Head-to-head · Server Monitoring
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor vs Nagios Core
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor leads on 0 checks, Nagios Core on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePaessler PRTG Network Monitor · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
- Most featuresNagios Core · 1 of 3
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor scores higher on our rubric for server monitoring: 8.9 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is the better fit for network and sensor-focused monitoring. Nagios Core is the better fit for free extensible monitoring with a large ecosystem.
- Paessler PRTG Network Monitor fits best
Network and sensor-focused monitoring
- Nagios Core fits best
Free extensible monitoring with a large ecosystem
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Side by side
| Feature | Paessler PRTG Network Monitor 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Nagios Core 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #6 in Server Monitoring | #8 in Server Monitoring |
| Best for | Network and sensor-focused monitoring | Free extensible monitoring with a large ecosystem |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $200/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, iOS, Android | Linux |
| Support | Email, Tickets, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Paessler PRTG Network Monitor 0/3 · Nagios Core 1/3 | ||
| Server auto-discovery | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Process monitoring | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Container monitoring | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Included hosts | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Metric retention | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Monitoring method | Not checked yet | Hybrid |
| Supported operating systems | Not checked yet | Linux, Unix, Windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is proprietary infrastructure monitoring software for small, medium-sized, and larger IT environments. It is designed for teams that need to monitor network devices, servers, applications, virtual… Read the review → |
Nagios Core is a free, GPL-licensed, self-hosted monitoring engine for IT infrastructure. It monitors servers, workstations, network devices, websites, applications, services, and custom metrics through a plugin-based architecture. Its… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor — where it wins
- Freeware Edition supports up to 100 sensors
- More than 250 preconfigured sensor types
- Maps, discovery, probes, reports, and extensive alerting
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires Windows infrastructure
- Paid plans start at $200 per month when billed annually
- Verified platform coverage is limited to Windows, iOS, Android, and API
Nagios Core — where it wins
- Free, GPL-licensed, self-hosted monitoring engine
- Plugin architecture supports custom checks and metrics
- Integrates with Grafana, Prometheus, Slack, and ServiceNow
Where it doesn't
- Configuration relies mainly on text files and command-line workflows
- The platform listing is limited to Linux
- It lacks a server auto-discovery feature
- Paessler PRTG Network Monitor8.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A sensor-rich, self-hosted monitor for networks, servers, traffic, and distributed sites.
Visit PaesslerFull verdict → - Nagios Core8.7/10 · Free plan
A free, extensible monitoring engine for teams comfortable with self-hosted configuration.
Visit Nagios CoreFull verdict →
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All server monitoring comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update