SolarWinds has been a go-to solution for network monitoring and management for years. However, with the growing complexity of modern business environments, many organizations are now seeking alternatives that offer more flexibility, better scalability, or more advanced features.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the top SolarWinds alternatives in 2025, including some hidden gems that might be the perfect fit for your needs.
Why Are Companies Turning to SolarWinds Alternatives?
While SolarWinds has been a popular choice for network monitoring, it doesn't always meet the unique needs of every business.
Some organizations find it costly, particularly smaller companies or startups, while others are looking for something more user-friendly or that integrates better with their existing tools.
In addition, SolarWinds has faced criticism over performance issues and security vulnerabilities—especially after the major cyberattack in 2020.
These concerns have prompted many to explore alternatives that offer enhanced security, reliability, and value.
Here are some reasons why businesses might look for SolarWinds alternatives:
- High cost, especially for smaller businesses and startups
- Complexity in setup and use
- Concerns over performance and reliability
- Security vulnerabilities, including the 2020 cyberattack
- A need for better integration with existing systems
7 Best SolarWinds Alternatives in 2025
1. Nagios
Nagios has been a staple in network monitoring for years, offering open-source, highly customizable monitoring solutions. It’s often favored by IT professionals who need flexibility and control over their systems.
Pros:
- Open-source and highly customizable.
- Wide range of plugins available.
- Strong community support.
Cons:
- Can be complex to configure for beginners.
- The user interface feels outdated.
User Reviews: Users praise Nagios for its powerful flexibility and large plugin ecosystem. However, many point out that it requires technical expertise to fully leverage its capabilities.
When to Use:
- Ideal for businesses with the technical expertise to customize and configure the platform.
- Best for large or complex infrastructures that need extensive monitoring and customizations.
Limitations:
- The steep learning curve makes it less suitable for beginners or small businesses without dedicated IT teams.
2. Zabbix
Zabbix is a free, open-source network monitoring tool that’s known for its scalability and advanced features. It's particularly popular for its ability to handle large infrastructures without additional licensing fees.
Pros:
- Open-source with no licensing fees.
- Scalable for large infrastructures.
- High level of customization.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new users.
- Requires significant server resources.
User Reviews: Users appreciate Zabbix’s scalability and powerful monitoring capabilities. However, the setup process and learning curve can be overwhelming for beginners.
When to Use:
- Best suited for businesses that need robust monitoring but want to avoid the high costs of proprietary software.
- Ideal for large-scale infrastructures or organizations that need to monitor complex IT environments.
Limitations:
- Server resources can be demanding, and the learning curve can slow adoption.
3. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
PRTG is known for its ease of use, making it a top choice for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides deep insights into your network performance, from bandwidth usage to server health.
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- Flexible licensing model.
- Extensive alerting and reporting options.
Cons:
- Can become expensive for larger networks.
- Some users report limited customization compared to other options.
User Reviews: PRTG is often praised for its user-friendly interface, with many users reporting quick onboarding. However, the cost can quickly escalate as the network grows, and some feel that customization options are more limited than other tools.
When to Use:
- Ideal for businesses that need an easy-to-manage, versatile solution without extensive technical expertise.
- Best for small to medium-sized businesses that don’t want to spend a lot of time on setup.
Limitations:
- It can get pricey for larger organizations or networks with high monitoring requirements.
4. Datadog
Datadog is a comprehensive monitoring platform, especially favored by businesses operating in cloud-based environments. Its ability to provide real-time visibility into network, server, and application performance makes it a favorite among DevOps teams.
Pros:
- Strong cloud integration and scalability.
- Advanced machine learning for anomaly detection.
- Rich dashboards and reporting.
Cons:
- High cost, especially for smaller businesses.
- Learning curve for full utilization.
User Reviews: Datadog is often praised for its excellent cloud integration and powerful analytics. However, users find its pricing model a bit expensive, especially for smaller businesses or startups.
When to Use:
- Best for companies heavily invested in cloud infrastructures or hybrid environments.
- Great for teams needing advanced machine learning and analytics to detect anomalies.
Limitations:
- It’s costly for smaller businesses, and the platform may require time to fully utilize all features.
