16 BEST Network Testing Tools (2025)
Bryce Leo
Network Testing Tools are a collection of software used for measuring various aspects of a network. These tools range from ping monitoring tool, SNMP ping tool, query tool, and more. Network testing tools help network admins make quick and informed decisions for network troubleshooting. However, there are several network testing tools in the market which can make it difficult to come to a conclusion. The most important thing to remember while looking for a network testing tool is to do a thorough research, unless you want to end up with an unreliable tool that has poor discovery capacity, low security, management issues, etc.
Hence, I spent 100+ hours on in-depth research and reviewed 40+ best network testing tools to bring you the ultimate selection of both free and paid options. This exclusive article will help you discover the perfect tool for your needs. Read the full article to uncover secret features and verified insights. Read more…
OpManager is an all-in-one network testing tool designed for networks of all sizes and complexities. It automatically discover all the devices and interfaces in your network and map their dependencies.
Best Network Performance Testing Software & Tools
| Name | Platform | Free Trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👍 ManageEngine OpManager | Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android | 30 Days Free Trial | Learn More |
| Site24x7’s Network Testing | Windows, Mac, Linux | 30 Days Free Trial | Learn More |
| PRTG Network Monitor | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS | 30 Days Free Trial | Learn More |
| Auvik | Windows, Mac, Linux, RHEL, and Raspberry PI | 14 Days Free Trial (No credit card required) | Learn More |
| Network Monitor | Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android | Life Time Free Basic Plan | Learn More |
1) ManageEngine OpManager
ManageEngine OpManager offers a great way to handle network testing. I particularly liked how it lets me manage networks, big or small, without issues. The network testing tool helped me identify and fix problems in a single console, making it an ideal choice for my needs.
ManageEngine OpManager is a versatile network management tool with mapping, cloud, and application monitoring capabilities.
Supported Platform: Windows,Linux, iOS, and Android
Business Size: Small to large businesses.
Deployment: On-premise
Free Trial: 30-Days Free Trial
Features:
- Network Discovery: I found out that it automatically discovers all devices and interfaces in my network, hence allowing me to map their dependencies without any hassle.
- Availability Testing: You can test the availability of all the devices in your network using tools such as Ping, SNMP Ping, Proxy Ping, etc.
- Service & Process Testing: I could test the availability of services such as DNS, IMAP, POP, FTP, HTTPS, and Windows services.
- Supported Platforms: It is compatible with Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms seamlessly.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Starts at $245 for 25 devices
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial
30-Days Free Trial
2) Site24x7’s Network Testing
Site24x7’s Network Testing tool is a great way to manage networks. During my research, I discovered that it tracks issues, shows data clearly, and sends alerts when something is wrong. The network testing tool also generates reports and helps me act quickly when a device requires it.
Site24x7’s Network Testing provides an advanced suite for network monitoring and management. It uses technologies like NetFlow and J-Flow to optimize data flow. I also received automated configuration backups, Cisco Meraki device discovery, and immediate alert notifications across various communication channels.
Network Monitoring: Yes
Server Monitoring: Yes
Log Analysis: Yes
Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial
Features:
- Performance Monitoring: You can gain comprehensive insights into the performance of every network device and interface. I found it essential for maintaining network health.
- Unified Management: It helped me discover, monitor, and manage all routers, switches, firewalls, and more from a single, unified dashboard.
- Device Support: You can get out-of-the-box support for over 11,000 device models from more than 450 vendors.
- Network Visualization: I could view the entire network geography or hierarchy using topology and Layer 2 maps. Hence, it allowed me to understand my network structure better.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Plans start at $9/month (paid annually)
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial
30-Days Free Trial
3) Paessler Security
Paessler security tool monitors systems with technologies like WMI, SNMP, Sniffing, REST APIs, SQL, etc. The network testing tool offered me clear statistics and graphs, which allowed me to monitor efficiently. Its support for cloud and application mapping is also impressive.
Paessler Security is a robust tool tailored for diverse industries; hence, it can manage advanced network monitoring across multiple locations. With features like 100 free sensors and seamless integration with platforms like Active Directory, it offers timely Email, ICQ, and SMS alerts, which enhance the server performance.
Network Monitoring: Yes
Server Monitoring: Yes
Log Analysis: Yes
Free Trial: 30 Days Free Trial
Features:
- Comprehensive Monitoring: It allowed me to monitor jFlow, sFlow, IP SLA, Firewall, IP, LAN, Wi-Fi, and IPFIX efficiently. I find this monitoring essential for network stability.
- User Interfaces: This is one of the best network testing tools that offers multiple user-friendly web interfaces. It is a great option for streamlined navigation.
