25 Best Network Automation Software Of 2026
10 Best Network Automation Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
Managing a network can be a headache. You’re juggling countless tasks, and manual processes just slow you down. Network automation software steps in to ease the load, letting you focus on what really matters—growing your business.
I’ve spent time testing and reviewing these tools, and I know what works. In this article, I’ll lay out my top picks for network automation software, covering features, pros, and cons so you can make the best choice for your team.
You’ll get an unbiased, well-researched review designed to solve your network management challenges. Let’s find the right tool to make your work easier.
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Best Network Automation Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top network automation software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for automated network mapping | 14-day free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for automated network backups | Free trial + demo available | From $9/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for monitoring and fault management | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for hybrid infrastructure monitoring | Free 15-day trial | From $16/hybrid unit/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for AI-driven network operations | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for modular network automation | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for end-to-end network automation solutions | 30-day free trial + free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for scalable network orchestration | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for infrastructure as code | Not available | Free to use | Website | |
| 10 | Best for comprehensive network management | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Site24x7
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Docker
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Pulumi
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Network Automation Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best network automation software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Auvik is a cloud‑based tool that automates important tasks for network management. It keeps your network topology, device inventory, and configurations updated automatically. You get ongoing insight into your infrastructure with minimal manual work.
Why I Picked Auvik: I chose Auvik for its automatic discovery and mapping of your entire network using protocols like SNMP, CDP, and LLDP. This real‑time topology discovery means that as soon as devices connect or change, you're immediately aware of how everything fits together, helping your team detect issues before they become serious. I also like its automated configuration backup and change tracking. Every 60 minutes, device configs are backed up and versioned, and you can easily compare versions to spot differences.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include network performance monitoring that tracks utilization trends, bottlenecks, and bandwidth‑heavy apps to help you plan capacity and optimize performance. You also get real‑time alerting, with 50+ pre‑configured alerts you can tweak, so you stay on top of issues quickly.
Some integrations include Okta, Opsgenie, PagerDuty, Palo Alto Networks, pfSense, Rewst, Rippling, Ruckus, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Slack, and Smartsheet.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Insightful traffic and performance alerts aid proactive detection
- Automated configuration backups help you avoid manual mistakes
- Real‑time network mapping reveals device connections instantly
Cons:
- Some device types mis‑identified or missing topology details
- Alert system often produces excessive, non‑actionable noise
New Product Updates from Auvik
Auvik Introduces New Integrations and Alert Improvements
Auvik introduces a ServiceNow CMDB integration, improved alert notification management, and a new monday.com SaaS Ops integration. These updates help IT teams improve visibility, streamline alert workflows, and maintain accurate asset and license data. For more information, visit Auvik's official site.
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Site24x7 is an all-in-one monitoring platform designed for IT operations and DevOps teams, offering comprehensive services for websites, servers, cloud resources, networks, and applications.
Why I Picked Site24x7: One of the standout features of Site24x7 is its network configuration management (NCM) tool. This tool allows you to automate the backup of device configurations, ensuring that you always have the latest settings saved. In the event of an unexpected change or outage, you can restore a previous stable configuration, minimizing downtime and maintaining network stability. Additionally, Site24x7's use of configlets (command snippets applied to network devices) enables you to automate and standardize configurations across multiple devices.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Other features include network compliance checks that help your team adhere to industry standards like Cisco IOS, SOX, HIPAA, and PCI DSS by flagging noncompliance issues and simplifying audits. The platform also offers IP address management (IPAM), allowing you to monitor and manage IP usage dynamically, identify conflicts, and visualize subnets for better capacity planning. Some integrations include ServiceNow, PagerDuty, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Nagios, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Docker, Jenkins, and Kubernetes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers real-time alerts across various channels
- Customizable dashboards and reports
- Comprehensive monitoring for various systems
Cons:
- Limited customization in alerting mechanisms
- Complexity in initial setup for large environments
New Product Updates from Site24x7
Site24x7 APM Introduces Go Monitoring
Site24x7 introduces Go application monitoring, transaction tracing, and real-time performance insights. This update helps teams monitor Go services more effectively and identify performance issues faster. For more information, visit Site24x7's official site.