5. LibreNMS
LibreNMS is a free, open-source solution that provides extensive network monitoring capabilities. It supports a wide array of protocols and offers customizable dashboards for monitoring network health.
Pros:
- Free and open-source.
- Active community support.
- Offers a wide range of integrations.
Cons:
- Not as polished as commercial alternatives.
- Limited out-of-the-box reporting and analytics.
User Reviews: LibreNMS users appreciate its open-source nature and flexibility, though some note that its user interface is not as polished as more commercial options. It’s highly favored by those looking to save costs.
When to Use:
- Best for businesses looking for a low-cost, open-source solution that can be customized to meet specific needs.
- Ideal for organizations with the technical knowledge to tailor the tool to their environment.
Limitations:
- May not be as feature-rich or polished as paid solutions, and lacks some out-of-the-box analytics.
6. LogicMonitor
LogicMonitor is a comprehensive monitoring platform offering both cloud-based and on-premises solutions. Known for its automated monitoring and powerful analytics, LogicMonitor is easy to use with minimal configuration.
Pros:
- Fully automated monitoring and discovery.
- Extensive integrations with various systems.
- Powerful analytics and reporting.
Cons:
- Expensive for smaller organizations.
- Some features may require extra configuration.
User Reviews: LogicMonitor receives positive feedback for its automated features and deep insights. However, the cost is often cited as a significant drawback for smaller businesses.
When to Use:
- Best for organizations that need a comprehensive, automated monitoring solution.
- Ideal for companies that require a flexible and user-friendly platform with strong analytics.
Limitations:
- High cost makes it less ideal for smaller businesses or those with tighter budgets.
7. Auvik
Auvik is a cloud-based monitoring solution that provides an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. It's designed to simplify network management, with features such as automated discovery and network mapping.
Pros:
- Cloud-based, no need for on-premises hardware.
- Easy-to-use interface and setup.
- Automated network discovery and mapping.
Cons:
- Limited customization compared to open-source solutions.
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives.
User Reviews: Users like Auvik for its ease of use, particularly in managing complex networks. However, its lack of customization options and higher pricing are often mentioned as drawbacks.
When to Use:
- Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-deploy, cloud-based network monitoring solution.
- Great for companies needing fast, automated network discovery and mapping.
Limitations:
- Less customizable than open-source alternatives and may be more expensive compared to some other options.
3 SolarWinds Alternatives You Shouldn't Miss
While we've explored some of the top SolarWinds alternatives, here are three more options that stand out in their own right.
These tools offer a unique mix of features, scalability, and user-friendly interfaces that could be exactly what your organization needs:
1. NetCrunch
NetCrunch is an all-in-one network monitoring solution that stands out for its simple interface and robust monitoring capabilities. It’s a great choice for businesses looking for comprehensive network management with minimal setup.
- Key Features:
- Real-time network monitoring and diagnostics.
- Customizable dashboards and reporting tools.
- Auto-discovery of devices and seamless network mapping.
- Advanced alerting and notification systems.
- Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses that want a user-friendly tool for monitoring network performance without the complexity of larger, more expensive platforms.
- Pros:
- Easy to set up and use, even for teams with limited IT resources.
- Highly customizable dashboards for monitoring specific network parameters.
- Excellent reporting and alerting options.
- Cons:
- May lack some advanced features seen in larger enterprise solutions.
- Limited integration options compared to competitors like Zabbix or Nagios.
2. Atera
Atera is a cloud-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform primarily designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a solution that can help automate many of the routine IT tasks associated with network management.
- Key Features:
- Remote monitoring and management with automation features.
- Cloud-based solution with no on-premises hardware required.
- Built-in ticketing system and customer management.
- Scalability for growing MSPs with multi-location support.
- Best For: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) who need to monitor and manage multiple clients’ networks from a single platform.
- Pros:
- Strong automation features, saving time on manual tasks.
- Affordable, with a flexible pricing model based on the number of devices.
- Good support and resources for MSPs.
- Cons:
- Limited customizability compared to open-source alternatives.
- More suited to MSPs than in-house IT teams.
3. Ntopng
Ntopng is a high-performance network monitoring tool designed for those who need deep insights into network traffic. It provides real-time analytics, making it ideal for organizations that require detailed visibility into their network's behavior.
- Key Features:
- Real-time network traffic monitoring with detailed analytics.