- Automated Failover: It has automated fail-over handling, which helps you avoid unexpected network downtimes. I noticed that it also helps maintain continuity.
- Centralized Monitoring: I received a centralized solution using Paessler. It allowed me to monitor networks in various locations, which is perfect for large-scale operations.
- Network Visualization: You can visualize your network using maps, making it easier to understand complex network layouts.
- Customer Support: I received customer support via contact form, ticket, phone, and email, ensuring comprehensive assistance when needed.
- Supported Platforms: It is supported on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Plans start at $1,799 a month.
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial
30 Days Free Trial
4) Auvik
Auvik is a superior network testing tool as it is user-friendly and helps in identifying root causes with device logs. The network testing tool also centralizes site management and provides mapping and cloud monitoring.
Auvik is a dynamic network management tool that is tailored for industries like manufacturing and education. It offers features like Geo IP tracking and automated network discovery. With seamless integrations like ConnectWise and BrightGauge, I received instant text, email, and Slack alerts.
Network Monitoring: Yes
Server Monitoring: No
Log Analysis: Yes
Free Trial: 14 Days Free Trial
Features:
- Automated Security: Its automated security and performance updates are great for keeping your network safe without manual effort.
- Backup Automation: I could automate configuration backup and recovery, which helped me avoid potential data loss scenarios.
- Performance Monitoring: You can simplify network performance monitoring and troubleshooting, hence allowing you to focus on critical tasks.
- Encrypted Data: Network data is encrypted using AES-256. Hence, you get one of the best security measures.
- Traffic Intelligence: It is helpful for intelligently analyzing network traffic to optimize and ensure consistent performance.
- Network Navigation: You can navigate the network with ease, which allows smooth and effective network management.
- Support Availability: It provides customer support via phone and contact form, which helps resolve issues quickly.
- Supported Platforms: I could use it on Windows, Mac, Linux, RHEL, and Raspberry PI, making it perfect for diverse environments.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales
- Free Trial: 14-day free trial (No credit card required)
14 Days Free Trial
5) Network Monitor
Network Monitor from Spiceworks is one of the best choices for free network testing. I evaluated how it offers real-time status and alerts for critical devices. The best free network testing tool is also easy to install and set up.
Network Monitor is a comprehensive tool that is beneficial for industries like aviation and IT. I could access features such as a dynamic dashboard and website down checker, which made sure that I could spot system inefficiencies quickly. The integration with Teamviewer and Slack also allows for enhanced connectivity.
Features:
- Real-time Alerts: I received immediate notifications about the status of your critical web applications and services. This allowed me to react instantly to the issues and resolve them.
- Fast Monitoring Setup: It allows you to begin monitoring in minutes, reducing downtime and setup time. I was also able to use it without any confusion. Hence, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
- HTTP Check Distribution: Its distributed HTTP checks provide a thorough analysis of network performance and reliability.
- Support Availability: Spiceworks’ customer support is accessible via email, phone, and contact form, which helps resolve issues quickly.
- Supported Platforms: I found it compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales.
- Free Trial: Lifetime free Basic plan.
Link: https://www.spiceworks.com/free-network-monitoring-management-software/
6) NGENIUSONE
NETGENIUSONE is a network monitoring tool that uses traffic data to gain visibility into user communities, services, strategic IT assets, and how they are performing. It is one of the best network performance testing tools that offers the most comprehensive interfaces. Additionally, I received easy-to-understand charts, graphs, and reports to speed up accurate problem-solving.
NGENIUSONE is a performance and application analysis tool. I reviewed its integration with ServiceNow and found it helpful in boosting user experience and simplifying IT troubleshooting.
Features:
- Transaction Monitoring: I could monitor real-time user transactions and experiences which helped in maintaining optimal service quality and performance.
- Configurable Alerts: It provides real-time configurable alerts that assist in diagnosing intermittent problems and their root causes. I also received a real-time, customizable dashboard for service management.
- Network Topology: Its auto-discovery of networks and service dependencies helps manage and optimize network performance.
- Customer Assistance: I could access customer support via chat, phone, and contact form; the team is highly responsive and helpful.
- Supported Platforms: It is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales.
- Free Trial: Request a Free Demo.
Link: https://www.netscout.com/network-monitoring
7) Dynatrace
Dynatrace allowed me to monitor user experience, applications, servers, and networks seamlessly. As per my review, its smart log analysis and mapping features are helpful, and it is a comprehensive solution overall.
Dynatrace delivers intelligent observability and AI-assisted automation across various industries. I like how seamlessly it integrates with platforms like ServiceNow and emphasizes user experience and cross-team collaboration with its timely custom alerts.
