AWS Network Synthetic Monitor review
A focused AWS service for monitoring network paths, not mobile applications.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
AWS Network Synthetic Monitor is a fully managed Amazon CloudWatch capability for measuring network performance between AWS-hosted resources and on-premises destinations. It is intended for network operators and application developers who need visibility into round-trip time and packet loss across hybrid network paths. Configurable probes can use ICMP or TCP, monitor IPv4 and IPv6 destinations, and operate without separately installed agents. The service is a network-path monitor rather than a mobile application monitoring product, so teams seeking mobile-specific visibility should choose a different category of tool.
The published Usage-based plan charges $0.10 per monitored resource per hour, billed monthly. The documented rate is an example for US East (N. Virginia), and CloudWatch metrics incur separate charges. The service connects naturally with Amazon CloudWatch Metrics and supports dashboards, thresholds, and alarms. Its broader AWS network fit includes AWS PrivateLink, AWS Direct Connect, and AWS Transit Gateway, while a network health indicator is available for eligible AWS network paths. This pricing and ecosystem make it most relevant to teams already organizing operational visibility around AWS network services.
Its standout capability is continuous measurement of packet loss and latency from VPC subnets to on-premises IP addresses, with probes configured around the paths that matter. That focus can provide a clear view of hybrid network health, but it does not extend the product into mobile app performance monitoring. Choose AWS Network Synthetic Monitor when the requirement is managed monitoring of AWS and on-premises network paths with CloudWatch integration. Choose an alternative when the priority is mobile application behavior, app-specific telemetry, or a free entry plan.
AWS Network Synthetic Monitor pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Continuous packet-loss and latency monitoring across hybrid network paths
- Configurable ICMP and TCP probes from VPC subnets
- CloudWatch dashboards, thresholds, metrics, and alarms
- Where it doesn't
- Not designed for mobile application monitoring
- No free plan; CloudWatch metrics are charged separately
- Monitoring is limited to supported AWS network paths and destinations
AWS Network Synthetic Monitor fact sheet, pricing and score →
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