8 Best Network Analyzer Software in 2026
Does your IT team know which applications, users, or devices are consuming the most network bandwidth?
A video call freezes, file transfers slow down, or a network link becomes congested. Without traffic analysis, finding the source of the problem can take hours.
Network analyzer software helps your IT team:
Identify applications and devices using the most bandwidth.
Track network traffic across routers, switches, and firewalls.
Detect traffic spikes, unusual activity, and congestion.
Analyze traffic patterns and plan network capacity.
However, tools differ in how they collect traffic data. Some analyze flow records, while others also inspect packets to provide more detail.
In this guide, we compare 8 network analyzer software tools based on their features, limitations, deployment options, and pricing.
TL;DR: 3 Best Network Analyzer Software
Motadata: Best for mid-size and large companies that want network traffic, device health, and log monitoring in one platform. It supports NetFlow, sFlow, jFlow, and IPFIX, with flow analysis and traffic anomaly detection.
SolarWinds: Best for large companies already using SolarWinds for network monitoring. Its NetFlow Traffic Analyzer adds flow analysis, CBQoS monitoring, traffic alerts, and application-level visibility.
ManageEngine: Best for small and mid-size companies that need dedicated traffic analysis on their own servers. NetFlow Analyzer supports multiple flow formats, packet inspection, traffic shaping, and security analytics.
Top 8 Network Analyzer Software at a Glance
Let’s have a quick overview of each network analyzer software from this table.
Tool | Main features | Deployment | Starting price | Free trial |
Motadata | Flow Explorer, QoS class monitoring, traffic anomaly detection, capacity planning dashboards | Hosted, on-premises, or hybrid | Custom quote. You can contact its sales team for the price. | 30 days |
SolarWinds | Flow analysis, CBQoS monitoring, IP address groups, traffic alerts | On-premises | The Advanced edition costs $14 per node per month on multi-year contracts billed annually. | 30 days |
ManageEngine | Flow analysis, packet inspection, traffic shaping, security analytics | On-premises | The Standard edition starts at $172 for 10 interfaces. | 30 days |
PRTG | Flow sensors, Packet Sniffer sensor, Toplists, threshold alerts | Hosted or on-premises | The PRTG 500 plan costs $200 per month with annual billing. | 30 days |
WhatsUp Gold | NTA+ Collector, traffic drilldown, configuration management, network maps | On-premises | The Enterprise Plus plan starts at $3,469 per year for 50 devices. | Free trial available |
LogicMonitor | Traffic tab, top talkers, NBAR2 application data, config monitoring | Hosted | The Essentials plan starts at $16 per hybrid unit per month. | 15 days |
Site24x7 | NetFlow Analyzer, DSCP templates, branch traffic tracking, threshold alerts | Hosted | The Professional plan costs $42 per month with annual billing. | 30 days |
Datadog | NetFlow views, conversation stitching, flow enrichment, NetFlow monitors | Hosted | Network Device Monitoring costs $7 per device per month with annual billing. | 14 days |
Prices come from each vendor's official pricing page and are current as of October 2026.
8 Best Network Analyzer Software in 2026
1. Motadata
Best for: Mid-size and large companies that want traffic, device, and log data in one platform.
Motadata is an observability platform that monitors network traffic, devices, applications, and logs from one console.
We placed it first because it shows traffic data next to the device and application data that explains it.
Motadata collects NetFlow, sFlow, jFlow, and IPFIX records from several vendors at the same time. It then breaks the traffic down by application, location, and user.
Its Flow Explorer shows which users, applications, and conversations are using bandwidth. It also draws a Sankey diagram, which shows how much data moves between each pair of points.
Motadata also learns what normal traffic looks like on each interface and flags sudden jumps or drops. This catches problems that a fixed alert limit would miss.
Plus, it offers packet agents that can also collect traffic from monitored Windows and Linux devices.
This way, you get to know when a link slows down, Motadata helps you see both the traffic and the reason behind it.
Pros
- When traffic suddenly jumps, you can see which application caused it, such as a backup or a video call
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 maps show how devices connect, so you can trace a problem from link to link
- Traffic, device health, and logs are in one product, so your team does not switch tools during an incident
Cons
- Only offers 30 days of free trial.
Pricing
Pricing: Motadata has a custom quote. You can contact its sales team for the price.
Free trial: A 30-day free trial is available without a credit card.
2. SolarWinds
Best for: Large companies that already use SolarWinds to monitor their network devices.
SolarWinds is an IT monitoring company. Its NetFlow Traffic Analyzer is the flow analysis module of SolarWinds Observability Self-Hosted.