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ManageEngine OpManager primarily functions as a network management platform, focusing on monitoring and fault identification. Its proficiency in recognizing faults in a system and ensuring steady connectivity makes it particularly suitable for those needing effective monitoring and fault management solutions.
Why I Picked ManageEngine OpManager: I selected ManageEngine OpManager after determining its merits among various tools in the network management domain. It stands out due to its refined monitoring capabilities and its knack for pinpointing faults swiftly.
This tool's specialization in monitoring and rapid fault identification justified its position as "best for monitoring and fault management."
Standout Features & Integrations:
ManageEngine OpManager is renowned for its robust monitoring capabilities, providing in-depth visibility into network health. It offers advanced endpoint monitoring, ensuring DevOps teams are immediately alerted of any potential issues.
Additionally, its integrations are diverse, allowing for collaboration across different platforms and tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective endpoint monitoring suitable for DevOps environments
- Rapid fault detection reduces potential downtime
- Comprehensive network monitoring capabilities
Cons:
- Advanced features might be overwhelming for small networks
- Integration with some third-party tools could be smoother
- Might have a learning curve for new users
New Product Updates from ManageEngine OpManager
ManageEngine OpManager Vendor Templates and NCM XML Import
ManageEngine OpManager introduces enhanced vendor template integration and device template import for the NCM module using XML files. This update helps teams improve device classification and speed up configuration workflows. For more information, visit ManageEngine OpManager’s official site.
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LogicMonitor is a cloud-based platform designed to support comprehensive monitoring across diverse IT infrastructures, both on-premises and in the cloud. Its specialty lies in providing insights into hybrid setups, making it especially adept at hybrid infrastructure monitoring.
Why I Picked LogicMonitor: In my search for top-tier monitoring tools, LogicMonitor quickly came to the forefront. I selected it after determining its unmatched capabilities in observing hybrid environments, a feat that not all tools can claim. Judging from its features and comparisons with other platforms, I'm confident in stating it's the best for hybrid infrastructure monitoring.
Standout Features & Integrations:
LogicMonitor's standout features include the ability to create playbooks that can automate responses to specific network conditions, ensuring quick rollbacks if necessary. The platform's support for multiple programming languages further augments its flexibility. Integration-wise, LogicMonitor efficiently ties in with SD-WAN solutions and offers extensive support for a myriad of nodes, streamlining the monitoring process.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple programming languages.
- Playbook creation for automated responses.
- In-depth hybrid infrastructure insights.
Cons:
- Some advanced features might be overkill for smaller setups.
- Might require additional training for optimal usage.
- Initial setup may be complex for some users.
IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation is an integrated suite designed to automate network operations with the power of artificial intelligence. This platform not only streamlines common automation tasks but also provides AI-driven insights to make network operations more efficient, making it a top choice for AI-driven network operations.
Why I Picked IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation: When selecting tools, I carefully judged each platform's capabilities, and IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation stood out due to its AI-driven approach. After comparing it to other solutions, I determined that its unique combination of AI-enhanced insights and self-service capabilities set it apart from competitors. Based on its features and my analysis, I believe it's the best for AI-driven network operations.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features of IBM Cloud Pak include advanced automation tasks that reduce time-consuming manual processes, and AI-assisted decision-making that simplifies complex network management tasks.
Additionally, its integration capabilities allow for easy alignment with security policies, ensuring a secure and efficient network environment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with security policies.
- Efficient handling of automation tasks.
- Advanced AI-driven network insights.
Cons:
- Some features might be seen as too advanced for straightforward network operations.
- The AI-driven features might have a learning curve.
- Might be complex for smaller network setups.
The Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform is a comprehensive solution for orchestrating and managing network resources. With its robust modular design, it aids businesses in automating multi-vendor networks and streamlining network change processes, making it optimal for modular network automation.
Why I Picked Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform: In the process of choosing tools for this review, the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform stood out due to its modularity and extensive adaptability. The ability to handle modules with precision across a multi-cloud environment further differentiated it from other tools.