- Visualization of traffic flow and detailed traffic reports.
- Support for high-speed interfaces and large-scale networks.
- Customizable alerts based on network traffic patterns.
- Best For: Organizations looking for a network monitoring solution that excels at traffic analysis, especially in high-bandwidth environments.
- Pros:
- Real-time insights into network traffic and performance.
- High-performance engine, ideal for large or busy networks.
- Open-source version available with plenty of advanced features.
- Cons:
- Steep learning curve, especially for users new to network traffic monitoring.
- Lacks some of the broader network infrastructure monitoring features found in tools like Nagios or PRTG.
How to Choose the Right SolarWinds Alternative
When evaluating alternatives to SolarWinds, it’s essential to carefully consider key factors to ensure the platform aligns with your organization's goals, technical requirements, and budget. Here are the key features to focus on when making your choice:
1. Scalability
Scalability refers to the solution’s ability to grow and handle increased data loads as your business expands. You’ll want a monitoring tool that can scale with your network and infrastructure needs without performance degradation or the need for constant upgrades.
- What to look for: Ensure the alternative can handle a growing number of devices, users, and data sources. Consider whether the tool can support multi-site or distributed environments as your network scales.
- Ask yourself: Is the solution capable of scaling up for future needs without requiring a complete overhaul?
2. Customizability
Every organization has unique needs, and customizability is key to getting the most out of your network monitoring solution. Whether it’s tailored dashboards, custom alert thresholds, or integrations with proprietary tools, you’ll need a platform that can be adapted to fit your workflows.
- What to look for: Flexibility in configuring monitoring rules, dashboards, and reporting to suit your organization’s specific requirements. Open-source solutions are typically more customizable.
- Ask yourself: Does the platform allow me to make changes easily, or will I be locked into predefined settings that don’t fit my needs?
3. Integrations
Most businesses rely on various tools and platforms to manage their infrastructure, including cloud platforms, ticketing systems, and automation tools. Your monitoring solution must integrate well with these systems to provide seamless workflows.
- What to look for: A robust set of integration options with the tools you already use, such as cloud providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), ITSM platforms, alerting systems, and automation frameworks.
- Ask yourself: Can I easily integrate this tool with my existing ecosystem without needing additional resources or custom development?
4. Cost-effectiveness
Network monitoring can be a significant investment, especially for growing organizations. When evaluating alternatives to SolarWinds, consider the total cost of ownership, which includes licensing fees, setup costs, and any potential hidden costs.
- What to look for: Transparent pricing models that align with your budget, whether it's based on the number of devices monitored, the volume of data, or the level of support you require. Open-source solutions typically offer lower upfront costs.
- Ask yourself: Does the pricing structure provide value for the features and performance offered? Are there hidden costs for scalability, support, or upgrades?
5. User Experience
A great user experience ensures that your team can quickly get up to speed with the platform and make the most of its features without requiring extensive training. A well-designed interface can save your team time, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency.
- What to look for: An intuitive interface with easy-to-navigate dashboards, clear reporting, and user-friendly configuration tools. Some tools may offer drag-and-drop functionality, customizable views, or easy-to-read visualizations.
- Ask yourself: Will my team be able to use the platform effectively with minimal training? Is the interface cluttered or streamlined?
6. Security
Security is a non-negotiable aspect of any IT solution, especially when monitoring sensitive network data. Ensure the monitoring tool has robust security features to protect your organization’s data and prevent unauthorized access.
- What to look for: Features such as role-based access control (RBAC), encryption, secure communication protocols, and regular security updates. Make sure the solution complies with industry standards and regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
- Ask yourself: Does the platform meet my security requirements, and is it regularly updated to address vulnerabilities?
7. Support and Community
The quality of customer support and the availability of community-driven resources can significantly impact your experience with a monitoring tool. Consider whether the vendor offers responsive support or if you’ll be relying on user forums and documentation.
- What to look for: A combination of excellent customer support (24/7 support, live chat, or phone options) and an active user community that contributes to tutorials, plugins, and troubleshooting.
- Ask yourself: Is the vendor responsive to issues, and is there a community that can help me if I need additional resources or guidance?