We included it for teams that run SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor and want traffic data in the same console.
NetFlow Traffic Analyzer collects Cisco NetFlow, Juniper J-Flow, sFlow, Huawei NetStream, and IPFIX records.
NetFlow Traffic Analyzer can also send an alert when an application's traffic suddenly rises, falls, or disappears. A missing application can point to an outage, not only to a busy link.
It runs on the same server as Network Performance Monitor, either on your own hardware or in cloud instances that you manage.
For teams that already trust SolarWinds for device alerts, traffic analysis becomes one more view in a familiar console.
You can also compare its traffic monitoring capabilities with other tools in our guide to SolarWinds alternatives.
Pros
- Flows from Cisco, Juniper, and Huawei devices appear in one place, so mixed networks are covered
- You can drill from months down to minutes, which helps you find when a slowdown started
- Device health and traffic share one console, so you can check a router and its traffic together
Cons
- Flow data is stored in a Microsoft SQL Server database that your team must set up and maintain
- The main polling server runs only on Windows Server
- You must host and maintain the servers yourself, on-premises or in your own cloud account
Pricing
Essentials edition: The Essentials edition starts at $8 per node per month. It does not include flow monitoring.
Advanced edition: The Advanced edition starts at $14 per node per month. It includes flow monitoring and analysis.
Premier edition: The Premier edition starts at $17.50 per node per month. It includes everything in the Advanced edition.
Billing: These prices apply to multi-year contracts billed annually.
Enterprise editions: Each edition has an Enterprise version for networks above 500 nodes. It is required above 1,500 nodes. It has a custom quote, and you can contact its sales team for the price.
NetFlow Traffic Analyzer module: You can also buy NetFlow Traffic Analyzer as a separate module. It needs a Network Performance Monitor on the same server. It has a custom quote, and you can contact its sales team for the price.
Free trial: A fully functional 30-day free trial is available.
Our SolarWinds pricing article explains each edition in more detail.
3. ManageEngine
Best for: Small and mid-size companies that want a dedicated traffic analysis tool on their own servers.
ManageEngine is part of Zoho Corporation. Its NetFlow Analyzer is a tool for bandwidth monitoring and traffic analysis.
We picked it for teams that want a tool built only for traffic analysis, rather than a full monitoring suite.
NetFlow Analyzer reads NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX, NetStream, J-Flow, AppFlow, and cflow records from many vendors.
It also uses Cisco NBAR, which recognizes applications from their traffic, not only from their port. This helps you find applications that use changing ports or hide behind common ones.
For more detail, a Remote Collector reads copies of packets and measures network and application response times. Seeing both shows whether a delay starts in the connection or on the server.
NetFlow Analyzer runs on Windows or Linux servers in your own network.
It is a focused choice for teams that care more about traffic detail than about a wide monitoring suite.
You can compare other traffic tools in our ManageEngine alternatives post.
Pros
- NetFlow Generator creates flow records for devices that cannot export them, so those devices are not left out
- DNS and DHCP data from packet inspection warns you about failed address assignments before users lose access
- A mobile app for Android and iOS lets you check your network traffic even when you are not at your computer
Cons
- Failover needs Microsoft SQL Server. The bundled PostgreSQL database does not support it
- There is no hosted version. You must install and run it on your own server
- On Linux, you cannot choose Microsoft SQL Server in the installer. You must install with PostgreSQL first and then migrate
Pricing
Standard edition: The Standard edition starts at $172 for 10 interfaces.
Professional edition: The Professional edition starts at $595 for 10 interfaces.
Enterprise edition: The Enterprise edition starts at $1,045 for 10 interfaces.
IP SLA monitoring: IP SLA monitoring is an add-on. Each IP SLA monitor costs $50 per year on the Professional edition and $85 per year on the Enterprise edition.
Configuration and traffic shaping add-on: This add-on is free for up to 2 users. Extra users are sold in packs, starting at $98 per year for 1 user.
Free edition: The Free edition monitors up to 2 interfaces at no cost.
Free trial: A 30-day free trial is available.
ManageEngine prices each of its products on its own. You can read more in our ManageEngine pricing guide.
4. PRTG
Best for: Small and mid-size companies that want traffic and device checks in one sensor-based tool.
PRTG is a network monitoring tool from Paessler. It uses sensors, and each sensor usually watches one value, such as the traffic on one switch port.
We picked it for IT teams that want to build traffic analysis from small, separate checks.
