Guide To The 25 Best Monitoring Tools Of 2025
10 Best Monitoring Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
In the vast landscape of monitoring software, choosing between on-premises solutions and SaaS options can be daunting. Navigating from CPU metrics to managing vast data centers, these tools offer insights for everything—whether it's monitoring network traffic, and virtual machines, or diving deep into application performance monitoring (APM). Modern monitoring platforms accommodate varied operating systems, including iOS, and are enriched with automation, templates, thresholds, and SMS alerts for uptime concerns.
Features like dependency mapping, capacity planning, and virtualization are vital, with some preferring open-source tools and others seeking upgrades. At its core, the right infrastructure monitoring solution provides clarity on performance metrics, addressing major pain points like unexpected downtimes.
What Is a Monitoring Tool?
A monitoring tool is a software solution designed to oversee various aspects of systems, networks, and applications, continually checking for performance, health, and anomalies.
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Primarily used by IT professionals, network administrators, and DevOps teams, these tools provide real-time insights, ensuring optimal performance and swift issue resolution. Their primary purpose is to detect and notify potential problems before they escalate, enabling a proactive approach to system maintenance and troubleshooting.
Best Monitoring Tools Summary
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for unified monitoring solutions | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for integrated monitoring technologies | Free trial available | From $2,149/year | Website | |
| 3 | Best for real-time performance tracking | Free trial + free demo available | From $395/user (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for proactive monitoring | 30-day free trial | From $39/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for complete network management | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for AI-assisted anomaly detection | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for application performance insights | Free trial available + free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for cloud-scale monitoring | Free trial available | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for network and server hardware health checks | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for agentless application monitoring | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Best Monitoring Tools Reviews
Checkmk is a powerful monitoring platform that enables IT professionals to efficiently manage their entire hybrid IT infrastructure. Offering a scalable and flexible approach, Checkmk provides real-time insights into networks, servers, cloud environments, applications, and services. Its intuitive design and extensive customization options make it a popular choice for organizations seeking to optimize their IT operations and ensure system reliability.
Plus, Checkmk enables monitoring on-premise and cloud infrastructure. Checkmk can be deployed on a native Linux server (on-premise), on a VM, as a container image, or directly from AWS and Azure marketplaces.
Why I Picked Checkmk: As a monitoring tool, Checkmk excels in providing detailed and customizable monitoring capabilities. It allows users to monitor a wide array of devices and services with high precision, offering extensive metrics and alerts to ensure system performance and availability. Its strength lies in its ability to adapt to complex and dynamic IT environments, offering both comprehensive coverage and deep insights.
Checkmk Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a unique, lightweight, and powerful core that offers high efficiency in data processing and alerting; ultra-scalable and distributed data processing architecture, which can handle millions of metrics from thousands of devices without significant performance impact; and an extensive plugin ecosystem, allowing users to extend monitoring capabilities to virtually any device or application with custom or community-developed plugins. They also offer distributed monitoring for tracking and analyzing the performance and reliability of software across multiple locations or environments to ensure quality assurance.
Integrations include Nagios, DataDog, ntop, Grafana, Prometheus, LDAP/Active Directory, Jira, PagerDuty, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities with diverse systems.
- Predictive analytics reduce false alert instances.
- Comprehensive monitoring in a single platform.
- Strong community support
- Scalable and distributed architecture
- Comprehensive monitoring capabilities
- Easy extensibility
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance for optimal performance.
- Some users might find the dashboard slightly overwhelming.
- Might present a steep learning curve for beginners.
- Potential overhead for smaller networks
- Steep learning curve for new users
PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive tool that helps you keep an eye on your entire IT infrastructure. It monitors systems, devices, traffic, and applications, providing real-time insights into your network's health. With PRTG, you can identify and address issues before they become critical.