In my opinion, and after comparing it with other platforms, I determined that it's the best for modular network automation.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of the significant features of the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform is its modular approach, allowing businesses to customize and scale as per their requirements. This modularity extends to its prowess in managing multi-vendor networks and efficiently allocating network resources. Integration-wise, it's built for the multi-cloud world, connecting with major cloud providers and ensuring network consistency across platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built for multi-cloud, ensuring consistency across different cloud platforms.
- Efficient handling of multi-vendor network environments.
- Modular design offers extensive customization and scalability.
Cons:
- Setup and initial configuration might be intricate for beginners.
- Some advanced modules may require additional training.
- Might be complex for those unfamiliar with Ansible's approach.
Cisco is a renowned leader in the networking industry, offering comprehensive solutions that cater to various network needs. Their automation solutions provide an end-to-end approach, making them particularly adept at managing and optimizing entire network infrastructures, which aligns with their reputation as best for end-to-end network automation solutions.
Why I Picked Cisco: In the process of determining the most impactful tools, Cisco emerged as a front-runner due to its expansive and robust suite of network automation features. I judged and compared it with other tools and felt that its comprehensive approach to both virtual and physical network infrastructures set it apart.
I chose it because its capability to provide end-to-end solutions ensures fewer outages and a smoother networking experience.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Cisco shines with its NCM (Network Configuration and Management) efficiently manages network data and aids in rapid deployment and configuration across software-defined setups. Their virtualization technology ensures that both virtual network functions and traditional infrastructures are integrated.
Additionally, Cisco offers multiple integrations with other industry-leading platforms to further enhance its automation capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integrations with other industry tools.
- Advanced virtualization techniques for integrating virtual networks.
- Robust NCM capabilities for efficient network data management.
Cons:
- Higher upfront investment compared to some other solutions.
- Requires specialized training for full utility.
- Might be overkill for smaller network setups.
OpenText Network Automation provides an advanced platform for managing, automating, and orchestrating various network processes, both on-premise and in the cloud. With its ability to scale and adapt to growing network complexities, it positions itself as a leading choice for scalable network orchestration.
Why I Picked OpenText Network Automation: Navigating through a multitude of network automation tools, my judgment was anchored by OpenText's ability to efficiently orchestrate complex network tasks. I selected it based on its comprehensive suite of features and its distinct advantage of being able to scale according to network growth.
With its proficiency in managing larger networks, I believe it stands unmatched as the best for scalable network orchestration.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of the striking features of OpenText Network Automation is its support for various operating systems, ensuring compatibility across different environments. The platform emphasizes automated processes, particularly in remediation, reducing manual intervention and potential errors.
In terms of integrations, it effortlessly pairs with a variety of IT management tools and network devices, amplifying its utility in diverse IT landscapes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive integration capabilities with other IT management tools.
- Strong emphasis on automated processes, especially in remediation tasks.
- Broad support for multiple operating systems enhances its adaptability.
Cons:
- Frequent updates might necessitate consistent monitoring and management.
- Its on premise setup might require significant infrastructure investments.
- The extensive set of features might pose a learning curve for new users.
Terraform is a powerful open-source tool designed to provision and manage network infrastructure using a declarative configuration language. With its infrastructure-as-code approach, Terraform paves the way for replicable, predictable, and scalable network setups, ensuring that it stands out when considering network performance and security.
Why I Picked Terraform: From the plethora of tools I came across, Terraform stood out to me due to its unique approach to managing network infrastructure. In determining the best solutions, I found myself consistently comparing tools to Terraform's clean, code-driven methods.
After much judgment and opinion-gathering, it became clear that Terraform truly shines when it comes to handling infrastructure as code, making it an invaluable asset for those prioritizing network security and performance.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Terraform boasts a state-centric design that offers a clear view of the current network status versus the desired configuration, facilitating effective troubleshooting. Furthermore, its modularity and infrastructure building blocks make it adaptable to varied requirements.