Features:
- Performance Metrics: I could track process-specific network performance metrics like requests and retransmissions to ensure high-quality results.
- Process Testing: This testing tool provides reliable process communications over networks, which I consider essential for effective management.
- Dynamic Topology: Understanding your network topology in dynamic environments is easy, and it is a solution perfect for fast-paced settings.
- Network Capacity: It helped me monitor process-level network capacity effortlessly, which helped me maintain optimal system performance.
- Health Monitoring: The integrated network health monitoring helps you keep your infrastructure running smoothly across all devices.
- Customer Support: I could use chat, email, phone, and contact forms to reach customer support whenever I needed assistance.
- Supported Platforms: It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Infrastructure Monitoring Plans start at $0.04 per hour for any size host.
- Free Trial: 15-day free trial (No Credit Card Required).
Link: https://www.dynatrace.com/platform/network-monitoring/
8) Keysight
Throughout my evaluation process, Keysight proved to be a reliable network infrastructure performance testing tool. I was able to manage large networks, including routing, switching, and software-defined networking, easily.
Keysight specializes in end-to-end test system automation and thorough traffic-flow analysis across diverse industries. I could integrate it with tools like Jira and emphasize network visibility and security.
Features:
- Network Performance Metrics: It helped me monitor process-specific network performance metrics like requests and retransmissions with ease.
- Process Communications: This testing tool offers high-quality process communications over networks, which helped me gain seamless operations.
- Dynamic Network Topology: It helped me understand your network topology effectively in dynamic environments, which assisted me in managing my infrastructure.
- Capacity Monitoring: Process-level network capacity monitoring is made easy, hence, I could track the performance efficiently.
- Integrated Health Monitoring: You can see integrated network health monitoring to maintain optimal performance across all devices.
- Customer Support: I could reach out to its customer support via chat, email, phone, and contact form, making sure you get help whenever needed.
- Supported Platforms: It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Link: https://www.keysight.com/in/en/cmp/2020/network-visibility-network-test.html
9) Zabbix
Zabbix, in my experience, is ideal for tracking IT infrastructure, services, and applications. It allowed me to monitor network servers and cloud environments seamlessly. I recommend this ultimate tool for comprehensive network testing.
Zabbix is a versatile monitoring tool with integrations ranging from Jenkins to Oracle. It is useful for various industries like Aerospace and Banking. As per my observation, it has unlimited scalability, high availability, and comprehensive data visualization.
Features:
- Metric Collection: This tool offers advanced problem detection paired with a highly automated metric collection, which automatically enhances network management.
- Escalation Scenarios: I could set up flexible escalation scenarios, which allowed me to respond to various kinds of issues instantly with the required effectiveness.
- Remote Commands: It helped me execute remote commands on different devices, thus simplifying network troubleshooting tasks.
- Platform Compatibility: The tool supports agents for most platforms, including Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS.
- Prebuilt Templates: You can use out-of-the-box templates to expedite the initial setup process.
- Customer Support: Zabbix provides support via email, phone, and contact form for all user inquiries.
- Supported Platforms: It works seamlessly with Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, Solaris, Android, and CoreOS.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales
- Free Trial: Lifetime free Basic plan
Link: https://www.zabbix.com/
10) OP5 Monitor
I checked out OP5 Monitor, and it made managing servers and monitoring networks straightforward. According to my review, it is great for tracking IT network health and performance.
OP5 Monitor is designed for industries like telecommunications and gambling, offering features like SNMP network and API monitoring. It emphasizes scalability and full network visibility integrated with platforms such as Azure Monitor.
Features:
- Log Server Monitoring: I noticed that it automatically performs self-healing. Hence it makes sure that you get seamless log server monitoring with minimal interruptions.
- Customizable Dashboards: Its fully customizable dashboards are great for setting up an interactive and personalized monitoring experience.
- Scalability: This tool offers high scalability, which is essential for distributed environments to perform optimally.
- SNMP Trap Alerts: According to my experience, it allows you to efficiently handle SNMP traps by reading, processing, and generating alerts.
- Customer Support: The support is provided through chat, phone, and contact form, making it easy to resolve issues promptly.
- Supported Platforms: I could use it with Windows, Mac, Linux, RHEL 8, Rocky Linux 8, and CentOS.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales
- Free Trial: Free Demo
Link: https://www.itrsgroup.com/products/op5-monitor
11) Nagios XI
Nagios XI is an IT infrastructure monitoring tool that helped me identify and resolve issues before they affect critical business processes. In my opinion, it is one of the best for network testing, offering amazing ping monitoring with packet loss and reachability tracking.