Why I Picked PRTG: I chose PRTG for its ability to monitor various technologies through integrated protocols like SNMP, WMI, SSH, and more. This means you can oversee a wide range of devices and systems within your network, ensuring all components are functioning properly. Additionally, PRTG offers customizable reporting, allowing you to generate detailed reports tailored to your needs. Another valuable aspect of PRTG is its real-time alerting system. You receive immediate notifications about potential issues, enabling you to respond promptly and minimize downtime.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Other key features include detailed statistics for applications running in your network, helping you manage resources effectively. Additionally, its distributed monitoring feature allows you to monitor multiple networks in different locations, all from a single interface. It also has real-time maps and dashboards that visualize your network's status, making it easier to identify and address issues. Integrations include AWS, Cisco, Dell Technologies, HPE, VMware, ServiceNow, Check Point, Sonicwall, NetApp, Fujitsu, Lansweeper, and Martello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple monitoring technologies
- Customizable dashboards and real-time alerts
- Provides a comprehensive overview of network infrastructure
Cons:
- Licensing based on sensors can become expensive for larger networks
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
Best for real-time performance tracking
ManageEngine Applications Manager is a tool that helps you monitor the performance of your applications and IT infrastructure. It keeps an eye on various components like servers, databases, and cloud services to ensure they're running smoothly. By doing so, it helps your team identify and fix issues before they affect your users.
Why I Picked ManageEngine Applications Manager: One reason I chose ManageEngine Applications Manager is its ability to monitor a wide range of technologies. It supports over 150 technologies, including application servers, databases, and cloud platforms. This means you can oversee your entire IT environment from a single console, making it easier to spot and address potential problems. Another useful feature is its real-time performance tracking. The tool provides insights into metrics like CPU and memory usage, response times, and transaction details. With this information, your team can quickly identify performance bottlenecks and take corrective actions to maintain optimal application performance.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include synthetic transaction monitoring, which allows you to simulate user interactions with your applications to identify potential issues before they impact real users. Additionally, real user monitoring provides insights into the actual experiences of your users, helping you understand how your applications perform under real-world conditions.
Integrations include ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, ServiceNow, Site24x7, AlarmsOne, Slack, Prometheus, AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Oracle, and MySQL.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Monitors a wide range of applications and infrastructure components
- Real-time alerting system helps teams respond promptly to issues
- Simplifies management of applications and their relationships
Cons:
- Setting up the tool to meet specific needs can be challenging
- The tool can be resource-intensive
Site24x7 is a cloud-based monitoring solution designed for DevOps and IT operations teams. It offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities for websites, servers, applications, and network devices, providing real-time insights into performance and availability.
Why I Picked Site24x7: I like Site24x7 for its robust application performance monitoring (APM). It supports various programming languages, including Java, .NET, Ruby, PHP, and Node.js. Another notable aspect is Site24x7's real user monitoring (RUM). This feature enables you to analyze the actual experience of users interacting with your website or web applications. By segmenting performance data by browser, platform, geography, and more, you can gain valuable insights into how different factors affect user experience and make informed decisions to improve it. Overall, these features help you proactively monitor various components of your IT infrastructure.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Other features include synthetic web transaction monitoring, which lets you record and simulate multi-step user interactions in a real browser, helping you optimize critical user journeys like login forms and shopping carts. Additionally, Site24x7's log management consolidates and indexes logs from various sources, aiding in efficient troubleshooting and issue resolution. Integrations include ServiceNow, PagerDuty, Opsgenie, Jira, ManageEngine AlarmsOne, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoho Cliq, Amazon EventBridge, Zapier, and Webhooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive monitoring capabilities across various IT infrastructure components
- Reliable real-time alerts that enable prompt issue resolution
- Flexible customization options for dashboards and reports
Cons:
- Configuration complexity can be challenging for new users
- Limited integration options with certain third-party tools
ManageEngine OpManager is a robust tool that specializes in providing an integrated approach to network management. It offers functionalities that span from monitoring network performance to automating network configurations, aligning it perfectly as a solution for comprehensive network management.
Why I Picked ManageEngine OpManager: When it came to choosing a tool for all-encompassing network management, ManageEngine OpManager emerged at the forefront of my evaluations. Its distinct suite of features caters specifically to those who seek a holistic perspective on their network's operations and health.
Based on these assessments, I formed the opinion that ManageEngine OpManager is best positioned for complete network management tasks.
Standout Features & Integrations:
OpManager is distinguished by its physical and virtual server monitoring capabilities. Its network configuration management allows administrators to backup, restore, and automate tasks, providing peace of mind against configuration errors.
