27 Best Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools Of 2024
10 Best Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 27 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Cloud infrastructure monitoring tools are the lifeline for managing your cloud resources, providing a unified solution to keep an eye on your apps, web services, and serverless workloads. As a seasoned user of various cloud providers, I understand the importance of finding the right monitoring software. These tools centralize and aggregate performance metrics from endpoints across your cloud computing environment, including network monitoring and server monitoring.
One major pain point these management tools address is the swift detection of performance issues, reducing response times and improving the overall user experience. By sending real-time notifications and providing log management capabilities, these monitoring systems ensure your cloud applications run smoothly.
What Is A Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tool?
Cloud infrastructure monitoring tools provide an automated way to oversee the operational processes within a cloud-based IT infrastructure. Primarily utilized by IT professionals, network engineers, and system administrators, these tools are invaluable in tracking the status, performance, and health of servers, databases, networks, and application services residing in the cloud.
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They serve a critical function in swiftly identifying issues, preventing potential outages, and ensuring the smooth running of business operations. These monitoring tools offer insights and analytics that assist in the optimization of resources, thus, playing a pivotal role in strategic decision-making and enhancing overall system performance.
Best Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Dynatrace | From $21/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| LogicMonitor | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Datadog | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| HashiCorp | From $20/user/month | Website |
| Zabbix Cloud Monitoring | From $1000 per month (billed annually) | Website |
| IBM Cloud Monitoring | From $10 per million metrics ingested/month | Website |
| meshIQ | Customized price upon request | Website |
| ThousandEyes | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Splunk Infrastructure Monitoring | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Checkmk | From $2,700/year (for 3,000 monitoring services) | Website |
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Compare SoftwareBest Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools Reviews
Dynatrace is a software intelligence platform that provides application performance management (APM), artificial intelligence for operations (AIOps), digital experience management (DEM), and cloud infrastructure monitoring. The tool's AI-assisted capabilities offer accurate and real-time insights, making it particularly well-suited for AI-assisted monitoring.
Why I Picked Dynatrace:
In compiling this list, I was drawn to Dynatrace's strong artificial intelligence components. This tool differentiates itself by providing robust, AI-powered operational insights. Its ability to continuously monitor and analyze performance data across all layers and technologies of an application makes it the best for AI-assisted monitoring.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Dynatrace's most significant feature is Davis, its AI assistant, which automatically identifies and provides solutions for potential issues in real time. Its automatic and dynamic baselining feature also stands out, enabling the tool to understand normal behavior patterns and quickly spot anomalies.
For integrations, Dynatrace works with a wide range of technologies, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle, and more. It also has API integration capabilities, allowing users to extend their monitoring and analytics beyond the tool.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dynamic and automatic baselining
- Extensive cloud and technology integrations
- Comprehensive AI-assisted capabilities
Cons:
- Some customization options require advanced technical skills
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be complex due to different modules
LogicMonitor is a SaaS-based, automated IT performance monitoring platform that provides comprehensive visibility into complex IT infrastructure. Given its capacity to handle both on-premises and cloud environments, it stands as a top choice for monitoring hybrid IT infrastructures.
Why I Picked LogicMonitor:
When selecting a tool that excels in monitoring hybrid IT infrastructure, LogicMonitor was my pick. Its versatility in supporting a wide range of infrastructures, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid systems, sets it apart. I determined LogicMonitor as the best for hybrid IT infrastructure monitoring due to its automated device discovery feature and ability to handle diverse systems.
Standout Features and Integrations:
LogicMonitor's automated device discovery feature is quite remarkable as it simplifies the process of adding new devices to the system. It also offers customizable dashboards, providing users with the flexibility to monitor their infrastructure based on their unique needs.