Features:
- Complete Network Insights: You can get complete insights on network traffic, bandwidth, and overall health. The dashboard also provides results in ribbon, bar, column, step, or area charts for better analysis.
- Subset Tracking: It offered me the best way to track specific subsets of network flow information for detailed monitoring.
- Device Ping Selection: I could efficiently select the devices I wanted to ping for precise diagnostics.
- Diagnostics Toolkit: The Engineer’s Toolset offers the most effective network diagnostics tools for performance analysis.
- Support Channels: I received customer support via email, phone, and contact form with reliable assistance.
- Supported Platforms: It is great for use on Windows, Linux, and VMware platforms, offering versatile compatibility.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Plans start at $1995 per year.
- Free Trial: Lifetime free Basic plan.
Link: https://www.nagios.com/products/nagios-xi/
12) Forti Tester
Forti Tester is a robust solution that I have found highly effective in measuring network performance. I could perform tests on TCP connections, HTTP/HTTPS, CPS, UDP PPS, and CAPWAP throughput with ease. The tool allowed me to set performance standards and regularly audit my network to consistently meet those benchmarks. I noticed that it offers network mapping, server, and application monitoring, along with detailed log analysis.
Forti Tester is a versatile tool designed for diverse sectors such as government, healthcare, and education. It facilitates customizable alert frequencies from hourly to monthly and offers real-time SNMP and email notifications. The tool seamlessly integrates with platforms like 1touch.io, Alibaba Cloud, and Amazon Web Services. Additionally, as per my experience, it equips users with capabilities like IPv6, ICAP, traffic shaping, antivirus, application control, and more.
Features:
- Attack Replay and Traffic Testing: You can perform attack replay tests along with mixed traffic tests. Thus making your network testing more comprehensive.
- HTTP/HTTPS Requests Per Second Testing: It allowed me to measure HTTP/HTTPS requests per second. Hence, I could analyze performance more precisely.
- TCP Throughput and Connections Testing: The tool offers TCP throughput and concurrent connections tests; hence, you will receive crucial data for network analysis.
- Support Services: I noticed that customer support is available via chat and phone and offers quick and effective communication.
- Supported Platforms: It is compatible with platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales.
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial.
Link: https://www.fortinet.com/products/network-testing/fortitester
13) LogicMonitor
LogicMonitor is a network testing tool that delivers an automated SaaS platform. According to my review, it is a top-rated monitoring tool with customizable dashboards, alerts, and reports. It offered me predictive alerts and trend analysis to identify issues early. LogicMonitor’s comprehensive monitoring covers networks, servers, cloud infrastructure, and applications.
LogicMonitor is a comprehensive IT monitoring tool that is suitable for the manufacturing, software, and retail industries. It sends timely alerts via text, email, and voice calls based on set frequencies. This platform integrates with numerous services, including Zoom, Azure, AWS, and more. I could access features like data retention, topology mapping, forecasting, reporting, NetFlow, configuration management, and root cause analysis.
Features:
- Network Device Discovery: This tool helps you discover all network devices and interfaces, making monitoring easy. It sends immediate actionable alerts only instead of interrupting notifications with its dynamic topology.
- Hardware Monitoring: I could monitor the CPU, memory, temperature, fan, and other hardware to maintain system health. You will never miss an error as it lets you into the functionalities of the hardware with accurate detection.
- OSPF and BGP Tracking: It allows you to track OSPF adjacencies and BGP sessions so that you get a stable network routing.
- Wireless Monitoring: Wireless access-point monitoring is provided, which is great for maintaining network performance and connectivity.
- Comprehensive Support: I could access customer support via chat, contact form, ticket, phone, and email.
- Supported Platforms: It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms, ensuring wide accessibility and ease of use.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales.
- Free Trial: 14-day free trial.
Link: https://www.logicmonitor.com/
14) AggreGate
AggreGate Network Manager is a platform that I analyzed for IT infrastructure management. It is built on a solid and adaptable architecture. Aggregate is regarded as a solution for managing networks, applications, and services. I liked its monitoring capabilities for networks, servers, cloud, and applications.
AggreGate is a versatile monitoring tool catering to various industries, from agriculture to telecommunications. With alert frequencies ranging from minutely to yearly, it ensures timely email and SMS notifications. I found it compatible with Java, .NET, C++, and other APIs and it provides features like VoIP monitoring, IT asset tracking, and more.
Features:
- Network Scanning: AggreGate Network Manager scans networks to identify routers, switches, workstations, and servers efficiently. This offers a complete network scanning and gives you a complete report of issues and errors.
- Event Log Management: Syslog messages and Windows Event Log events are centrally stored as system events for easy access. I noticed that it could also trigger pre-built alerts, such as FTP login.