On the integration front, ManageEngine OpManager supports integration with popular ITOM solutions and third-party IT management apps, enriching its functionality.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities with other IT management solutions.
- Features a comprehensive suite for network configuration management.
- Offers both physical and virtual server monitoring.
Cons:
- Licensing model may not be favorable for all types of businesses.
- Its wide array of features might be overwhelming for small-scale operations.
- Might have a steep learning curve for beginners.
Dynatrace is a performance monitoring tool designed to oversee the entirety of a digital ecosystem. Its sophisticated AI capabilities enable it to not only monitor but also proactively identify anomalies within a system.
This particular focus on AI-driven insights makes it especially suited for those in search of a solution for anomaly detection.
Why I Picked Dynatrace: In my search for monitoring solutions, Dynatrace captured my attention because of its pronounced emphasis on AI. The decision to select it was influenced by how its unique AI capabilities facilitate rapid anomaly detection, often preempting issues before they escalate.
My judgment, after comparing various tools, led me to believe that Dynatrace is unparalleled in its offering of AI-assisted anomaly detection.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Dynatrace offers real-time anomaly detection and root cause determination, attributes that are vital for quick issue resolution. It is full-stack monitoring, from applications to infrastructure, ensures comprehensive coverage. When it comes to integrations, Dynatrace ties in with cloud platforms, CI/CD tools, and major IT operations platforms, making it adaptable to varied IT environments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Rich integration environment with popular cloud and IT operation platforms.
- Comprehensive full-stack monitoring.
- Advanced AI capabilities for real-time anomaly detection.
Cons:
- The lack of transparent pricing can be a deterrent for some potential users.
- The vast array of features might require dedicated training sessions.
- Can be complex for users unfamiliar with AI-driven tools.
New Relic is a dynamic observability platform geared towards providing insights into the performance of applications. By focusing on real-time data collection and analysis, New Relic ensures that users are well-equipped to understand, optimize, and troubleshoot their applications.
Why I Picked New Relic: When determining which tool to select for application performance insights, New Relic stood out for me. In my opinion, it offers a unique perspective on application health and behavior, setting it apart in a crowded market.
This distinction is why I deem New Relic to be exceptional for those looking for deep insights into their application's performance.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Among its arsenal of features, New Relic provides end-to-end transaction tracing, which gives detailed visibility into where performance issues might lie. Additionally, its dashboard is customizable, allowing users to tailor views according to their needs.
As for integrations, New Relic supports a wide range, including cloud services like AWS, Azure, and GCP, as well as popular tech stacks and platforms like Java, .NET, Node.js, and many more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broad support for popular cloud services and tech stacks.
- Customizable dashboard enhances user experience.
- Detailed transaction traces pinpoint performance bottlenecks.
Cons:
- Pricing can be on the higher side for small teams.
- The extensive features can be overwhelming.
- The initial setup might be complex for some users.
Datadog is a comprehensive monitoring and analytics platform that offers a unified view of IT infrastructure. Its emphasis on cloud-scale monitoring enables organizations to gain insights into their operations across various cloud environments. This close alignment with cloud-scale operations is what makes Datadog an optimal choice for such a purpose.
Why I Picked Datadog: In my process of selecting a tool for this list, Datadog consistently emerged as a top contender. I judged its capabilities based on its specialized approach to cloud-centric monitoring, which is not commonly seen in other tools.
This specific focus led me to determine that Datadog is indeed the best for those requiring cloud-scale monitoring solutions.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Datadog is known for its real-time performance dashboards, which can be tailored to display metrics, traces, and logs. Additionally, its anomaly detection can proactively identify issues before they impact users.
In terms of integrations, Datadog supports over 400 integrations, including but not limited to AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Azure, Slack, and Docker.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Proactive anomaly detection helps in early issue identification.
- Supports a wide array of integrations for maximum compatibility.
- Tailored dashboards provide a comprehensive view of operations.
Cons:
- Some users may face a learning curve in the beginning.
- Pricing can become substantial for larger teams.
- Might be over-complex for small-scale operations.
Observium specializes in providing a detailed view into the health of network and server hardware. By focusing on the intricacies of hardware health, this monitoring tool offers professionals a precise gauge of their infrastructure's physical wellness, making it particularly apt for ensuring optimal network and server performance.
