MRTG
MRTG: A focused, free choice for SNMP traffic graphs and threshold alerts. Ranked #24 of 33 in Bandwidth Monitoring Software by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mature basic SNMP graphing.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMature basic SNMP graphing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded1995
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source under the GNU GPL
- Generates PNG traffic graphs and HTML pages
- Supports threshold actions, SNMPv2c counters, and RRDtool
Where it doesn't
- Narrower than modern monitoring platforms
- No verified application or flow monitoring coverage
- RRDtool is the only listed integration
Our verdict on MRTG
MRTG, or Multi Router Traffic Grapher, is free, open-source software for monitoring SNMP-enabled network devices and presenting interface traffic through web pages with PNG graphs. It is aimed at teams that operate their own network-monitoring infrastructure across Windows and Linux environments. The tool can also graph other SNMP variables and externally collected data, making it suitable for straightforward bandwidth visibility where network-device metrics are the main requirement.
Its strongest area is basic SNMP traffic monitoring with practical reporting and alerting. MRTG can generate configurations automatically with cfgmaker, identify interfaces by IP, description, Ethernet address, or name, and support SNMPv2c 64-bit counters. Threshold checking can trigger email notifications or external programs. Constant-size consolidated logfiles help keep data storage predictable, while RRDtool adds an alternative for logging and graphing. The published product description documents approximately two years of retained traffic history, alongside HTML generation for monitored targets.
MRTG is a focused option rather than a broad observability platform. Its listed ecosystem centers on RRDtool, and its documented scope does not extend to verified application monitoring, flow monitoring, or wider integration coverage. Teams that need network-device bandwidth graphs, threshold actions, and an open-source deployment can choose MRTG when a narrow tool matches their operating model. Teams seeking broader platform coverage, application visibility, or a larger integration ecosystem should consider an alternative designed around those requirements.
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MRTG pricing
MRTG fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Application monitoring | Not verified |
| User monitoring | Not verified |
| Flow protocol support | Not verified |
| SNMP monitoring | Yes |
| Monitored device limit | Not verified |
| Historical data retention | Not verified |
| Bandwidth alerts | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: RRDtool |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | mrtg.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
MRTG integrations
MRTG lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- RRDtool
Alternatives to MRTG
- ntopngA broad self-hosted toolkit for real-time, historical, and infrastructure visibility.9.4
- ManageEngine NetFlow AnalyzerA broad flow-monitoring suite for enterprise networks, with free and scalable paid editions.9.2
- Progress FlowmonA broad hybrid monitoring platform for teams needing flow, topology, performance and security analysis.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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