PRTG has flow sensors for NetFlow v5, NetFlow v9, IPFIX, sFlow, and jFlow.
The Packet Sniffer sensor reads packet headers on the probe, which is the PRTG component that collects data. To see traffic from other devices, you connect the probe to a switch's mirror port.
Flow and Packet Sniffer sensors also show Toplists, which rank the top talkers, connections, and protocols for a short period.
You can install PRTG on your own Windows server or use PRTG Hosted Monitor in the cloud.
Because every check is a sensor, you can grow traffic monitoring one link at a time.
Pros
- Reports can go to managers on a schedule, with simple graphs that show why the network needs investment
- Warning and error limits alert you before a device fails
- Remote probes collect data at other sites and send it to one core server
Cons
- Packet Sniffer sensors have a very high performance impact. Paessler suggests no more than 50 on each probe
- You cannot add a Packet Sniffer sensor to the hosted probe of PRTG Hosted Monitor. You need a remote probe
- The on-premises core server installs only on Windows
Pricing
PRTG 500 plan: The PRTG 500 plan costs $200 per month with annual billing. It covers up to 500 sensors, or about 50 devices.
PRTG 1000 plan: The PRTG 1000 plan costs $358 per month with annual billing. It covers up to 1,000 sensors, or about 100 devices.
PRTG 2500 plan: The PRTG 2500 plan costs $742 per month with annual billing. It covers up to 2,500 sensors, or about 250 devices.
PRTG 5000 plan: The PRTG 5000 plan costs $1,300 per month with annual billing. It covers up to 5,000 sensors, or about 500 devices.
PRTG 10000 plan: The PRTG 10000 plan costs $1,642 per month with annual billing. It covers up to 10,000 sensors, or about 1,000 devices.
License keys: PRTG accepts one license key per server.
PRTG Enterprise Monitor: PRTG Enterprise Monitor is for networks with more than 1,000 devices. It has a custom quote, and you can contact its sales team for the price.
Freeware edition: The Freeware edition includes up to 100 sensors, or about 10 devices, at no cost.
Free trial: A 30-day free trial with unlimited sensors is available. It then changes to the Freeware edition.
For sensor counts and what each plan covers, see our guide to PRTG pricing.
5. WhatsUp Gold
Best for: Mid-size companies that want device monitoring and traffic analysis from one vendor.
WhatsUp Gold is a network monitoring tool from Progress Software. Network Traffic Analysis Plus (NTA+) is the part of WhatsUp Gold that analyzes traffic.
We included it for teams that already use WhatsUp Gold to watch devices and want traffic charts in the same interface.
NTA+ uses a separate NTA+ Collector, which runs as a virtual or cloud appliance. Your devices send NetFlow, IPFIX, sFlow, or J-Flow data to it. WhatsUp Gold then shows the main traffic charts in its own interface.
From any dashboard widget, you can drill down to single flows.
NTA+ also tracks how users interact with applications.
With NTA+, the same tool that tells you a device is down can also show what traffic it was carrying.
Several other device and traffic monitoring tools are reviewed in our WhatsUp Gold alternatives.
Pros
- Statistics can be exported at every drill-down level, so you can share findings with other teams
- Network performance and application performance are shown separately, which helps end the blame game between teams
- Historical traffic trends help you plan capacity before links fill up
Cons
- The main server runs only on Windows Server 2019, 2022, or 2025. You cannot install it on Linux
- The included SQL Server Express database suits only up to about 100 devices. Larger networks need a dedicated SQL Server
- One server cannot poll more than 100,000 metrics, even if you add extra pollers. Very large networks need more than one server
Pricing
Business plan: The Business plan starts at $1,229 per year for 50 devices.
Enterprise plan: The Enterprise plan starts at $2,049 per year for 50 devices.
Enterprise Plus plan: The Enterprise Plus plan starts at $3,469 per year for 50 devices. It includes Network Traffic Analysis Plus.
Enterprise Scale plan: The Enterprise Scale plan has a custom quote. You can contact its sales team for the price.
Network Detection & Response Lite: This add-on is available for the Enterprise Plus plan. It starts at $866 per year.
Free trial: A free trial of the full product is available.
How do the WhatsUp Gold plans differ? Our breakdown of WhatsUp Gold pricing walks through each one.
6. LogicMonitor
Best for: Mid-size and large companies that want a hosted platform for networks, servers, and cloud resources.
LogicMonitor is a hosted observability platform for on-premises and cloud infrastructure.
We picked it for IT teams that do not want to run their own monitoring servers but still need flow data.