Why I Picked Observium: In my quest for the best monitoring tools, Observium emerged as a standout choice, especially when assessing network and server hardware health. After comparing several solutions, Observium's dedicated approach toward hardware health is unparalleled.
From my perspective, for those placing a premium on understanding the nitty-gritty of their network and server health, Observium is the top pick.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Observium boasts an auto-discovery feature that identifies devices across a network, making the initial setup process simpler. Additionally, its fine-tuned alerting system is tailored for hardware health, ensuring timely notifications for any anomalies.
As for integrations, Observium supports a vast array of network devices and server hardware, and it pairs well with SNMP-enabled devices, extending its monitoring capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Rich set of graphs and reports for detailed insights.
- Comprehensive auto-discovery tool for effortless device recognition.
- Tailored specifically for network and server hardware monitoring.
Cons:
- Limited customizability compared to other monitoring tools.
- The interface can be perceived as cluttered by some users.
- Might be considered over-specialized for broader IT monitoring needs.
Micro Focus SiteScope provides robust monitoring solutions for businesses, with a keen focus on applications. The agentless nature of SiteScope offers easy monitoring without the complexity of deploying agents.
Why I Picked Micro Focus SiteScope: Selecting tools isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about judging their efficacy in real-world scenarios. Among the plethora of options, I chose SiteScope because of its unique agentless approach to monitoring applications. This feature makes it stand out, ensuring there’s no added overhead or performance hindrance on the monitored systems.
Moreover, when considering its capability in agentless application monitoring, it became clear that SiteScope was the best for businesses that need uncomplicated, yet efficient, application insights.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Micro Focus SiteScope boasts over 100 out-of-the-box monitors for diverse applications, servers, and services. Its centralized view provides an understanding of the entire IT environment.
As for integrations, SiteScope smoothly connects with popular platforms like Micro Focus Operations Bridge, ServiceNow, and other Micro Focus solutions, facilitating consolidated monitoring and management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Versatile integration options with popular platforms and services.
- A broad range of built-in monitors for various applications and services.
- Agentless monitoring ensures no overhead on applications.
Cons:
- Some advanced features might be nested deep in settings, making them hard to find.
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors.
- Might require a steeper learning curve for newcomers.
Other Notable Monitoring Tools
Below is a list of additional monitoring tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. They are definitely worth checking out.
- Nagios XI
For comprehensive infrastructure monitoring
- Prometheus
For real-time alerting and multi-dimensional data collection
- Sensu
For flexible monitoring workflows
- AppDynamics
Good for deep application performance insights
- Splunk Enterprise
Good for large-scale infrastructure data analytics
- Sentry
Good for real-time error tracking across applications
- Netdata
Good for real-time system performance troubleshooting
- LogicMonitor
Good for cloud-based infrastructure monitoring
- Icinga
Good for scalable and extensible monitoring
- Graylog
Good for centralized log management and analysis
- Microsoft System Center Operations Manager
Good for large enterprise IT environment oversight
- Atera
For integrated remote IT management
- Centreon
Good for IT operation analytics in complex networks
- VMware Aria Operations
Good for hybrid cloud infrastructure management
- Virtana
Good for virtual and hybrid IT environment insights
Other Monitoring Tool Reviews
Selection Criteria For Choosing Monitoring Tools
Over the years, I've come across a myriad of tools designed for infrastructure monitoring. It's a domain where precision, reliability, and accessibility are paramount. I've tested each of these tools, delving deep into their features, performance, and overall usability. While there are many contenders, only a few met the stringent standards required for top-tier monitoring. In my evaluation, I kept the following key criteria in mind:
Core Functionality
- Real-time monitoring: Ability to provide live updates on system health and performance.
- Alert mechanisms: Immediate notifications for system anomalies or failures.
- Scalability: Support for growing IT environments, be it more devices, systems, or users.
- Multi-platform compatibility: Monitoring capabilities across various OS, devices, and applications.
Key Features
- Historical data analysis: Storing past data to help identify patterns or recurrent issues.
- Customizable dashboards: Personalizing interfaces to show metrics that are most pertinent to a user or team.
