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As a fellow IT professional, I understand how vital it is to have an IT infrastructure monitoring software solution. Whether it's open-source tools like Zabbix, known for its customizable thresholds and alerts for CPU utilization and more, or SolarWinds, with its plethora of add-ons and plugins, having a powerful tool can be a game-changer. These platforms not only help to proactively identify outages and performance issues but also provide insights to prevent them, thus ensuring optimal uptime for your infrastructure.

From on-premises to cloud monitoring, these tools cover various operating systems and virtual machines. Features like SMS alerts for faster response times, templates for easy upgrades, and dependency management make these solutions the reliable allies you need in managing your IT infrastructure. So, if you're looking for a way to take your infrastructure management to the next level, these are options worth considering.

What Is An Infrastructure Monitoring Tool?

Infrastructure monitoring tools serve as the digital eyes and ears for businesses, providing a real-time snapshot of how their IT ecosystem is performing. These tools are primarily used by IT professionals and network administrators, allowing them to track and measure key indicators such as server load, network latency, or application performance across their systems.

The goal is to ensure optimal operation of IT infrastructure, detect and respond to issues before they escalate, and ultimately support the smooth running of business operations. These tools play a vital role in a wide range of industries, from tech companies to financial services, healthcare, and more, as virtually all modern businesses rely on sound IT infrastructure to function and thrive.

Best Infrastructure Monitoring Tools Summary

Best Infrastructure Monitoring Tools Reviews

Best for full-stack observability

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.2/5

ManageEngine OpManager Plus is an IT infrastructure monitoring solution that enables you to oversee your network devices, servers, applications, and virtual environments from a centralized platform.

Why I Picked ManageEngine OpManager Plus:

I picked OpManager Plus because it supports full stack observability, giving your team visibility across the network, server, and application layers from a single console. It monitors critical metrics like CPU, memory, disk utilization, and application response times, so you can correlate performance issues across layers instead of treating them in isolation. The platform also includes deep packet inspection, flow analysis, and application performance monitoring to help you diagnose the root cause of slowdowns without switching tools.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Other features include network mapping, which provides a visual representation of your network's topology, aiding in better understanding and management of network connections. The tool also offers customizable dashboards, allowing you to tailor the interface to display the most relevant information for your team's needs. Some integrations include Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Exchange management, OpManager, Site24x7, NetFlow Analyzer, Log360, ADAudit Plus, Endpoint Central, Patch Manager Plus, AssetExplorer, and ServiceDesk Plus.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers detailed performance history and trends over time for root cause analysis
  • Ability to build custom views with widgets and visualizations
  • Provides in-depth monitoring of various network devices, servers, and applications

Cons:

  • Can generate too many alerts, leading to alert fatigue
  • Setting up configurations can be complex

Best for end-to-end IT management

  • Free trial available
  • From $145/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 5/5

Atera's software is a comprehensive platform that supports all-in-one IT management. With its robust features, it excels at providing an end-to-end solution, addressing IT needs from help desk to patch management, remote access, and more. This capability justifies its position as the best choice for businesses looking for a holistic approach to IT management.

Why I Picked Atera:

Among the multitude of infrastructure monitoring solution tools I evaluated, Atera distinguished itself with its all-encompassing functionality. Its strength lies in the comprehensive nature of its tools, enabling the management of every aspect of IT under one roof. This breadth and depth of features make Atera best suited for businesses requiring an end-to-end IT management solution.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Atera shines with its intuitive remote IT management, automated patch management, and real-time alerts and notifications. Its robust help desk and ticketing system is another significant advantage, streamlining issue tracking and resolution. On the integration front, Atera harmonizes well with tools such as Quickbooks, Xero, Splashtop, and TeamViewer, making it compatible with an array of business processes.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • Strong integrations with other business platforms
  • All-in-one IT management tool

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Primarily designed for MSPs, may not be ideal for internal IT teams
  • Higher starting price compared to some competitors

Best for multi-platform monitoring

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $39/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.6/5

Site24x7 is a cloud-based infrastructure monitoring tool designed to help IT and DevOps teams oversee the health and performance of their digital assets. It offers comprehensive monitoring solutions for websites, servers, networks, and applications, providing real-time insights to ensure optimal performance. 