In terms of integrations, LogicMonitor supports various cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. Additionally, it integrates with key business tools such as ServiceNow, Slack, and Jira, aiding in streamlined operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports various cloud platforms and business tools
- Customizable dashboards for personalized monitoring
- Automated device discovery for easy setup
Cons:
- Custom dashboard setup may require technical knowledge
- Some users may find the interface less intuitive
- Pricing is not transparent
Datadog is a monitoring service that provides full-stack observability across an organization's entire technology stack, from servers and databases to applications. It aligns perfectly with businesses seeking comprehensive visibility into their technology stack, thereby justifying its position as 'Best for full-stack observability'.
Why I Picked Datadog:
I chose Datadog because it offers an all-in-one approach to monitoring and observability. This tool is unique because it not only monitors systems but also allows for comprehensive troubleshooting, providing insights into servers, databases, and applications.
For this reason, I judged Datadog as 'Best for...' full-stack observability, as it provides a holistic view of an organization's IT infrastructure.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Datadog's standout features include real-time monitoring, anomaly, and outlier detection, and full API availability. Furthermore, it provides visualizations to analyze and explore data interactively. Critical integrations include cloud services like AWS, GCP, and Azure, along with many other technologies such as Docker, Elasticsearch, and more, making it even more efficient for businesses running a diverse technology stack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust alerting and reporting capabilities
- Rich integration ecosystem
- Provides full-stack observability
Cons:
- UI could be more intuitive for new users
- Advanced features may be costly
- Can be complicated to set up initially
HashiCorp offers a suite of open-source tools to empower businesses to define, provision, and manage data center infrastructures using a declarative code approach. It's best suited for organizations wanting to adopt the Infrastructure as Code (IaC) methodology to improve efficiency and maintain consistency in infrastructure management.
Why I Picked HashiCorp:
HashiCorp made it to my selection due to its robust IaC capabilities, making it quite distinct in the infrastructure management landscape. This IaC approach fosters efficiency, repeatability, and safety in infrastructure provisioning and management.
For these reasons, I believe HashiCorp is 'Best for' organizations keen on utilizing the IaC approach.
Standout Features and Integrations:
HashiCorp's tools like Terraform, Vault, and Consul provide a wide range of features that cater to infrastructure provisioning, security, and service networking. Terraform's feature of infrastructure codification makes it highly valuable for deploying and managing any scale of infrastructure.
Significant integrations include those with AWS, GCP, and Azure, effectively extending its IaC capabilities across multiple cloud environments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers a variety of tools for different aspects of infrastructure management
- Integrates with major cloud platforms
- Excellent Infrastructure as Code capabilities
Cons:
- Support for free users may be limited
- Enterprise versions may be costly for smaller teams
- Can be complex to set up and use
Zabbix Cloud Monitoring is a robust tool that offers real-time tracking of servers, virtual machines, and cloud services. Known for its open-source nature, it stands out as the best for organizations looking for customization and cost-effectiveness.
Why I Picked Zabbix Cloud Monitoring:
I chose Zabbix because of its open-source nature that offers customization possibilities and its comprehensive monitoring scope that includes servers, VMs, and cloud services. It stands out with its flexible nature, allowing you to modify it according to specific needs.
Hence, it wins the tag of being 'Best for' open-source cloud monitoring, serving those who value flexibility and a hands-on approach.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Zabbix excels in network discovery, offering automated discovery of network devices and configurations. It provides rich data visualization tools that help you understand monitoring statistics at a glance. As an open-source tool, Zabbix integrates with a broad range of other systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and IBM DB2.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive monitoring features
- Broad range of integrations
- Open-source, offering customization possibilities
Cons:
- Paid support is relatively expensive
- Configuration can be complex
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
IBM Cloud Monitoring is a monitoring service that provides real-time insights into your application and infrastructure performance hosted on the IBM cloud. This tool is specifically designed to work seamlessly with the IBM cloud environment, making it the best choice for those invested in this ecosystem.
Why I Picked IBM Cloud Monitoring:
Choosing IBM Cloud Monitoring for the list was a straightforward decision considering its superior integration and native compatibility with the IBM cloud environment. It stands out due to its seamless interoperability with the IBM cloud's various services.
I judged it as the 'best for IBM cloud environment' because of its capacity to deliver detailed metrics, dashboards, and alerts specifically for the IBM cloud.