A LogicMonitor Collector inside your network receives flow exports from your devices. It supports NetFlow v5, v7, and v9, Flexible NetFlow, IPFIX, sFlow, JFlow, and NBAR2.
NBAR2 is Cisco's way of naming the application behind each flow.
Once flow monitoring is on, each device gets a Traffic tab. It shows throughput, top talkers, top flows, ports, applications, and QoS data.
LogicMonitor puts traffic data on the same device pages your team already uses for health checks.
To weigh LogicMonitor against similar platforms, read our LogicMonitor alternatives.
Pros
- The NetFlow Health widget shows whether flow collection itself is working, so gaps get noticed
- When devices send only a sample of their flows, the totals are adjusted to show how much traffic passed
- A built-in NetFlow report lets you share traffic data without building one yourself
Cons
- A group traffic view combines data from only 10 devices. You cannot see a larger group in one view
- It cannot read NetFlow Lite, so devices that only send NetFlow Lite are left out
- The main platform is hosted only. You cannot run it on your own servers
Pricing
Essentials plan: The Essentials plan starts at $16 per hybrid unit per month. It is available for up to 999 hybrid units.
Advanced plan: The Advanced plan starts at $27 per hybrid unit per month.
Signature + Edwin AI plan: The Signature + Edwin AI plan starts at $53 per hybrid unit per month.
Hybrid units: One hybrid unit covers one on-premises device or one cloud IaaS instance. It also covers 7 cloud PaaS resources or 5 wireless access points.
Minimums: These are starting list prices based on standard minimum quantities and terms.
Edwin AI add-ons: Edwin AI agents and automation are add-ons. They have a custom quote, and you can contact its sales team for the price.
Free trial: A 15-day free trial is available for every plan.
We explain how hybrid units add up in our LogicMonitor pricing guide.
7. Site24x7
Best for: Small and mid-size companies that want hosted network and website monitoring together.
Site24x7 is a hosted monitoring service from Zoho Corporation. Its NetFlow Analyzer handles network traffic analysis.
We included it for teams that want traffic analysis inside a service that also watches servers, websites, and cloud resources.
An On-Premise Poller inside your network works as the NetFlow collector.
It supports NetFlow, sFlow, J-Flow, cflow, IPFIX, NetStream, and AppFlow. It shows the applications, protocols, and conversations with the most traffic on each interface.
You can sort traffic with application templates and DSCP templates. DSCP is a marking inside each packet that tells devices how to prioritize it. These templates help you see how much traffic each class uses.
For a team that already uses Site24x7 for websites or servers, traffic analysis is one more tab in the same account.
If a hosted-only console does not suit your network, check these Site24x7 alternatives.
Pros
- Flows from Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto, and other vendors appear in the same reports
- Alerts can reach you by SMS, voice call, email, or push notification, so a busy link is not missed
- Network configuration backups are managed in the same console as traffic data
Cons
- The console runs only in the vendor's cloud. For an on-premises setup, you need a separate ManageEngine product
- It analyzes flow records and does not capture packets, so you cannot inspect a single connection in detail
- You must set every device to export flows to the poller before its traffic shows up
Pricing
Lite plan: The Lite plan costs $9 per month with annual billing or $10 with monthly billing. Network monitoring is an add-on.
Professional plan: The Professional plan costs $42 per month with annual billing or $49 with monthly billing. It includes 10 network components.
Enterprise plan: The Enterprise plan starts at $625 per month with annual billing.
Network components add-on: On the Lite plan and the Professional plan, 10 extra network components cost $11 per month. On the Professional plan, 500 extra components cost $468 per month.
Network monitoring on its own: Network monitoring is also sold separately. It starts at $3 per device per month.
Free trial: A 30-day free trial is available without a credit card.
Our Site24x7 pricing guide shows how network add-ons change the total.
8. Datadog
Best for: Companies whose IT teams already use Datadog for servers and applications.
Datadog is a hosted observability platform. Its NetFlow Monitoring feature is part of Network Device Monitoring.
We included it for teams that want flow data inside the same platform as their server and application monitoring.
The Datadog Agent, installed on a machine in your network, works as the flow collector. It accepts NetFlow v5, NetFlow v9, IPFIX, and sFlow v5, and groups matching flows into five-minute records.
Datadog then adds the device name, interface name, and the cloud provider and region of public IP addresses. It also names well-known ports, such as HTTPS on port 443.
For a team already inside Datadog, flow data becomes one more source to search, filter, and chart.
Still confused? You can find other flow analysis options in our Datadog alternatives roundup.