- Integration capabilities: Easy connection with other IT management tools or platforms.
- Role-based access controls: Ensuring that users can only access the data and tools pertinent to their job role.
- Automated discovery: Identifying new devices or applications added to the network without manual input.
Usability
- Intuitive navigation: Logical and clean layout that allows users to find features and data without an extensive search.
- Interactive visualizations: Graphs, charts, and other visual tools that update in real time and can be adjusted to display different metrics.
- Mobile access: A responsive design or dedicated mobile app to allow monitoring on the go.
- Knowledge base & training: A comprehensive resource library or training program to assist in onboarding and troubleshooting.
- Dedicated support: Accessible customer support to assist with setup, troubleshooting, or queries.
Most Common Questions Regarding Monitoring Tools
What are the benefits of using monitoring tools?
Monitoring tools provide numerous advantages for businesses and IT teams:
- Proactive Problem Solving: They allow teams to detect and address issues before they escalate, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Optimized Performance: By analyzing system performance, businesses can fine-tune their infrastructure for optimal operation.
- Cost Savings: With timely detection of issues, companies can avoid costly outages and reduce maintenance expenses.
- Enhanced Security: Monitoring tools can detect suspicious activities, ensuring swift action against potential security threats.
- Data-Driven Decisions: They provide valuable insights and data that can guide strategic IT decisions.
How much do these monitoring tools typically cost?
The cost of monitoring tools can vary widely based on features, scalability, and the target market. Some tools are priced as low as $10/user/month, while enterprise-grade solutions can go well beyond $1000/month.
What are the common pricing models for monitoring tools?
Monitoring tools typically follow one of these pricing models:
- Subscription-Based: Monthly or yearly fees, often based on the number of users, devices, or metrics monitored.
- Perpetual Licensing: A one-time upfront fee with optional maintenance or update costs.
- Usage-Based: Pricing is determined by the actual usage, such as the amount of data processed or the number of alerts generated.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
While prices vary, for most small to medium-sized businesses, monitoring tools can range from $20 to $200/user/month. Enterprise-grade solutions or tools with specialized features might cost significantly more.
Which is the cheapest monitoring tool on the list?
Netdata, with its open-source version, is among the most cost-effective solutions on the list. However, they also offer paid versions with extended features.
Which is the most expensive software listed?
Tools like AppDynamics and VMware Aria Operations, designed for larger enterprises with complex needs, often come with a higher price tag compared to other solutions.
Are there any free monitoring tool options?
Yes, some tools like Netdata and Graylog offer free versions, though they might have limited features compared to their paid counterparts.
Why is there such a wide range in pricing among these tools?
The pricing disparity often stems from the target market, feature set, scalability, and brand positioning of the tool. While some tools cater to smaller businesses with limited needs, others are designed for large enterprises requiring comprehensive monitoring solutions.
Summary
Selecting the right monitoring tool is an essential task that greatly impacts a business's IT operations and overall efficiency. The vast range of options, from open-source solutions like Netdata to enterprise-grade platforms like AppDynamics, caters to various needs, making the choice potentially overwhelming.
But by carefully assessing the core functionalities, key features, and usability criteria specific to the use case, companies can pinpoint the tool that aligns best with their operational demands.
Key Takeaways
- Determine core needs: Before diving into the multitude of monitoring tools available, clearly identify the core functionalities required for your specific use case. Not every tool will be a perfect fit, so understanding your needs will narrow down the options considerably.
- Evaluate usability and support: Beyond features, consider the user experience and support provided by the monitoring tool. Role-based access, intuitive interfaces, and a robust learning library can significantly affect the tool's effectiveness in your environment.
- Understand pricing models: Monitoring tools offer diverse pricing structures, from subscription-based to usage-based models. By recognizing which pricing model aligns with your budget and operational needs, you can avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure the tool remains cost-effective in the long run.
What Do You Think?
While I've endeavored to cover a comprehensive range of the best monitoring tools in this guide, the tech landscape is vast and ever-evolving. If you believe there's a standout tool that deserves a mention or has personal experiences with other noteworthy solutions, please share your insights. Your recommendations and feedback will enrich this guide and help others in their search for the perfect monitoring tool.