Comparison: Open-source vs. Commercial Network Monitoring Solutions
| Feature | Open-source Solutions | Commercial Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to use, but may require paid add-ons, support, or plugins. | Subscription-based pricing, with tiered plans based on the number of devices or sensors. |
| Examples | Nagios, Zabbix, LibreNMS | SolarWinds, PRTG, Datadog, Auvik |
| Ease of Use | Often requires more technical expertise for setup and management. | User-friendly with intuitive UIs and easy setup. |
| Support | Community-driven support (forums, documentation). May be slow or inconsistent. | Dedicated support teams with 24/7 availability and extensive knowledge bases. |
| Customization | Highly customizable and flexible, with the ability to modify code and add plugins. | Some customization options, but generally more rigid within proprietary frameworks. |
| Scalability | Scalable, but may require manual configuration for large infrastructures. | Easily scalable, designed for enterprise-level networks. |
| Security | Security is user-dependent, may require additional configurations. | Built-in advanced security features with anomaly detection. |
| Features | Basic features are available, but premium features may require third-party integrations. | Comprehensive, all-in-one features with pre-built integrations, dashboards, and alerts. |
| Documentation | Community-contributed documentation and guides. | Extensive, professionally created documentation and troubleshooting resources. |
A Quick Recap
SolarWinds Alternatives: There’s a wide range of options out there, both open-source and commercial, each catering to different needs depending on your budget, the size of your organization, and the features you need.
Open-source Tools: Think tools like Nagios, Zabbix, and LibreNMS—these are free, super customizable, and perfect if you have a technical team that enjoys tinkering. But, fair warning, they might require a bit more hands-on work when it comes to setup and management.
Commercial Solutions: If you want something that works out of the box, tools like PRTG, Datadog, and SolarWinds come with that easy-to-use experience, plus professional support and advanced features. They’re great if you don’t want to dive into the technical weeds but still need top-notch monitoring.
Cost Considerations: Open-source tools save you money upfront, but you might end up spending more on support or add-ons. Commercial tools come with a subscription cost, but in return, you get comprehensive support, security, and integrations.
Support & Documentation: With commercial options, you get 24/7 support from professionals, while open-source solutions rely more on community forums and docs, which can take a bit longer to get a response.
Customization & Flexibility: Open-source tools are like a blank canvas—if you’re into customizing and integrating, you’ll love them. Commercial tools aren’t as flexible but provide a smoother, pre-built experience with integrations that work right out of the box.
Security & Scalability: Both open-source and commercial options scale well, but commercial tools often come with built-in security features and are easier to scale for large enterprises.
Conclusion
Choosing the right network monitoring tool is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security.
SolarWinds remains a solid choice for many, but as we’ve seen, there are plenty of alternatives that might be better suited to your needs—whether you’re looking for more flexibility, lower cost, or improved performance.
Tools like Nagios, Zabbix, Paessler PRTG, and Datadog offer excellent alternatives that can help you keep your network running smoothly in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of using SolarWinds alternatives?
Switching from SolarWinds to an alternative can offer several benefits depending on the tool you choose. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Cost-effectiveness: Many alternatives, particularly open-source options like Nagios and Zabbix, can be significantly cheaper than SolarWinds, making them an attractive option for smaller businesses or startups.
- Customizability: If you need a more tailored solution, alternatives like Nagios and LibreNMS allow for more flexibility and customization compared to SolarWinds’ out-of-the-box features.
- Improved security: Some alternatives, like Datadog, focus heavily on advanced security features, such as anomaly detection and real-time monitoring, offering businesses greater peace of mind.
- Scalability: Solutions like LogicMonitor and Zabbix can scale to meet the needs of large enterprises or growing networks, often with less complexity than SolarWinds.
How much do SolarWinds alternatives cost?
The cost of SolarWinds alternatives varies widely based on the platform and the scale of your needs:
- Open-source solutions (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, LibreNMS): These are often free to use, though there may be costs for support, premium features, or hosted solutions.
- Paid solutions (e.g., PRTG, Datadog, LogicMonitor): These typically offer tiered pricing based on the number of devices or metrics you want to monitor. Prices can range from as low as $100 per year for smaller networks to thousands of dollars per year for enterprise-scale monitoring.
- Cloud-based options (e.g., Auvik, Datadog): These are often subscription-based, with pricing depending on the number of devices, sensors, or cloud instances monitored.
It's important to evaluate not only the upfront costs but also the potential return on investment in terms of efficiency, security, and scalability.
Are there free trials available for SolarWinds alternatives?
Yes, most paid SolarWinds alternatives offer free trials so you can test the features and see if the platform fits your needs before committing. For example:
- PRTG Network Monitor offers a free trial with full functionality for 30 days, allowing you to assess its capabilities.
- Datadog offers a 14-day free trial for its full platform, including APM, infrastructure monitoring, and logs.
- LogicMonitor provides a free trial period so businesses can try out the cloud-based monitoring solution before purchasing.
- Auvik also has a trial available for potential customers to explore its network monitoring features.
Be sure to take advantage of these trials to evaluate the interface, functionality, and ease of use of each solution before making a decision.
How secure are SolarWinds alternatives?
Security is a top concern when choosing a network monitoring tool, especially after SolarWinds’ high-profile security breach in 2020. Many alternatives take security seriously and offer advanced features to ensure the safety of your data:
- Datadog: Offers built-in security features like anomaly detection powered by machine learning, which can identify potential threats in real time.
- Auvik: Provides encryption for both data in transit and at rest, ensuring your monitoring data remains secure.
- Nagios: While the platform itself is secure, users should follow best practices when configuring Nagios, as it's highly customizable.
- Zabbix: This open-source tool is secure by default but requires additional configurations for enhanced security, such as securing APIs and using encryption.
Before settling on an alternative, make sure to evaluate the security features offered, especially if your organization handles sensitive data or operates in regulated industries.
Which SolarWinds alternative is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, the best alternatives are usually cost-effective, easy to set up and provide the right level of functionality without overwhelming users. Some of the best SolarWinds alternatives for small businesses include:
- PRTG Network Monitor: Offers a free version with up to 100 sensors and is simple to deploy.
- LibreNMS: A free, open-source solution that’s highly customizable, making it a great fit for businesses that need flexibility without the price tag.
- Auvik: Cloud-based and easy to use, Auvik is ideal for small businesses that don’t have an extensive IT team.
These solutions offer powerful monitoring capabilities at a fraction of the cost of SolarWinds and are designed to be user-friendly for businesses with fewer resources.
Can I migrate from SolarWinds to an alternative easily?
Migrating from SolarWinds to another monitoring platform will require some effort, but it’s generally feasible. Here are a few things to consider when making the switch:
- Data Migration: You may need to export and import your existing network data, such as device configurations and historical metrics. Some alternatives offer migration tools or APIs to assist with this.
- Configuration: Many SolarWinds alternatives, like Nagios and Zabbix, will require you to configure monitoring settings, which can take time. However, solutions like PRTG and Auvik offer automated discovery features to simplify the process.
- Training: Depending on the alternative you choose, there may be a learning curve. Be sure to provide training for your team to ensure a smooth transition.
While migration isn’t always instant, the long-term benefits of switching to a more suitable monitoring solution can outweigh the initial setup effort.
Are SolarWinds alternatives scalable for large enterprises?
Yes, many of the alternatives to SolarWinds are highly scalable, allowing them to handle the needs of large organizations. For example:
- LogicMonitor and Datadog are designed to scale seamlessly with your business, offering robust cloud-based monitoring for both small and large enterprises.
- Zabbix: While it requires more manual setup, Zabbix is highly scalable and can be configured to monitor large, distributed systems.
- Nagios: With the right configuration and plugins, Nagios can handle enterprise-level infrastructures and networks.
When selecting an alternative, make sure to consider how well it scales with your infrastructure as your business grows.
Which SolarWinds alternative is the easiest to use?
If ease of use is a priority, some SolarWinds alternatives offer intuitive interfaces that make setup and ongoing management simpler. Some of the easiest-to-use options include:
- Auvik: Known for its user-friendly interface and simple setup process, making it ideal for businesses with limited IT expertise.
- PRTG Network Monitor: Offers a straightforward interface with customizable dashboards, making it easy to monitor your network in real-time.
- LogicMonitor: Provides a clean, intuitive interface that simplifies monitoring for users of all skill levels.
These tools are great for organizations that want powerful monitoring without spending excessive time learning the platform.