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Top 5 Network Monitoring Tools in Windows in 2024

Updated on Apr 23
5 min read
Written by
Cem Dilmegani
Cem Dilmegani
Cem Dilmegani

Cem is the principal analyst at AIMultiple since 2017. AIMultiple informs hundreds of thousands of businesses (as per Similarweb) including 60% of Fortune 500 every month.

Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE, NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and media that referenced AIMultiple.

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It is critical to maintain stable network monitoring, especially within Windows-based environments that serve as the technological foundation for numerous enterprises worldwide. This starts with leveraging the appropriate network monitoring tools, which are pivotal for safeguarding performance, enhancing security, and ensuring dependability.

This article delves into the best network monitoring tools in Windows, offering insights into their unique features and capabilities.

VendorsReviews*Free TrialEmployees**Price
AKIPS5/5 based on 4 reviews✅ for 30-days11-50Not shared publicly
NinjaOne
4.8/5 based on 204 reviews✅ for 14-days1,000-5,000Not shared publicly
Wireshark4.7/5 based on 139 reviews✅ for 15-days51-200Starting $399 /month for 10 agents
ManageEngine Site24x74.7/5 based on 233 reviews✅ for 30-days201-500
Standard Edition: $245 [25 devices] Professional Edition: $345 [25 devices] and more options
Paessler PRTG4.6/5 based on 279 reviews✅ for 30-days201-500Starting €1,649
LogicMonitor4.5/5 based on 612 reviews✅ for 15-days1,000-5,000Not shared publicly.
Solarwinds NPM4.5/5 based on 290 reviews✅ for 30-days1,000-5,000Not shared publicly.
LiveAction LiveNX4.4/5 based on 6 reviews✅ for 14-days201-500Not shared publicly.
Zabbix4.3/5 based on 185 reviewsN/A51-200open source

* Reviews are based on Capterra and G2. Transparency statement: Vendors are ranked according to their average ratings, except sponsors which receive links.

** The number of workforce is gathered from the companies’ LinkedIn pages.

How we choose the top Network Monitoring Tools in Windows?

In our evaluation of the top Network Monitoring Tools in Windows, we emphasized two key publicly accessible criteria:

  • Compatibility with the system setup: We ensure the tool supports Windows environments, including various Windows Server versions and Windows-based applications and devices.
  • Reviews on B2B Platforms: We favored solutions that had feedback from at least 20 users on B2B review platforms like G2 and Capterra except AKIPS which is AiMulitple sponsor.

Key Features of Network Monitoring Tools in Windows

  1. Real-time monitoring and analysis: Network monitoring tools in Windows provide real-time capture and analysis of network traffic, enabling quick identification and troubleshooting of network issues.
  2. Device and service monitoring: The solutions offer monitoring capabilities for a wide array of network devices and services, ensuring that all aspects of the network are under surveillance for potential issues.
  3. Alerting and notifications: These tools provide alerting mechanisms for network anomalies or failures. Zabbix and Prometheus, in particular, offer configurable alerts that notify administrators of critical issues, allowing for prompt response.
  4. Visualization and mapping: Advanced visualization features, including network mapping and graphical representation of network data, are offered. These features help in understanding network topology and identifying problem areas more intuitively.
  5. Support for multiple protocols and services: These tools support a variety of protocols (SNMP, TCP, ICMP, IPMI) and services, enabling them to monitor diverse network environments. This is particularly evident in Zabbix and AKIPS Network Monitor, which are designed to be flexible and versatile in their monitoring capabilities.
  6. Scalability for large environments: AKIPS Network Monitor and Zabbix are built to scale, capable of monitoring large scale network environments without compromising on performance or detail, making them suitable for enterprise-level networks.
  7. Open-source availability: Some of network monitoring tools in Windows like Wireshark, Zabbix, and Prometheus are open-source, allowing for customization and community-supported enhancements.

Top Network monitoring tools in windows

1. AKIPS

AKIPS offers several network monitoring capabilities. It is designed for large scale environments and provides detailed insights into network performance, traffic analysis, and device health. AKIPS stands out for its ability to handle vast amounts of data and provide real-time analytics, making it a valuable tool for network administrators seeking to ensure optimal network operation and availability.

You can have a free trial or contact AKIPS for their product.

AKIPS video explaining AKIPS’s features

Pros

Easy monitoring: User-friendly graphical interface facilitates easy capturing and analysis of data packets, aiding in efficient network traffic analysis and issue troubleshooting.1

Cons

Limited documentation and support: Scarce documentation and delayed support responses, operating primarily in UK time, hinder timely issue resolution and user guidance. 2

Source: A user review on AKIPS 3

Reviews

  • Capterra: 5/5 based on 3 reviews4
  • G2: 4.5/5 based on 1 reviews5

2. NinjaOne

NinjaOne is an all-in-one IT management platform that offers a suite of tools for businesses of all sizes on Windows. It includes network monitoring, patch management, remote management, backup, and disaster recovery, as well as endpoint protection.

Ninjaone, Network Monitoring Tools in Windows

Source: NinjaOne Website 6

Pros

Ease of use: User benefit from ease of use and hardware visibility, coupled with robust patch management, security features, and effective remote tools.

