Keeping your network running smoothly is no easy task—especially in 2025, when the volume of data and devices continues to skyrocket. While SolarWinds has long been a go-to for network monitoring, its recent challenges and pricing structure have led many businesses to explore other options. If you’re searching for more affordable, scalable, or secure SolarWinds alternatives, this article is your perfect starting point.

We’re going to look at the top 5 alternatives to SolarWinds for network monitoring and examine their capabilities and features for monitoring and managing network traffic bandwidth and traffic.

PRTG Network Monitor is a Complete SolarWinds Alternative

 

PRTG Network Monitor is easy to use and appropriate for companies of any size. You can easily set up and use the many monitoring tools it comes with.

Key Features:

• Real-time network traffic bandwidth monitoring
• Visual maps and dashboards
• Customizable alerts and threshold settings
• Support for SNMP, NetFlow, and packet sniffing

PRTG stands out for its sensor-based model, allowing you to pay only for what you need. It’s perfect for IT teams that require flexible, scalable network traffic management without being tied to complicated licensing.

Why it’s a good SolarWinds alternative:
PRTG delivers comprehensive monitoring without the steep learning curve or hefty price tag associated with SolarWinds.

 

2. ManageEngine OpManager – Enterprise-Grade Monitoring Simplified

ManageEngine OpManager has emerged as a serious contender in the network monitoring space, especially for mid-to-large enterprises. It provides deep visibility into your infrastructure with minimal setup time.

Key Features:

• Multi-vendor network device support
• Network traffic bandwidth monitor with detailed analytics
• Real-time performance dashboards
• Automated workflows and alerting

OpManager makes network traffic management easy with a clear, intuitive interface and robust reporting tools. It even integrates with other ManageEngine tools, making it ideal for organizations seeking a unified IT management suite.

Why it’s a good SolarWinds alternative:
It offers advanced capabilities without the complexity, making it a strong option for those looking to scale without hassle.

 

3. Nagios XI – Open Source Power with Enterprise Enhancements

For companies that value flexibility and open-source roots, Nagios XI is a top choice. Built on the widely used Nagios Core, XI adds a graphical user interface, dashboards, and reporting capabilities.

Key Features:

• Open-source base with powerful add-ons
• Real-time network traffic and performance data
• Advanced network traffic bandwidth monitor plugins
• Highly customizable monitoring scripts

Nagios is ideal for teams with Linux expertise and a desire for granular control. It’s not as plug-and-play as other tools, but it offers unmatched customization.

Why it’s a good SolarWinds alternative:
Nagios gives power users the control they need while eliminating the licensing headaches that come with commercial tools.

 

4. Zabbix – Enterprise Monitoring at Zero Cost

Zabbix is another open-source gem that competes toe-to-toe with paid solutions. Used by companies like Dell and Salesforce, Zabbix is known for its scalability, security, and robust feature set.

Key Features:

• Free to use with no licensing limits
• Agent-based and agentless monitoring
• Strong network traffic bandwidth monitor and trending tools
• Integration with tools like Grafana for visualizations

Zabbix excels in network traffic management, allowing for predictive alerts and anomaly detection. It supports distributed monitoring, making it ideal for global operations.

Why it’s a good SolarWinds alternative:
Zabbix delivers enterprise-grade performance with zero licensing cost, perfect for businesses aiming to cut expenses without compromising quality.

 

5. Auvik – Cloud-Based Network Management Made Simple

If you’re looking for a cloud-native solution, Auvik might just be your best bet. Designed with MSPs and IT teams in mind, Auvik simplifies network traffic management through automation and a clean UI.

Key Features:

• Auto-discovery of network devices
• Cloud-hosted dashboards and remote access
• Real-time network traffic bandwidth monitoring
• Automated configuration backups

Auvik takes the guesswork out of monitoring, offering clear insights and proactive alerts with very little setup required.

Why it’s a good SolarWinds alternative:
Auvik offers a hassle-free experience with a cloud-first mindset, making it ideal for remote teams and MSPs.

 

Steps to Pick the Right SolarWinds Alternative

What your company needs determines which SolarWinds alternative is best for you. These points are worth remembering:

• Can the solution be expanded when your company grows?
• Customization – Do you want little or a lot of control over how things are used?
• Expense – How much money do you plan to spend on a network traffic management tool?
• Help and Networking – Do you want to use the help from the supplier or connect with users?

It is common for some organizations to choose open-source software such as Zabbix or Nagios to cut expenses and better customize their systems. Some prefer PRTG or Auvik for their simple interface and strong customer help.

 

Overall, the discussion points to what we can expect from network monitoring going forward after SolarWinds. Today, the networks behind various services are even more complicated and important than in the past. People can still rely on SolarWinds, but it’s not their only choice. If you are most interested in keeping your system simple, customized or low in cost, these SolarWinds solutions still provide a lot of value and good capabilities.

From real-time network traffic bandwidth monitor functions to intelligent network traffic management, these tools help you stay ahead of performance issues, reduce downtime, and keep your systems secure and efficient.

Invest some time in examining these options, checking what they offer and selecting the one that fits your IT strategy. Your people will appreciate all the effort you make.