On the integration front, Terraform's provider system allows it to support a multitude of platforms and services, from cloud vendors like AWS and Azure to on-prem solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide-ranging integrations with cloud and on-prem solutions
- State-centric design aids in troubleshooting
- Code-centric approach to network infrastructure
Cons:
- Configurations can be verbose, demanding careful documentation
- Some complex deployments may require additional tooling
- Initial learning curve can be steep for those unfamiliar with coding
TrueSight Automation for Networks is a robust network automation platform designed to streamline the tasks and challenges faced by network administrators. By offering a blend of network monitoring and automation functionalities, it addresses the complexities of managing vast and intricate networks, making it best suited for comprehensive network management.
Why I Picked TrueSight Automation for Networks: In the quest for a tool that excels in both monitoring and automation, my selection gravitated towards TrueSight Automation for Networks. From the array of tools I compared, this platform stood out due to its holistic approach to network management, addressing both the micro and macro challenges of the domain.
I chose it because it presents a refined balance between monitoring nuances and automation capabilities, making it the go-to solution for comprehensive network management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
One of the defining features of TrueSight Automation for Networks is its advanced CLI interface, which provides administrators with precise control and insights. Its real-time network monitoring feature keeps track of the health and performance of the network, alerting administrators to potential issues before they escalate.
For integrations, the platform connects effortlessly with a range of other ITSM tools and network devices, making it versatile in diverse IT environments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with a plethora of ITSM tools and network devices.
- Real-time network monitoring ensures timely detection of potential network issues.
- Advanced CLI provides intricate control and insights for network administrators.
Cons:
- Initial setup and configuration can be intricate for some setups.
- Requires consistent updates to maintain compatibility with newer network devices.
- The platform's vast feature set may overwhelm new users.
Other Network Automation Software
Here are some additional network automation software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Arista EOS CloudVision
For cloud-based network visibility
- NetBrain
For interactive network visualization
- Unimus
For network configuration backup
- Resolve
For rapid incident resolution
- BackBox
Good for intelligent automation and backup
- BloxOne DDI
Good for cloud-first networking
- SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
Good for centralized network configurations
- Progress WhatsUp Gold
Good for proactive network monitoring
- Forward Networks
Good for network assurance and verification
- ZPE Systems
Good for remote network access solutions
- SolarWinds IP Address Manager
Good for scalable IP address management
- AppViewX
Good for visual network automation workflows
- Canonical Netplan
Good for straightforward YAML network configurations
- Liongard
Good for multi-environment IT management
- NVIDIA NetQ
Good for data-driven network operations
Network Automation Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best network automation software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like reducing manual errors and improving network efficiency. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Automating network configuration
- Monitoring network performance
- Managing network security
- Troubleshooting network issues
- Integrating with existing infrastructure
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven analytics
- Customizable automation workflows
- Real-time network mapping
- Multi-vendor support
- Advanced security compliance tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Customizable dashboards
- Clear documentation
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Supportive chatbots
- Webinars for user training
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels
- Responsive support team
- Comprehensive help center
- Personalized assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Transparent pricing model
- Free trial availability
- Cost-benefit ratio
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive user feedback
- Consistency in performance
- Reliability of support
- User-reported ease of use
- Satisfaction with feature set
How to Choose Network Automation Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the software grow with your business? Look for tools that handle more devices and data as your network expands. Avoid tools that cap growth potential. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your existing systems? Check for compatibility with your current software and hardware to ensure smooth operations. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to your needs? Assess if the software allows changes to fit your workflows without needing extensive coding skills. |
| Ease of use | Is it user-friendly? Evaluate the interface and navigation. A straightforward design saves time and reduces training needs. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get started? Consider the time and resources required for setup. Look for tools with strong support and training materials. |
| Cost | Does it fit your budget? Compare pricing models and consider long-term costs. Be wary of hidden fees or unexpected expenses. |
| Security safeguards | How secure is it? Ensure the software complies with industry standards and offers strong data protection features. |
| Support availability | Will help be there when you need it? Check for 24/7 support and multiple contact options to resolve issues quickly. |
What Is Network Automation Software?
Network automation software is a tool that automates the management and operations of computer networks. IT professionals, network administrators, and engineers generally use these tools to save time and reduce errors. Automated configuration, performance monitoring, and security management features help with efficient network operations and reduce manual workload. Overall, these tools enhance network efficiency and reliability.