Why I Picked Site24x7:

One reason I like Site24x7 is its extensive server monitoring capabilities. It supports monitoring for various server types, including Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, VMware, Nutanix, Docker, and Kubernetes. This allows you to stay on top of outages and pinpoint server issues with root-cause analysis. Additionally, you can create custom plugins to monitor critical attributes specific to your infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive oversight of your server environment.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Other features include application performance monitoring (APM) that supports multiple programming languages and platforms, such as Java, .NET, Ruby, PHP, Node.js, and mobile platforms. It also offers real user monitoring, which gauges the application experience of actual users by analyzing performance across different browsers, platforms, and geographies. Integrations include ServiceNow, PagerDuty, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Nagios, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Docker, Jenkins, and Kubernetes.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive monitoring for various systems
  • Customizable dashboards and reports
  • Offers real-time alerts across various channels

Cons:

  • Complexity in initial setup for large environments
  • Excessive alerts can be overwhelming for users

Best for AI-powered IT operations monitoring

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.5/5

Dynatrace is a high-powered, AI-driven IT operations monitoring tool that provides users with real-time insights into their network, application, and infrastructure performance. Its ability to leverage artificial intelligence for identifying and resolving issues makes it ideal for businesses aiming for proactive and intelligent IT operations management.

Why I Picked Dynatrace:

I selected Dynatrace due to its advanced use of artificial intelligence for IT operations. Its AI capabilities offer an edge in predictive analysis and proactive problem resolution, which differentiate it from traditional monitoring tools. It excels in providing AI-powered IT operations monitoring by automating anomaly detection and delivering root-cause analysis, which helps to identify and fix issues before they impact end-users.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Dynatrace's most noteworthy features include AI-assisted problem identification, real-time infrastructure monitoring, application performance tracking, and digital experience monitoring. The tool can integrate with a range of third-party applications, including but not limited to AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes, and ServiceNow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates well with multiple platforms and services
  • Comprehensive view of IT operations
  • Advanced AI capabilities for proactive monitoring

Cons:

  • Some users report the need for better customization options
  • May have a steep learning curve for users new to AI tools
  • Pricing can be high for smaller organizations

Best for application performance monitoring

  • Free trial available + free demo
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.3/5

New Relic is an industry-leading observability platform known for its application performance monitoring capabilities. This tool is designed to provide in-depth insights into application performance, making it an optimal choice for businesses looking to closely monitor and optimize their apps.

Why I Picked New Relic:

I picked New Relic due to its exceptional application performance monitoring capabilities, enabling businesses to understand their application's behaviour better. Its robust feature set and seamless integration with various environments make it stand out, and its strength in monitoring applications is why I believe it's best for this function.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Key features of New Relic include detailed error analytics, transaction tracing, and application mapping. The tool integrates well with various environments and platforms, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and many software languages like Java, Python, and .Net, providing a more rounded view of application performance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed error analytics and transaction tracing
  • Strong integration with multiple platforms
  • Excellent application performance monitoring

Cons:

  • Onboarding and setup might require technical expertise
  • Can be overwhelming for users without a technical background
  • The pricing structure may be complex for some

Best for real-time IT performance tracking

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $15/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.3/5

Datadog is a powerful cloud-based IT monitoring service that tracks performance across your applications, network, and infrastructure in real time. Its all-inclusive suite of services is best suited for businesses seeking to stay abreast of their IT performance metrics in real time.