- Comprehensive Solution: This software offers unparalleled flexibility and is a one-stop solution for network monitoring needs, no matter the hardware and platform you use.
- Alert Configuration: The distribution package includes configurable alerts for network, server, and application monitoring.
- Customer Support: I could contact customer support via email, phone, or contact form for assistance when needed.
- Supported Platforms: I was able to run it on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Link: https://aggregate.digital/products/network-manager.html
15) WhatsUp Gold
WhatsUp Gold (WUG) is a network testing tool that I reviewed for its top-rated features. It offers user-friendly and visually appealing dashboards. I was able to customize the monitoring and display of IT infrastructure and alerts to match my needs, making WhatsUp Gold a great option.
WhatsUp Gold is a monitoring tool designed for the banking, healthcare, and education industries. I noticed that it sends frequent alerts, integrates with platforms like ServiceNow and Azure, and offers high availability and custom reporting.
Features:
- Network Mapping: It automatically identifies and maps your entire network. Which made it easier for me to manage and monitor. As per my experience, I could also troubleshoot much faster because of its interactive topology map, which showed me all the connectivity issues.
- Health Monitoring: You can continuously monitor your network’s health with customizable alerts that offer optimal performance at all times. I found this feature essential for proactive management.
- Performance Alerts: It helped me monitor network performance with customizable alerts that allow you to address issues before they escalate.
- Reporting: You get drill-down reports from customized dashboards that provide deep insights into network activities and trends.
- Customer Support: It offers responsive customer support via email, phone, and contact form to assist when needed.
- Supported Platforms: Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Request a Quote from Sales
- Free Trial: Lifetime free Basic plan
Link: https://www.ipswitch.com/network-monitoring
16) perfSONAR
As I carried out my evaluation, I noticed that perfSONAR is a robust network measurement toolkit. It provides comprehensive path coverage and sets clear end-to-end usage standards. This tool allowed me to identify and isolate problems in real time, which makes it an effective tool for supporting tasks.
perfSONAR is a monitoring tool that offers monthly reporting alerts and integrates with ServiceNow. It features bug reporting, automatic updates, and network, server, and application monitoring capabilities.
Features:
- Standardized Data Management: perfSONAR offered me a uniform interface that helped me in scheduling measurements and storing data consistently.
- Problem Resolution: I was able to identify and resolve issues across networks, helping to maintain excellent performance. It gives you visibility into the nuances of each network which allows higher level of detection to resolve issues correctly.
- Reliable Collaboration: It provides reliable data exchange, which I found essential for effective scientific collaboration.
- Email Assistance: I could access its customer support via Email, which is a great way to resolve queries efficiently.
- Supported Platforms: perfSONAR supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, for wide usability.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
- Price: Open-source Software Free to Download
Link: https://www.perfsonar.net/
What are Network Testing Tools
Network Testing Tools are a collection of software used for measuring various aspects of a network. These tools range from ping monitoring tools, SNMP ping tools, query tools, and more. Network testing tools help network admins make quick and informed decisions for network troubleshooting to get the network up and running.
Why are Network Testing Tools important?
Network testing tools help businesses immediately identify network threats and solve them. It also helps network admins get accurate data about defects and make quick and informed decisions to solve them. It helps businesses save a huge amount of cost, time, and resources to fix such network issues.
Types of Network Testing Tools
There are many types of network testing tools available in the market:
- Network Device Monitoring tools
- Network Uptime Monitoring tools
- Network Packet Loss Monitor
- Network Interface Monitoring tools
- Network Assessment tools
How to choose the best Network Performance Testing Tool?
Here are the factors you should consider while choosing the best network performance testing tool:
- Product price
- Easy to set up and use
- Quality of Customer support
- Real-time performance monitoring and visualization
- Hardware/Software requirements of the tool
- It should offer quick troubleshooting options
- Comprehensive fault monitoring and performance management with a single-view dashboard
- Consider the security options offered by software providers
- Product features meet your requirements or not
- Integration with other software
Verdict
It is crucial to check for the reliability, security, and performance of IT infrastructure while selecting a suitable network testing tool. All of the tools above are reliable; however, the following top three service providers stood out to me because:
- ManageEngine OpManager provides a robust and reliable solution for network monitoring with a user-friendly interface. Hence, I would recommend it to IT teams who are seeking a comprehensive tool.
- Site24x7’s Network Testing offers an impressive suite of features that meet the needs of businesses looking for customizable and cost-effective network monitoring solutions.
- Paessler Security is a top-rated choice for those who require a secure and powerful tool that delivers comprehensive insights into network security.