Pros
- Flows link to the related hosts and containers, so you can move from a router to the service behind it
- Autonomous system and location views show which outside networks and countries your traffic reaches
- Byte and packet counts are adjusted for sampling, so you see an estimate of all your traffic
Cons
- Flows are grouped into five-minute records, so you cannot see second-by-second detail for one flow
- The Agent may remove short-lived ports, so some flows show the port
- Above about 50,000 NetFlow packets per second, packets can be dropped unless you tune the Agent
Pricing
Network Device Monitoring: Network Device Monitoring costs $7 per device per month with annual billing. It costs $8.50 month-to-month and $10.20 on demand.
NetFlow Monitoring: NetFlow Monitoring with 15-day retention costs $0.60 per million aggregated records per month with annual billing. It costs $0.72 month-to-month and $0.86 on demand.
Longer NetFlow retention: With annual billing, 30-day retention costs $0.65 per million records. 60-day retention costs $0.75, and 90-day retention costs $0.85.
Free trial: A 14-day free trial is available.
Datadog lists a separate rate for almost every product. The Datadog pricing article walks through the main ones.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Network Analyzer Software
Features and capabilities: Check whether the tool supports the flow protocols you use, packet inspection, bandwidth monitoring, traffic alerts, and historical reporting.
Pricing and licensing: Compare subscription costs, pricing per device or interface, licensing limits, and additional charges for collectors or modules.
Deployment options: Check whether the software supports cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployment based on your infrastructure and data requirements.
Ease of use and scalability: Look for a clear dashboard, useful reports, simple configuration, and the ability to monitor more devices and traffic as your network grows.
Ratings and customer reviews: Check user ratings and reviews on trusted platforms. Look for feedback on performance, ease of use, support quality, and common limitations.
How to Choose Network Analyzer Software
These points will help you build a shortlist.
Start by listing your routers, switches, and firewalls. Then check which flow formats each one can export.
Decide whether flow records are enough for you. Only some tools on this list also read packets.
If you need packet data, check whether you can set up a mirror port on your switches.
Decide whether your traffic data must stay inside your own network. Some tools on this list are hosted only.
Find out how each tool charges, such as per node, interface, sensor, device, or flow record.
Ask how long each tool keeps traffic history.
If you use QoS policies, look for reports that show how each traffic class is handled.
Check that the tool shows application names, not just port numbers.
During the trial, send a large file across a busy link. Note how soon the alert arrives and what it tells you.
Run the trial on your busiest link for at least a week, so you see normal peaks.
Our list of network traffic analysis tools covers more options if you need a wider shortlist.
Conclusion
Choosing the right network analyzer software depends on your traffic monitoring needs, network setup, and deployment preferences. You need a tool that can track bandwidth usage, identify traffic-heavy applications, detect congestion, and help your IT team investigate network issues.
Motadata ObserveOps is worth considering if you want to monitor network traffic, device health, applications, and logs from one platform. It supports on-premises, hosted, and hybrid deployments, giving your team flexibility in how you manage network monitoring.
Try Motadata ObserveOps free for 30 days to see how it works with your network.
FAQs
What does network analyzer software do?
Network analyzer software shows what is using your network. It reads flow records or packets, ranks the biggest bandwidth users, and alerts you when traffic crosses a limit.
What is the difference between flow analysis and packet analysis?
Flow analysis reads short summaries of each conversation. Packet analysis reads the packets themselves and gives more detail about one connection. Flow analysis covers more of the network with less setup.
How much does network analyzer software cost?
Prices depend on how each vendor counts usage. The PRTG 500 plan costs $200 per month with annual billing. The SolarWinds Advanced edition starts at $14 per node per month on multi-year contracts. Motadata has a custom quote.
Which network analyzer software can run on my own servers?
Motadata, SolarWinds, ManageEngine, PRTG, and WhatsUp Gold can run on your own servers. Motadata can also run in the cloud or across both. LogicMonitor, Site24x7, and Datadog are hosted services that use a collector or agent inside your network.
Do I need a mirror port to analyze network traffic?
You do not need a mirror port for flow analysis. You need a mirror port only when a tool reads packets. The PRTG Packet Sniffer sensor and the ManageEngine Remote Collector are two examples.
Author
Poonam Lalani
Content Strategist
Poonam Lalani is a B2B content strategist and writer with a background in computer engineering and experience across enterprise technology domains, including AI, cloud, DevOps, data engineering, and IT operations. She specializes in creating research-driven content that simplifies complex ideas and supports product education, thought leadership, and business growth.