Standout Features and Integrations:
IBM Cloud Monitoring's detailed metrics provide a wealth of data about your infrastructure's performance. Its ability to provide real-time monitoring data and facilitate rapid anomaly detection is noteworthy.
In terms of integrations, it seamlessly integrates with various IBM cloud services, including IBM Cloud Databases, IBM Kubernetes Service, and IBM Cloud Functions, to name a few.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time monitoring and anomaly detection
- Detailed metrics provide comprehensive insights
- Seamless integration with IBM cloud services
Cons:
- Interface might require a learning curve for new users
- May not integrate well with non-IBM services
- Pricing can be complex and depends on usage
meshIQ is a dynamic tool designed for monitoring and managing middleware systems. It excels in overseeing the performance, availability, and functionality of middleware services, thereby earning the title of 'best for' middleware monitoring and management.
Why I Picked meshIQ:
In choosing meshIQ, I've leaned on its focus on middleware systems, an area often overlooked by other tools. Its differentiating factor is the dedicated attention to middleware monitoring, a critical component sandwiched between applications and operating systems.
I regard meshIQ as the 'best for' middleware monitoring and management because of its proficiency in keeping middleware services operating optimally.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features of meshIQ include the ability to monitor message queues and topics, enabling real-time visibility into middleware performance. It also offers automated remediation, reducing the need for manual intervention during anomalies.
meshIQ integrates well with popular middleware technologies, including but not limited to IBM MQ, Apache Kafka, and RabbitMQ.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports popular middleware technologies
- Offers automated remediation of issues
- Concentrates on middleware monitoring
Cons:
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- May not be the best fit for non-middleware-focused tasks
- Pricing information is not transparent
ThousandEyes is an all-encompassing tool that delivers deep visibility into network paths. It shines by mapping out network routes, uncovering performance bottlenecks, and keeping a vigilant eye on the health of all network paths, making it the best for comprehensive visibility into every network path.
Why I Picked ThousandEyes:
ThousandEyes made it to my selection due to its unique emphasis on complete network visibility. It's distinct in its approach to monitoring, as it delivers end-to-end insights into all network paths, not just limited components.
I've determined it to be the 'best for' visibility into every network path because of its exceptional ability to illuminate the entire network, exposing potential issues and enabling quick fixes.
Standout Features and Integrations:
ThousandEyes sets itself apart with features like path visualization, which provides a clear view of the entire network, and its ability to monitor the performance of ISPs, CDN, DNS, and more. It integrates seamlessly with various platforms, including data sharing with tools like Slack, PagerDuty, and ServiceNow, as well as data import/export capabilities for further analysis.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad range of useful integrations
- Path visualization feature for clear network mapping
- Provides deep visibility into all network paths
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced AI-based anomaly detection features
- Custom pricing model might not fit all budgets
- The interface can be a bit complex for beginners
Splunk Infrastructure Monitoring is a tool that offers real-time observability and analytics for cloud infrastructure and microservices. As a platform known for speed and efficiency, it's the go-to choice for businesses requiring instant insights into their cloud performance.
Why I Picked Splunk Infrastructure Monitoring:
I selected Splunk Infrastructure Monitoring due to its strong capabilities in providing real-time insights, making it a standout in the observability landscape.
It's the richness of these analytics that led me to believe it is the 'Best for' real-time observability, especially beneficial for businesses demanding immediate knowledge of their cloud operations.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Splunk Infrastructure Monitoring has a real-time streaming architecture that allows it to deliver immediate insights. It also includes features like instant dynamic baselining and anomaly detection, enabling proactive problem detection.
Key integrations include those with AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, which allows it to monitor multi-cloud environments seamlessly.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates well with major cloud platforms
- Includes proactive problem detection features
- Provides real-time observability
Cons:
- Limited historical data storage
- Complex interface may require a learning curve
- Might be overpriced for small businesses
Checkmk is a robust tool that specializes in providing comprehensive IT infrastructure monitoring. It not only covers servers and applications, but also extends to networks, containers, cloud, and IoT environments, thus justifying its 'best for' comprehensive IT infrastructure monitoring tag.