Features of Network Automation Software
When selecting network automation software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Centralized management: Control all network devices, policies, and configurations from a single dashboard. This centralized approach helps you save time, minimize confusion, and maintain consistency across your network.
- Configuration automation: Automatically deploy, update, and manage device settings and network policies. This feature helps you avoid repetitive manual work and reduces the risk of human error.
- Change management: Track, schedule, and verify every change made to your network infrastructure. With this, you can roll back updates if things go sideways and keep an audit trail for troubleshooting or compliance.
- Device discovery and inventory: Scan and catalog all connected devices in real time. You'll always know what's on the network, spot unauthorized devices, and simplify asset management.
- Policy enforcement: Define, apply, and monitor network policies—like access controls or security rules—consistently across the network. This ensures everyone plays by the same rules and strengthens your security posture.
- Workflow orchestration: Build and automate complex workflows across multiple devices and platforms. This lets you customize common tasks, improve efficiency, and reduce bottlenecks as your network scales.
- Monitoring and alerting: Continuously track network health, performance, and events. Set up real-time alerts to catch issues early—because nobody likes surprise outages during your lunch break.
- Compliance reporting: Automatically generate reports to show adherence to industry standards and regulations. This is handy when auditors come knocking, and it helps you stay in the clear.
Common Network Automation Software AI Features
Beyond the standard network automation software features listed above, many of these solutions are incorporating AI with features like:
- Predictive analytics: Use AI to forecast network traffic spikes, possible outages, and capacity needs. This helps you plan ahead and avoid nasty surprises.
- Intelligent anomaly detection: AI monitors network behavior to spot out-of-pattern events or potential threats faster than manual methods, letting you respond before small issues grow.
- Automated troubleshooting: AI analyzes errors and network issues, suggests fixes, or even resolves common faults automatically, cutting down the time you spend hunting for solutions.
- Network optimization: AI tunes network settings for optimal performance based on real-time usage patterns—think of it as a tireless network engineer who never gets tired of improving speed and reliability.
- Automated compliance checks: AI continuously scans your network for compliance with industry regulations, highlighting gaps and suggesting fixes so you can sleep a little easier.
Benefits
Implementing network automation software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time savings: Automated configuration and management processes reduce the time spent on manual tasks.
- Error reduction: Automation minimizes human errors, leading to more reliable network operations.
- Improved security: Security management features help protect your network from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
- Enhanced visibility: Real-time network mapping and performance monitoring provide better insights into network status.
- Cost efficiency: By reducing manual work and preventing errors, these tools can lead to cost savings over time.
- Scalability: The ability to handle more devices and data as your network grows supports business expansion.
- Increased productivity: With automation handling routine tasks, your team can focus on more strategic activities.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting network automation software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. Combined with specialized WAN optimization vendors, organizations can ensure that the ever-evolving digital demands are met without being tethered to the limitations of physical infrastructure. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in network automation software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Network Automation Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic configuration, limited device support, and community support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Automation workflows, performance monitoring, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Advanced security management, multi-vendor support, and real-time analytics. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100+/user/month | Custom integrations, dedicated account manager, and 24/7 priority support. |
Network Automation Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about network automation software:
How does network automation software improve efficiency?
Network automation software improves efficiency by automating repetitive tasks like device configuration and monitoring. This reduces the time your team spends on manual work, allowing them to focus on more strategic projects. It also minimizes human errors, leading to smoother network operations.
What skills are needed to use network automation software?
To use network automation software, you’ll need basic networking knowledge and familiarity with scripting languages like Python. Understanding network protocols and configurations is also beneficial. Many tools offer training resources, so you can learn as you go and enhance your skills over time.
Can network automation software integrate with existing systems?
Yes, most network automation software is designed to integrate with existing systems. Check if the software supports the APIs and protocols your current infrastructure uses. Integration ensures smooth operations and helps your team leverage existing tools without disruptions.
How does network automation software handle security?
Network automation software includes features for managing and monitoring network security. It can automate updates, enforce security policies, and detect anomalies. Regular updates and compliance with security standards are crucial to protecting your network from threats.
What’s Next
If you're researching network automation software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.