Why I Picked Datadog:

I selected Datadog for this list based on its comprehensive, real-time monitoring capabilities. It offers a single platform to track metrics from disparate sources, which makes it unique. In line with its suitability for real-time tracking, Datadog offers live updates, making it the ideal choice for those requiring instant insights into IT performance.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Datadog provides an extensive range of features such as infrastructure monitoring, application performance monitoring, log management, and user experience tracking. The tool's real-time dashboards and automated alerts are particularly impressive. Regarding integrations, Datadog works seamlessly with a broad range of systems, including AWS, Docker, Slack, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Wide range of integrations
  • Real-time updates and alerting
  • Comprehensive monitoring suite

Cons:

  • Customizing alerts can be challenging for non-technical users
  • The interface can be complex for beginners
  • Some advanced features require additional cost

Best for proactive IT monitoring

  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 5/5

eG Enterprise is a fully converged application and infrastructure performance monitoring solution. It's designed to help IT teams identify, diagnose, and resolve issues before they impact service quality, making it ideal for proactive IT monitoring.

Why I Picked eG Enterprise:

The reason I chose eG Enterprise for this list is its robust and intuitive platform, with a keen focus on proactively pinpointing potential IT issues. Its standout feature is its proactive alert system, which sets it apart from competitors. The tool's proactive nature aligns it perfectly with use cases that require forethought and early identification of issues.

Standout Features and Integrations:

eG Enterprise excels with features like application performance monitoring, IT service monitoring, and virtualization monitoring. It also has an advanced alerting system that notifies you of potential issues before they become significant problems. As for integrations, eG Enterprise is compatible with popular platforms such as Windows, Linux, and VMware, and offers APIs for further integration possibilities.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexibility with integrations via APIs
  • Wide range of monitoring features
  • Proactive alert system

Cons:

  • Limited out-of-the-box integrations
  • Could be complex to set up and configure initially
  • Pricing not readily available; must request a quote

Best for combined PSA and RMM functionality

  • From $99/user/month

Syncro is an MSP platform that brings together Professional Services Automation (PSA) and Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) in one place. By converging these capabilities, Syncro provides an all-in-one solution for managed service providers (MSPs) that simplifies task management, making it the go-to tool for combined PSA and RMM functionality.

Why I Picked Syncro:

Syncro caught my attention for its innovative approach to combining two critical functionalities – PSA and RMM – within one tool. This unique offering stands out among its competitors and affords a level of convenience not commonly found in the market. Given its dual functionality, I determined Syncro to be the top choice for combined PSA and RMM capabilities.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Syncro excels with its built-in help desk and ticketing system, integrated billing and invoicing, and automated scripting. Its RMM functionalities include remote access, automated patch management, and alerts. On the integration front, Syncro provides compatibility with popular platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, Bitdefender, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Wide range of integrations
  • Integrated billing and invoicing system
  • Offers combined PSA and RMM capabilities

Cons:

  • Onboarding process can be complex for new users
  • The user interface may feel cluttered due to the number of features
  • High starting price point may be prohibitive for small businesses

Best for comprehensive malware protection

  • From $5.83/user/month (billed annually)

Malwarebytes for Business is a security tool that excels in providing robust malware protection for organizations. Its adeptness at detecting and mitigating malware threats is why it is the top choice for businesses requiring comprehensive malware protection.

Why I Picked Malwarebytes for Business:

I chose Malwarebytes for its impeccable track record in combating malware threats. Its robust scanning engine and cloud-based threat detection make it a stand-out choice. I believe Malwarebytes is best for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution to guard against the myriad of malware threats present in today's digital landscape.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Malwarebytes is known for its advanced heuristics, real-time threat blocking, and layered approach to security. Its cloud-based console makes remote management of security a breeze. As for integrations, Malwarebytes offers seamless connectivity with Windows Defender and other antivirus solutions to ensure no gaps in your security coverage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good compatibility with other antivirus solutions
  • User-friendly interface
  • Excellent malware detection and removal

Cons:

  • Phone support is not available for all plans
  • Yearly billing only, no monthly option
  • Limited additional features compared to full-suite security products

Best for cloud-based IT performance monitoring

  • Pricing upon request

Logic Monitor is a SaaS-based platform designed to automate IT performance monitoring across networks, servers, applications, and storage. It shines in cloud-based IT performance monitoring, ideal for companies that primarily operate within a cloud infrastructure.