Why I Picked Checkmk:
I chose Checkmk due to its sheer versatility. The tool stands out for its ability to cover a wide spectrum of IT infrastructure components, making it ideal for comprehensive monitoring. My decision to name it the 'best for' comprehensive IT infrastructure software stems from the fact that it offers in-depth insights across a broad range of systems and platforms.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Checkmk's auto-discovery feature is notably valuable as it automatically identifies and monitors new components in the infrastructure. Furthermore, its event console effectively manages and correlates alerts, enabling quicker issue resolution.
In terms of integrations, Checkmk supports a vast array of technologies, including those from AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, Docker, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations with popular technologies
- Auto-discovery feature for easy addition of new components
- Extensive coverage of IT infrastructure components
Cons:
- Pricing model can be confusing due to its 'per host' basis
- Requires manual configuration for custom requirements
- Can be complex for beginners to navigate
Other Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools
Below is a list of additional cloud infrastructure monitoring tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10.
- New Relic
Best for detailed health metrics
- ManageEngine Applications Manager
Best for application performance monitoring
- Site24x7
Good for all-in-one monitoring of servers, websites, networks, and applications
- Coralogix
Good for enhancing security and visibility in cloud-native environments
- Sumo Logic
Good for continuous intelligence to deliver optimized customer experiences
- Prometheus
Good for powerful metrics collection and alerting in Kubernetes environments
- Microsoft Azure Monitor
Good for collecting, analyzing, and acting on telemetry from Azure and on-premises environments
- IBM Instana
Good for real-time visibility into the health of your applications and infrastructure
- Google Cloud Operations
Good for comprehensive monitoring, logging, and diagnostics in the Google Cloud Platform
- SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor
Good for performance monitoring of servers, applications, and databases
- Mezmo Log Analysis Software
Good for in-depth analysis and visualization of log data
- BMC TrueSight Operations Management
Good for AI-driven IT operations management across complex environments
- Amazon CloudWatch
Good for detailed observability of your AWS resources and applications
- IBM Turbonomic
Good for AI-powered application resource management
- PRTG Network Monitor
Good for complete visibility over your entire IT infrastructure
- Elastic Observability
Good for unifying logs, metrics, and application performance data
- Blumira Automated Detection & Response
Good for automated threat detection and response
Selection Criteria For Choosing Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools
In my journey to identify the top software for infrastructure and application monitoring, I dove into testing and researching numerous options. I tried more than 30 tools, but a select few truly stood out due to their specific functionalities, features, and usability. In this analysis, I was looking primarily for tools that deliver comprehensive visibility, real-time alerts, easy usability, and insightful analytics. Here's what I was looking for in more detail:
Core Functionality
- Full-stack monitoring: The tool should be able to monitor servers, networks, databases, applications, and other critical components.
- Real-time Alerts: The software should provide instant alerts about any performance issues, anomalies, or system failures.
- Insightful Analytics: It should offer deep insights, trend analysis, and predictive analytics to help with data-driven decision-making.
- Scalability: The tool should be able to scale with growing IT infrastructure and application needs.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Dashboard: A holistic view of all the metrics, logs, and KPIs in one place to quickly identify any issues or bottlenecks.
- Root Cause Analysis: The ability to automatically pinpoint the root cause of any problem to expedite troubleshooting.
- Reporting: Robust reporting features for detailed performance reviews and audits.
- Integrations: Should integrate well with other existing IT management, DevOps, and cloud platforms for seamless data flow.
Usability
- Intuitive Interface: For this type of tool, a well-designed, intuitive interface is key. It should allow users to quickly navigate through different metrics, logs, alerts, and settings.
- Easy Onboarding: Tools that offer guided tours, tooltips, or a learning library can help new users quickly get up to speed with the platform.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial, especially when dealing with critical infrastructure and applications. The tool should offer various support channels like chat, email, or phone.