Cons

Unconventional Setup: Users find some aspects of patching and scripting setup unconventional compared to other software experiences.

pros and cons of ninjaone

Source: NinjaOne Capterra User Reviews 7

Reviews

  • Capterra: 4.8/5 based on 204 reviews8
  • G2: 4.8/5 based on 1,103 reviews9
  • PeerSpot: 4/5 based on 14 reviews10
  • TrustRadius: 9.2/10 based on 94 votes 11

3. Wireshark

An open-source packet analyzer that can capture and display the data traveling back and forth on a network in real-time. It’s good for troubleshooting network problems and learning more about network protocols.

network monitoring tools in windows

Figure 1: Wireshark Main Window

Souırce 12

Pros

Easy monitoring: User-friendly graphical interface facilitates easy capturing and analysis of data packets, aiding in efficient network traffic analysis and issue troubleshooting.13

Cons

Slow performance: Users experienced slowdowns or crashes when handling large data volumes; requires advanced knowledge of network protocols, potentially challenging for novice users.14

Source: Wireshark G2 User Reviews 15

Reviews

  • G2: 4.7/5 based on 139 reviews16
  • PeerSpot: 4.5/5 based on 95 reviews17
  • TrustRadius: 9.3/10 based on 135 votes 18

4. Zabbix

An open-source monitoring tool for various network services, servers, and other network hardware. It supports a wide range of monitoring protocols.

Zabbix, Network Monitoring Tools in Windows

Figure 5: Zabbix Windows Dashboard 19

Pros

Monitoring capabilities: Users benefit from Zabbix’s monitoring capabilities, gaining insights into business processes and services, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and performance.

Cons

Complex dashboards: The tool’s implementing and configuring dashboards is complex, compounded by steep learning curves due to limited available engineers familiar with the system.

Free Network Monitoring Tools

Source: Zabbix Capterra Pros & Cons 20

Reviews

  • G2: 4.3/5 based on 185 reviews 21
  • PeerSpot: 4.1/5 based on 96 reviews22
  • TrustRadius: 8.5/10 based on 165 votes 23

5. Prometheus

Prometheus is designed for monitoring the services in microservices architecture. It’s known for its querying language and multi-dimensional data model. Prometheus is particularly well-suited for collecting time-series data from monitored targets over HTTP, making it a go-to choice for monitoring dynamic service-oriented architectures.

Figure 4: Prometheus Dashboard 24

Pros

Time-series data collection: Prometheus offers ability to collect time-series data, supporting dynamic and complex service-oriented architectures with its advanced querying capabilities.

Cons

Debugging challenges: Identifying the root cause of high memory usage in Prometheus can be complex, impacting performance and resource efficiency.

Source: Prometheus on Capterra 25

Reviews

  • G2: 4.4/5 based on 19 reviews 26
  • PeerSpot: 4.1/5 based on 27 reviews27
  • TrustRadius: 8.1/10 based on 92 votes 28

FAQ

What are Network Monitoring Tools in Windows?

Network monitoring tools in Windows are software solutions designed to oversee and manage the health, performance, and security of network infrastructure within Windows environments. They utilize key features like real-time analysis, network mapping, and device monitoring to ensure smooth network operations.

How do Network Monitoring Tools Enhance Windows Server Performance?

By continuously tracking network traffic and device status, network monitoring tools in Windows servers enable administrators to identify and address issues promptly. This proactive approach helps maintain optimal server performance and minimizes downtime.

What Key Features Should I Look for in Network Device Monitoring Software?

Essential features to consider include real-time traffic analysis, support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), customizable alerts, detailed network observability, and the ability to monitor a wide range of devices and services across your network infrastructure.

Can Network Monitoring Software Help in Managing Network Traffic?

Yes, network monitoring tools in Windows can significantly aid in managing network traffic monitoring. They provide visibility into traffic patterns, identify bottlenecks, and help in allocating bandwidth more efficiently to ensure a smooth flow of data across the network.

Why is Network Mapping Important in Network Monitoring?

Network mapping is a critical component of network monitoring in Windows as it offers a visual representation of your network’s architecture. This visualization makes it easier to understand the relationships between devices, pinpoint problem areas, and plan for network expansions or optimizations.

For more on network monitoring

Access Cem's 2 decades of B2B tech experience as a tech consultant, enterprise leader, startup entrepreneur & industry analyst. Leverage insights informing top Fortune 500 every month.
Cem Dilmegani
Principal Analyst
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Cem Dilmegani
Principal Analyst

Cem is the principal analyst at AIMultiple since 2017. AIMultiple informs hundreds of thousands of businesses (as per Similarweb) including 60% of Fortune 500 every month.

Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE, NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and media that referenced AIMultiple.

Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.

He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.

Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

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AIMultiple.com Traffic Analytics, Ranking & Audience, Similarweb.
Why Microsoft, IBM, and Google Are Ramping up Efforts on AI Ethics, Business Insider.
Microsoft invests $1 billion in OpenAI to pursue artificial intelligence that’s smarter than we are, Washington Post.
Data management barriers to AI success, Deloitte.
Empowering AI Leadership: AI C-Suite Toolkit, World Economic Forum.
Science, Research and Innovation Performance of the EU, European Commission.
Public-sector digitization: The trillion-dollar challenge, McKinsey & Company.
Hypatos gets $11.8M for a deep learning approach to document processing, TechCrunch.
We got an exclusive look at the pitch deck AI startup Hypatos used to raise $11 million, Business Insider.

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