Why I Picked Logic Monitor:

I included Logic Monitor in this list because of its comprehensive monitoring capabilities and automation features, which make IT performance monitoring less demanding. I found its cloud-based focus quite appealing, positioning it as an excellent choice for cloud-centric operations.

Standout Features and Integrations:

Prominent features of Logic Monitor include real-time performance dashboards, automatic device discovery, and anomaly detection. Furthermore, it boasts numerous integrations, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and several networking devices, facilitating a holistic IT monitoring environment.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective anomaly detection to identify potential issues early
  • Numerous integrations with major cloud providers
  • Comprehensive cloud-based IT performance monitoring

Cons:

  • Overwhelming features might not suit small businesses with modest needs
  • The user interface might feel complex for beginners
  • Lack of upfront pricing information can make budgeting challenging

Other Infrastructure Monitoring Tools

Below is a list of additional infrastructure monitoring tools I shortlisted but did not reach the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. vSphere

    For virtualized data center management

  2. NMIS

    For network management and performance monitoring

  3. ConnectWise Automate

    For remote IT automation

  4. OpManager Plus

    For comprehensive IT operations management

  5. PagerDuty

    Good for real-time incident management

  6. Splunk Enterprise

    Good for data collection and analysis for IT operations

  7. Pulseway

    Good for mobile-first IT management and monitoring

  8. Opsgenie

    Good for streamlined incident response management

  9. Germain UX

    Good for SAP performance monitoring and optimization

  10. WhatsUp Gold

    Good for network monitoring and visualization

  11. NinjaOne

    Good for efficient IT management with automation

  12. PingPlotter

    Good for tracking network latency and performance

  13. Domotz

    Good for remote network management and monitoring

  14. Pandora FMS

    Good for flexible IT infrastructure monitoring

  15. PRTG Network Monitor

    Good for comprehensive network monitoring

  16. Kaseya VSA

    Good for unified remote monitoring and management

Selection Criteria For Infrastructure Monitoring Tools

In my extensive experience dealing with IT operations management and monitoring tools, I've personally tried and tested a broad range of these software solutions. Evaluating more than 30 tools, I was specifically looking for efficiency, scalability, AI integration, and comprehensive IT operations management.

These are some of the essential criteria I considered while selecting the best ones:

Core Functionality

The tool should enable you to:

  • Monitor and manage the IT infrastructure, including servers, network devices, applications, and services
  • Provide real-time insights into the performance of IT resources
  • Automate IT operations tasks and workflows
  • Alert on anomalies and potential issues in real-time
  • Support capacity planning and trend analysis

Key Features

I specifically looked for the following features:

  • Integration with AI: Tools that leverage AI to predict issues and provide actionable insights
  • Comprehensive Dashboard: Offers a unified view of all IT operations data
  • Automated Alerts: Can send automated alerts to the appropriate team when issues arise
  • Scalability: Able to scale up or down based on the organization's needs
  • Security and Compliance: Ensures secure data handling and helps comply with relevant regulations

Usability

The tool should have:

  • Intuitive Interface: For this type of software, a clean, well-organized interface is important for monitoring complex IT environments.
  • Easy Setup and Configuration: Should offer streamlined setup and easy customization of alerts, dashboards, and reports.
  • Robust Customer Support: Having responsive and knowledgeable customer support is crucial for quick resolution of issues.
  • Training and Documentation: Comprehensive training materials and detailed documentation can significantly improve onboarding and tool utilization.

People Also Ask

What are the benefits of using infrastructure monitoring tools?