- Role-Based Access: The software should allow for role-based access, enabling different teams to focus on their relevant metrics and alerts.
Most Common Questions Regarding Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tools (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using cloud infrastructure monitoring tools?
Using cloud infrastructure monitoring tools offers several advantages.
- They provide full-stack visibility into your cloud environment, allowing you to track performance across servers, networks, databases, and applications.
- Real-time alerts notify you about performance issues or system failures instantly.
- The tools also provide insightful analytics, trend analysis, and predictive metrics to aid in decision-making.
- Their scalability is another plus, adapting to your growing IT needs.
How much do cloud infrastructure monitoring tools typically cost?
The pricing of cloud infrastructure monitoring tools varies greatly based on the functionalities, number of monitored entities, and the size of your infrastructure. Some tools offer free plans for basic monitoring needs, but for more advanced features and larger environments, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $200 per month per user.
What are the typical pricing models for these tools?
Most tools operate on a subscription-based pricing model, typically charging on a per-user, per-month basis. Some vendors may also offer tiered pricing models, where you pay more for additional features and capabilities. A few tools also offer ‘pay-as-you-go’ pricing based on your actual usage.
What is the range of pricing for these tools?
The price of cloud infrastructure monitoring tools can range widely. Entry-level plans can start from around $20 per month per user for basic monitoring capabilities. At the high end, for enterprise-grade features, you might be looking at several hundred dollars per user per month.
Which are some of the cheapest cloud infrastructure monitoring tools?
Some of the more affordable options in the market include Zabbix and Nagios, which offer open-source solutions. For paid solutions, tools like PRTG Network Monitor and Site24x7 offer relatively lower-priced plans.
Which are some of the most expensive cloud infrastructure monitoring tools?
More expensive options typically include advanced solutions like IBM Instana, New Relic, and Datadog. These tools provide extensive features and capabilities, thus commanding higher prices.
Are there any free cloud infrastructure monitoring tools available?
Yes, there are a number of free tools available, especially open-source options like Prometheus and Zabbix. However, these free tools often require more setup and maintenance effort, and may not offer the same level of features and support as paid solutions.
What should I look for in a cloud infrastructure monitoring tool?
Key things to look for include full-stack monitoring, real-time alerts, insightful analytics, and scalability. Other important features might include an intuitive dashboard, root cause analysis capabilities, robust reporting, and seamless integrations with other platforms you use.
Other Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring Tool Reviews
- Multi-Cloud Solutions
- Infrastructure Automation Tools
- Hybrid Cloud Solutions
- Infrastructure As Code Tools
Summary
In wrapping up, it's clear that choosing the right cloud infrastructure monitoring tool is integral to an organization's operational efficiency and overall success. These tools provide critical insights into system health, network performance, and resource usage, helping teams identify and resolve issues proactively.
Key Takeaways
- Understand Your Specific Needs - With a myriad of cloud infrastructure monitoring tools on the market, each with its unique set of features, it's essential to understand your specific needs. Are you more focused on real-time performance monitoring, and comprehensive reporting, or do you need robust alerting capabilities? Understanding your unique requirements will help you narrow down the options.
- Assess the Tool's Integration Capabilities - It's crucial that your chosen tool integrates seamlessly with your existing infrastructure and other tools you're currently using. This ensures you can get a comprehensive view of your systems, reduces data silos, and promotes a smoother workflow.
- Consider Pricing and Scalability - Cost is always an important factor in any decision-making process. Look at the pricing models of each tool, taking into account not only your current needs but also future growth. Some tools offer scalable solutions that can grow with your organization, ensuring you don't outgrow your tool in a short span.
What Do You Think?
In the fast-evolving world of cloud infrastructure monitoring, new tools are being developed all the time. I’ve done my best to include the top options available right now, but I also recognize there might be other excellent solutions out there.
If there's a tool you think should be on our list, I'd love to hear about it! Please feel free to share your suggestions or experiences. I’m always eager to learn about new tools and to ensure our list is as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible.