’s 2025 Tech Trends Survey** was conducted online in August 2024 among 3,276 respondents in the U.S. (n=658), U.K. (n=333), Canada (n=323), Australia (n=336), France (n=322), India (n=343), Germany (n=331), Brazil (n=325), and Japan (n=305), at businesses across multiple industries and company sizes (5 or more employees). The survey was  designed to understand the timeline, organizational challenges, adoption & budget, vendor research behaviors, ROI expectations, and satisfaction levels for software buyers. Respondents were screened to ensure their involvement in business software purchasing decisions and that they use IT security software.
    
3.  **Capterra’s 2024 Data Security Survey:** This survey was conducted online in August 2024 among 4,000 respondents in Australia (n=350), Brazil (n=350), Canada (n=350), France (n=350), India (n=350), Italy (n=350), Japan (n=350), Mexico (n=350), Spain (n=350), the U.K. (n=350), and the U.S. (n=500) to learn more about data security practices at businesses around the world. Respondents were screened for full-time employment in an IT role with responsibility for, or full knowledge of, their company's data security measures.
    
4.  **Capterra software pricing data:** Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of the date of production, are included in the pricing analysis. [Read the complete methodology here](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology).
    

[David Jani](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/david-jani/)

David Jani is a content analyst at Capterra. With a background in tech journalism, public relations, professional training, and marketing, he uses his extensive experience to investigate small business technology trends, with a focus on marketing and cybersecurity, to provide timely, actionable insights for small and midsize businesses. David’s research and analysis is informed by more than 150,000 authentic user reviews on Capterra and nearly 3,000 interactions between Capterra software...

[Parul Sharma](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/parul-sharma/)

Parul Sharma is a content editor at Capterra with expertise in curating content for various niches, including SaaS, digital marketing, and search engine optimization. With over half a decade of experience in content writing and editing, Parul has the expertise to simplify complex terms into engaging, valuable content for targeted audiences. She completed her graduation and post-graduation in English literature from Delhi University and was awarded the Dr. Asha Sahni Memorial Award for being the...

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