Infrastructure monitoring tools come with several benefits:

  1. Proactive Issue Resolution: These tools help identify issues in the IT infrastructure before they escalate, enabling proactive issue resolution and reducing downtime.
  2. Increased Efficiency: By automating routine tasks, infrastructure monitoring tools boost operational efficiency and free up IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
  3. Cost Savings: Through predictive analysis and capacity planning, these tools can reduce wastage and help optimize IT expenditure.
  4. Improved Security: Infrastructure monitoring tools provide insights into security vulnerabilities and help mitigate risks by ensuring adherence to compliance standards.
  5. Enhanced Decision-making: By providing real-time, comprehensive insights into IT operations, these tools support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

How much do infrastructure monitoring tools cost?

The pricing of infrastructure monitoring tools can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your IT environment, the number of devices or endpoints monitored, and the specific features required. Some tools charge per user, while others price based on the number of monitored devices or the volume of data processed.

What are the typical pricing models for these tools?

Most infrastructure monitoring tools follow one of three pricing models:

  1. Per User: Pricing is based on the number of users.
  2. Per Device: Pricing depends on the number of devices or endpoints being monitored.
  3. Data Volume: Some tools price based on the volume of data being processed or monitored.

What is the typical range of pricing for infrastructure monitoring tools?

The pricing for infrastructure monitoring tools can start from around $20 per month for basic, entry-level solutions and can go up to several thousand dollars per month for comprehensive, enterprise-level solutions.

What are the cheapest and most expensive infrastructure monitoring tools?

On the lower end of the spectrum, tools like PRTG Network Monitor offer plans starting at $1600 for a one-time purchase, while enterprise-level solutions like Splunk Enterprise can cost several thousand dollars per month.

Are there any free infrastructure monitoring tools?

Yes, there are a few free options available. Some tools like PRTG Network Monitor offer a free version with limited functionalities, which is great for small businesses or for trial purposes. However, for larger IT environments and advanced features, a paid version is usually required.

Other Digital Infrastructure Software Reviews

Summary

In wrapping up, the selection of an ideal infrastructure monitoring tool involves a keen understanding of the requirements and challenges unique to your IT environment. Considering the diverse options available in the market, aligning a tool's features and capabilities with your specific needs is essential for the successful management of your IT infrastructure.

Key takeaways:

  1. Identify Your Needs: Before you start evaluating tools, have a clear understanding of your needs. Identify the core functionalities and key features that are critical for your operations. This could include network monitoring, server monitoring, real-time alerting, reporting capabilities, or others based on your IT environment.
  2. Consider Usability: A tool's efficacy is highly dependent on its usability. Look for user-friendly interfaces, easy onboarding, and accessible customer support. These factors will significantly influence the tool's adoption rate and, subsequently, its effectiveness.
  3. Pricing Structures: Understand the pricing structures of different tools. Some charge per user, others per device, and some are based on data volume. Make sure to choose a tool whose pricing aligns with your usage patterns and budget constraints. Remember, the most expensive tool is not necessarily the best one for your specific needs.

What Do You Think?

The journey to finding the right infrastructure monitoring tool may seem daunting, but with clear criteria and knowledge about what each tool brings to the table, it becomes much easier. The tools mentioned in this guide are among the top in the industry, but technology is always evolving, and new solutions continue to emerge.

Your experience and feedback are valuable to me and to all the readers who are also in search of the perfect tool. If there are any tools that you feel I might have overlooked or you'd like to share your personal experiences with any of these tools, please feel free to comment.

Paulo Gardini Miguel
By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo is the Director of Technology at the rapidly growing media tech company BWZ. Prior to that, he worked as a Software Engineering Manager and then Head Of Technology at Navegg, Latin America’s largest data marketplace, and as Full Stack Engineer at MapLink, which provides geolocation APIs as a service. Paulo draws insight from years of experience serving as an infrastructure architect, team leader, and product developer in rapidly scaling web environments. He’s driven to share his expertise with other technology leaders to help them build great teams, improve performance, optimize resources, and create foundations for scalability.